5 Signs a Herniated Disc is Healing

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(Amazon Affiliate links)
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In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals 5 important signs that a herniated disc is healing!
Disc bulges and disc herniations can cause back pain and sciatica. These problems do not always seem to get better in an obvious way, but there are some common patterns to watch for. This video reveals what they are.
If you're suffering from back pain that stops you from doing the things you love, you can take our back pain guide - which will give you 9 expert tips to put a stop to back pain at home - by visiting here: ht-physio.co.u...
If you're over-50 with a painful problem in the Farnham, Surrey area, you can learn more about how Will Harlow and HT Physio can help you overcome a painful problem here: ht-physio.co.uk/
*Any information in this video should not be used as a substitute for individual medical advice. Please seek advice from your local healthcare professional before taking action on the information in this video.* Full policy here: ht-physio.co.u...

[@EppleDoodle]

Edit: back in 2021, I experienced a painful, disc herniation after marathon training and high impact sports. I lost mobility , couldn't sleep, felt pain and had to stop physical training for extended periods. It took two years and a half but it's all healed now and I can do movements without pain 💪 If you are watching this video, chances are that you are in pain or limited in movement. I hope you'll get better. Healing is not a straight line. It's lows and highs, periods of "hey I'm better!" Followed by "why is it worse?!". It's part of the process. Don't lose hope💕

[@HT-Physio]

Very good advice, thank you for sharing

[@aminezourhlal2952]

Thank you!

[@SJ-zz1uj]

needed to hear that - thank you

[@jessemcgarvey7595]

I’m not the sappy type, and I nearly never am expressive, but I just wanted you to know that I really needed this today. The struggle is insanely real. Thank you.

[@salmonesque]

Thanks Eppie. Helps hearing that ♥

[@dfhhfff]

5 signs: Start from 5:10 1.Pain diminishing in leg 2.Sometimes backpain gets worse and leg pain getting better 3.Legs getting stronger 4.Numbness changing to fizzing and pins and needles in legs. 5.You can move your spine better

[@babyflyer100]

thank you

[@dfhhfff]

@@babyflyer100 welcome : )

[@unladpinoytv]

you are a hero

[@ecoker382]

I'm so looking forward to this day❤❤❤❤

[@luanneneill2877]

Thanks!!

[@Alyssa501]

Thank you ! Siatica in my leg is gone. Now slight burning pain in my right side of my back where the herniation is.. week 10 in recovery 🙌🏼 walking 7 days a week 40-50 minutes and stability exercises every other day. My mobility is back too. Remember guys. Recovery can take 4 weeks to 6 months !!! Sometimes longer. My spine doctor who did not want to do surgery on me said 6 months ! You wont recover over night. PS. I HAD 4 herniated discs. 2 were extrusions. Its possible to heal naturally.

[@HT-Physio]

Great advice! Thank you for sharing.

[@thehindustan4268]

Me is disc bulge and annular tear compress nerve, weakness and foot pain numbness,3 month still iam suffering, please advise

[@alexl2371]

my shooting in my digestion and bladder and also pelvis pain...getting mri june 11...omg the pain is bad...mine is so bad...

[@alexitorico6686]

This gives me hope. Did your doctor prescribe oral steroids for your inflammation? My doctor did for me. They’ve been helping so much because of the inflammation decreasing, and everyday I’ve been able to move more and more, even if it’s just a little each day. Hoping to be healed within month, but hopefully less than two.

[@J.G.817]

​@@alexl2371 I know exactly what you are talking about brother.

[@miftekharabir4938]

On December 1st 2023 I played a football match, I was okay the whole game but at the end I herniated my disc causing instant cramp. I immediately sat down on the field I couldn't even stand. After few minutes my teammates massaged my thighs and it relaxed than I stood up again. But I felt something is definitely wrong with my back. I couldn't walk, stand or seat properly for the next 10 days. Now, after 3 weeks feeling better as my body movement is recovering but I have a slight weakness on my right leg but it is improving slowly. All the people suffering from this condition I wish you all a stable recovery. I know the pain how bad it feels it literally crushes all your confidence.

[@ChahaBiscuit]

did u have bulge?

[@Vengeance0117]

How are you feeling now?

[@juliawiley6550]

😊I have been signed off of work due to a lower back injury with sciatica pain in my leg and calf. I have had some very strange sensations and excruciating pain when getting up from a sitting position or laying down, also the pain so bad that I had to slowly get up to a straight position. I believe I am healing after watching your video and the information about pins and needles in my calf, i had recently. although my leg, thigh, butt and lower back still hasn’t improved😅also you mentioned saddle numbness pretty sure I had this but didn’t take note of it.😊thank you for this information.

[@carolinepodolski]

Hey! I am also struggling like this as well. I hope you are doing well well, I’m currently bed rest and depressed but hoping it gets better so soon! I have numbness down into my foot which is what scares me the most

[@juliawiley6550]

@@carolinepodolski hope you recover soon, I completely feel for you, it’s horrible and it makes me cry with pain and also I feel like it’s not getting better and that’s the worrying thing for me as I’m usually fit

[@Thebombboom]

​@juliawiley6550 don't give up hope, either of you two. As I see it, the worst pain is the lightning. If it dulls, it feels more like fire, then a vice, then the needles and pins. Currently the second time I've been through this. First time was a nightmare. But I think it's because I didn't know what to expect. Questions like will this be forever? Will I ever do what I loved to do before again? IS this just my life now? It's daunting. But i found a blog by a lady in India who used vitamin c to heal it. Skeptical of course, I decided to try it out. Megadosing vitamin c helped me more then I care to think about. It went from horrible pain on standing and even sitting to almost pain free after 2 or 3 weeks. I'm on day 6, and started a regimen of steroids, vitamin c, and rest. I'm currently now about where I was 8 weeks into my first bout. The healing process has been much faster and the pain has been so much less.

