Back and Neck (Disc)
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Back and neck pain — most of it gets better
Most acute back pain gets better within a few weeks even without special treatment. Even when it is diagnosed as a 'disc' (a herniated intervertebral disc), a good many cases improve without surgery. Rather than lying down all the time because it hurts, keeping up daily activity within what you can bear is better for recovery.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-05
See a doctor quickly in these cases
- When you cannot control urination or bowel movements, or sensation around the groin is odd (emergency)
- When weakness in the leg or arm keeps getting worse
- Pain bad enough to wake you at night, plus fever or weight loss
- New back pain when you have a history of cancer
If none of these apply, you can start at a neighbourhood orthopedics clinic (or neurosurgery, or rehabilitation medicine).
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-05
How it is treated
Medicine, physical therapy and exercise therapy are the basics, and if the pain is severe, injection treatment (a nerve block) is added. Surgery is considered when paralysis is progressing, or when daily life is difficult despite enough conservative treatment. Walking and core strengthening exercise are the key to preventing it coming back.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-05
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to have an MRI?
For simple back pain with no emergency signs, an MRI is often not needed at the start. Imaging is considered when it does not get better after 4~6 weeks of treatment, or when nerve symptoms (numbness or weakness in the leg) are clear.
Does a disc only get better with surgery?
A good many herniated discs are absorbed over time and the symptoms improve. As a rule, surgery is chosen when there is a clear indication (progressing paralysis, bladder or bowel problems, or failure of long-term conservative treatment).
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-05)Last checked: 2026년 8월 5일
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