Surgery is indicated only for cauda equina syndrome or for unequivocal disk herniation plus one of the following: Muscular weakness that is worsening or not resolving Other progressive neurologic deficits Intolerable, intractable pain that interferes with job or personal functions in an emotionally stable patient and that has not lessened after 6 weeks of conservative treatment Classic diskectomy with limited laminotomy for intervertebral disk herniation is the standard procedure.