Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy) is a condition resulting from irritation of a nerve root in the lumbar spine which radiates pain into the back of the leg or thigh. Most commonly this is secondary to a lumbar disc herniation (prolapse). Most patients are between the age of 30 – 50 years although it can occur in just about any age group. The symptoms may begin with back pain followed by severe leg pain typically on one side with resolution of the back ache. This is usually associated with weakness or numbness of the leg. Most will improve with nonsurgical measures within 6 – 8 weeks from the onset of symptoms. Nonsurgical management included physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, narcotic analgesics and perhaps epidural steroid injections. However in some cases the pain persists. The indications for surgery include severe pain that is not improving, progressive weakness of the limb, and bowel or bladder symptoms. The surgical treatment standard is a microdiscectomy and this can be done on an outpatient basis. The risks of surgery include recurrence, infection, spinal fluid leakage, nerve injury, and in some cases extensive scar formation.