The image is one piece of the story.
An MRI can help identify a herniated disc and the nerves it may affect. The examination and the pattern of symptoms help put that finding in context.
A disc finding does not automatically lead to an operation.
Many people with a lumbar disc herniation improve without surgery. Treatment depends on symptoms, examination findings, their course over time and the response to nonsurgical care.
Sources and further reading
Clinical background checked October 22, 2026. General education; an individual recommendation requires an evaluation.
AAOS OrthoInfo: Herniated Disk in the Lower Back