There was no significant difference in miR-204 expression level between patients with bilateral lower limb symptoms and patients with unilateral lower limb symptoms (p>0.05), while miR-204 was significantly higher in patients with lower limb symptoms than that in patients without the symptoms (p<0.05). miR-204 was correlated with knee tendon reflex, heel tendon reflex and degree of straight leg raise abnormality. miR-204 was significantly decreased in patients with improvement after treatment. miR-204 level was closely related to the clinical characteristics of LDH. miR-204 may potentially serve as a prognostic marker for patients with LDH.