[Lyle O]

Most any rupture causing pain and numbness is also causing damage to the spinal cord itself and the nerve bundles there. That means the longer you wait to relieve the pressure (remove the disc fragment putting pressure there), the more chance there is for permanent damage. I had the same issue and had the surgery. It was quick and easy, relieved the pain almost instantly, and my function and feeling returned about 98%. Your nerves will regenerate slowly, but only if there is attention to it without waiting too long. Don't delay if there's diminished function and you know it's caused by the ruptured disc. Good luck.