Table 1 Selection criteria for trial eligibility

Inclusion criteria:

   • Age 18–65 yr.

   • Persistent radicular pain in the L4, L5 or S1 dermatome with or without mild neurological deficit

   • Severe disabling leg pain of 6–12 weeks duration

   • Evidence of a unilateral disc herniation confirmed on MRI

   • Sufficient knowledge of Dutch language

   • Informed consent

Exclusion criteria:

   • Cauda equina syndrome or severe paresis (MRC<3)

   • Complaints of a lumbosacral radicular syndrome in the same dermatome within the past 12 months

   • A history of unilateral disc surgery on the same level

   • Spinal canal stenosis

   • Degenerative or lytic spondylolisthesis

   • Pregnancy

   • "Severe life-threatening" or psychiatric illness

   • Planned (e)migration to another country in the year after randomization