Last updated: 24.03.2026 | Reading time: approx. 6 Min.
Overview of Key Points:
- Causes: A herniated disc is usually caused by wear and tear resulting from repeated improper or excessive strain on the spine, which can cause disc tissue to press on nerves.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: The diagnosis is made through a thorough clinical examination and an MRI. Based on your symptoms and test results, our spine specialist and neurosurgeon Dr. Julia Reinhart at SPORTambulatorium Vienna develops a personalized treatment plan.
- Conservative treatment: The majority of herniated discs can be treated very effectively with conservative methods (i.e., without surgery)—for example, through physical therapy, pain management, injections, acupuncture, or mesotherapy.
- Disc surgery: Surgery is considered if severe pain persists despite treatment, if numbness or weakness occurs, or if warning signs such as bladder or bowel dysfunction are present. Any necessary surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques by Dr. Julia Reinhart at the Confraternität Private Clinic.
- Indications for surgery: The majority of herniated discs can be effectively treated conservatively, for example through injections, physical therapy, or even acupuncture and mesotherapy.
At the SPORTambulatorium Wien , we combine precise diagnostics, conservative treatment methods, and—if necessary—minimally invasive surgical procedures to provide long-lasting relief from your pain. Treatment is provided by our interdisciplinary team and by our spine specialist Dr Julia Reinhart, a board-certified neurosurgeon.
What exactly is a herniated disc?
In the case of a herniated disc , a disc located between the vertebrae slips out of place and presses on the surrounding nerves or the spinal cord, which can lead to pain, numbness and muscle weakness in the limbs or trunk.
The most common herniated discs occur in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions of the spine. These areas are often subjected to the greatest strain and movement, making them more susceptible to signs of wear and tear.
A person typically has a total of 23 intervertebral discs as part of the spine. These discs are located between the individual vertebrae and serve as shock absorbers and flexible joints, enabling the spine to move and cushion impacts.
Each intervertebral disc consists of an outer layer, the annulus fibrosus, a concentric ring of collagen-rich fibres. The main function of the annulus fibrosus is to hold the inner, gel-like part of the disc, known as the nucleus pulposus, in place within the disc, whilst simultaneously absorbing shocks and stresses on the spine. In the case of a herniated disc, the annulus fibrosus may tear or develop cracks due to wear and tear or injury, allowing the nucleus pulposus to protrude and press on the surrounding nerve roots or the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, muscle weakness and other neurological symptoms .
Non-surgical (conservative) treatment options
The vast majority of herniated discs can be treated with targeted conservative (i.e. non-surgical) measures. These include, amongst others:
- Physical therapy or osteopathy
- Temporary medication
- Infiltration therapy, neural therapy, mesotherapy, Acupuncture
- Possible lifestyle modifications
Possible lifestyle modifications In some cases, a herniated disc can be at least partially resolved by the body itself over the course of several weeks, resulting in a significant improvement in pain.
It is advisable to start the conservative treatment options offered at our SPORTambulatorium as soon as possible after symptoms first appear. The sooner appropriate treatment is started, the quicker the pain can be alleviated and the risk of the condition becoming chronic can be prevented.
When should a herniated disc be treated surgically?
If the conservative treatment methods mentioned above do not result in sufficient relief of symptoms, surgery may be necessary.
For example, in cases of:
- Severe symptoms: Severe pain that cannot be alleviated by conservative measures.
- Neurological deficits: Increasing weakness, numbness, loss of function, or coordination problems in the legs or arms.
- Impaired quality of life: Limitations in daily life due to pain and other symptoms.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: Limitations in daily life due to pain and other symptoms. Loss of bladder or bowel control: A sign of cauda equina syndrome, a serious complication requiring immediate surgical treatment. An immediate neurosurgical consultation at the SPORTambulatorium is strongly recommended in these cases.
Disc Surgery on the Cervical (C-spine) and Lumbar (L-spine) Spine
A herniated disc can occur in both the cervical and lumbar spine. While the cause—pressure on a nerve root or the spinal cord—is the same, the symptoms and surgical technique vary depending on the region.
How a cervical spine disc surgery is performed
Neck and arm pain, tingling, or numbness are typical symptoms. Access is usually gained from the front via a small incision in the neck; the herniated tissue is removed and a stabilizing spacer is inserted. The procedure takes approximately 60–90 minutes, and the hospital stay is about three days.
How a lumbar disc surgery is performed
Typical symptoms include back pain radiating into the leg; pain in the buttocks or leg without back pain is also common. The surgery is performed through a small incision in the back using microsurgical removal of the herniated tissue. The procedure takes about 45–60 minutes, and the hospital stay is usually three nights.
Surgery for a Herniated Disc at the Confraternität Private Clinic: Surgical Partnership with SPORTambulatorium
As a private practice with surgical partnerships with the Confraternität Private Clinic, SPORTambulatorium Wien takes care of all the planning for your disc surgery. Should surgery be indicated, we will provide you with comprehensive information on the procedure, the technique and the process at our clinic. The procedure is performed using a minimally invasive technique by our neurosurgeon Dr Julia Reinhart at the Confraternität Private Clinic.
Medical History and Findings
Treatment begins with a detailed initial consultation with Dr Julia Reinhart at the SPORTambulatorium in Vienna. During this consultation, your symptoms, previous medical history and imaging results will be discussed together. Appointments can be easily booked at online.
Information and Surgical Planning
If disc surgery is indicated, you will receive a comprehensive explanation of the procedure, the technique, and the process. The SPORTambulatorium Wien will handle all the organizational details for you—from scheduling the appointment to administrative preparations.
Surgery Appointment at the Confraternität Private Clinic
Before the surgery, the anesthesiologist will contact you by phone to discuss all important details regarding the anesthesia. Admission to the Confraternität Private Clinic usually takes place on the same day, or, for surgeries scheduled very early in the morning, on the day before the procedure. On the day of the surgery, the procedure is performed using a minimally invasive technique. Depending on the procedure, the hospital stay is usually about three nights.
Follow-up Care and Sick Leave
Sutures are removed approximately 10–14 days after surgery at the SPORTambulatorium Wien. Follow-up appointments are scheduled approximately 4–6 weeks and 6 months after the surgery. Please note that the duration of sick leave following a disc surgery is approximately one month.
Our neurosurgeon Dr Julia Reinhart will be happy to carry out a thorough examination and provide you with detailed advice regarding the need for surgery, the exact procedure involved in a disc operation, and the post-operative care.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Discs & Disc Surgery in Vienna
Which Hospital Should You Choose for a Herniated Disc in Vienna?
As a private practice with a surgical partnership with the Confraternität Private Clinic, we take care of all the surgical planning for you. If spinal disc surgery is recommended, we will provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the procedure, the technique and the process here at the SPORTambulatorium Wien. The procedure is performed using a minimally invasive technique by our neurosurgeon Dr Julia Reinhart at the Confraternität Private Clinic.
How long is the sick leave period after disc surgery?
The duration of your inability to work depends on whether the surgery was performed on the cervical or lumbar spine and how physically demanding your job is. After surgery on the lumbar spine, most patients are unable to work for about four to six weeks. After surgery on the cervical spine, the period is usually between two and six weeks.
For physically demanding jobs—such as those involving a lot of lifting, carrying, or bending—a longer recovery period may be necessary. Another key factor is how severe the symptoms were before surgery and how quickly the nerves recover.
How long is the wait for disc surgery in Vienna?
As a rule, we can arrange surgery at the Confraternität Private Clinic on short notice—often within a few days of diagnosis and approval by the anesthesiologist.
