What the film shows, and what it does not
MRI shows structure. Two people can have similar disc pictures and very different days. Surgery is not the automatic next step because a bulge is visible.
Dr. Nitish Mandal
MRI shows a disc bulge. Do I need surgery?
A bulge on a scan and the pain you feel are not always the same thing. Examination comes before an operation is planned.
A bulge on MRI does not automatically mean surgery. Two people can have similar films and different pain. Examination comes first.
This article is from Dr. Nitish Mandal, Consultant Pain Physician in Bangalore, with clinics in Koramangala and J.P. Nagar. Reviewed by Dr. Nitish Mandal, MBBS, MD, FIPM, TIPM (Nashville).
Published 2025-09-01 · Updated 2026-09-22
What the visit asks instead
Does the pain shoot into the leg? Does sitting make it worse? Conversation and physical examination come before treating the caption on the scan.
Non-surgical options
Ozone discolysis and transforaminal epidural injections for selected sciatica, after the source is confirmed. Some people still need a surgeon. That is an honest outcome of the visit, not a default.
Frequently asked questions
- Does everyone with a disc bulge need ozone?
- No. Some settle with time and exercise. Some need a surgeon.
- Should I stop walking?
- Avoid what sharply increases the leg pain. Do not use weeks of complete rest.
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Dr. Nitish Mandal
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I have tried tablets and physiotherapy. What is different here?
Find the source of the pain, then treat that source with a clinic injection, block, or infusion. You are typically able to go home the same day.
Where are the clinics, and do I need an appointment?
Koramangala and J.P. Nagar. Prior appointment is preferred. You can book from this website.