Do not fear an epidural injection if performed by a skilled and experienced injectionist. Yes- I have talked to patients who have had painful injections but these typically are performed more likely by impatient injectionists. If the injection fluid is “pushed” quickly into a site, there is a large pressure wave which can cause pain but if the fluid is slowly introduced and allowed to follow its own path, there should be little or no pain.
Surgery will not guarantee that the herniation will not recur but even without surgery, it can recur with about a 10% rate.
You can typically fly within 4-5 days of this type of surgery.
If there is no significant motor weakness, the chance of permanent nerve injury is low. Waiting several weeks (without motor weakness) is standard of care and generally nothing to worry about.
Pain can increase from a disc herniation at night as the herniation material will absorb water at night which makes the nerve compression greater.
Dr. Corenman