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

Awesome video very informative, A few years back I had a herniated l5 disc, (Work related) the pain started in my right lower leg to the side of the calf. I went to the DR he examined me and said it was my back, I was really surprised, since I didn't have any pain there. Later I went to get an MRI sure enough L5 herniation. The pain was also accompanied by numbness in my foot that caused foot drop. I started Physio about a week later but it was a slow process, the pain varied from excruciating, moderate, mild to nothing. After a few weeks (took about 5 weeks for me) the pain slowly started to fade and my numbness with it. It cannot be overstated that during this time its very important to keep your spirits up, its very easy to feel sorry for yourself and depressed and even cry when going through this day after day. It can be very painful and debilitating but keeping a positive outlook will help enormously with the healing process. 😊

[@deliz0771]

Going through the same!! Thank you 🙏 it gives me hope that it will heal with time, therapy and commitment.

[@michaelbelo3844]

After trying to frantically do as much research as I possibly could, your videos resonated with you the most. I have a disk bulge with an annular tear in my L5S1. Showing signs of healing while trying to take the non surgical route. It’s funny how most medical professionals don’t take the time to make the patient fully understand the options at hand… Thank you for your videos, they’ve been a blessing.

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for the kind words and glad to hear it's improving!

[@mwalad]

I have the same . Pain come for few days now disappear and when I work too much my back get in some pain but I still can do my life work

[@Anonymous-dv2eh]

Hi, I'm going through something similar with annular fissure in l5 s1. I wanted to know how have you been doing since and how long it took. I'm really anxious and just wanted to know what to expect from someone going through something similar.

[@niksunglachangkiri6588]

Yes if you could please reply and update us on your healing journey🙏 thank you

[@MookaMG]

To anyone experiencing this, don't lose hope. You could heal just as long as you take care of yourself. May Allah heal you 🤲

[@Sunray693]

I'm 40 yold. And you can say I'm a veteran of bulging discs. I can say infrared light warms up the area and improves bloodflow witch speeds up the recovery. Painless massages help too. Moderate steroid use speed things up but I would not recommend. I use steroid just because I dont have weeks and months to heal. I do it in few days and then I'm back on the job.

[@teddyzinovieva2011]

Thank you for the detailed explanations, dr. Harlow! Your videos help me very much! ❤❤❤

[@DonaldGaron]

Oh! My leg pain is mostly gone and I started having pain in the back on the side of the pain so that's good.

[@HT-Physio]

Glad to hear, good luck!

[@michellehamilton7366]

Still got numbness but in my knees have two disk bulges , and got strength but numbess to tummy like going up that natural , still feel a bit tight in ankles but strength bk hotness army side

[@lesliecampo8681]

Hi Doctor! Really thankful for this video for I've been experiencing all the mentioned signs after having sciatica pain since November 2022, 🥲🥲 . I thought it's getting worst .. but turned out I'm getting better each day . Really encouraged me, watching from the Philippines.. Just doing self treatment.. watching a lot of videos about herniated disc.. Praying for a total healing in the Name of Jesus 🙏🙏 Praying also for that beautiful soul who's in pain because of Sciatica. 🙏🥺

[@Urcristian]

I have a herniated disc since november too, I tought it will not go away but my sciatica pain reduced

[@lesliecampo8681]

@@Urcristian 🥺🥺🥺 same .. not totally cured but getting better each day. praying for healing for the both of us 🙏🙏

[@ohmilah6723]

Amen

[@HT-Physio]

Sorry to hear about the pain but hope it continues to get better for you!

[@tarlemaklucartoonchannel]

I am having sciatica from October.. I took ayurveda treatment in Feb... as doctor told I too having all the symtoms I was confused.... but bit relaxed.... my pain is healing then.... thanks doctor n my freinds.... from india

[@geoffreyharvey3521]

very helpful i have taken notes as i forget more easlly these days,thanks for your help!

[@jjwallasekar7798]

this is my second disk herniation in 3 years time! same discs L4 L5 S1 but the pain isn't so bad as the last injury only the numbness is quite severe around my left left toes and calves. it's my first week since the injury. 11:12

[@ilhommuminov708]

Hi dear how are you feeling ? any news on yr toes healing? Hey I wish you asap healing be well keep strong don’t give up !

[@tonymartyn7549]

Hi Sir, I've included the CONCLUSION of my MRI report below. Do you think this can be healed without surgery? L2-3, L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 disc desiccation. Mild to moderate circumferential disc bulges (PID) causing mild spinal stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5 with severe spinal stenosis at L5-S1. Focal right L5-S1 disc herniation causing right lateral canal stenosis.

[@Stig2632]

This is literally what is happening with me as we speak. I have a hearnited disc in L5S1 and i never really had any serious back pain, only a horrible sharp stabbing pain in my left leg. 6 months later i finally start to see some kind of light in the tunnel with the sharp stabbing pain in leg decreasing, but the pain or irritation more around the disc area increasing. Thank you so so much for this explanation. You are a class act 👏🙏

[@teamdeadsociety8521]

Im going through the same thing, I have never had any back problems but I have been suffering with the L5-S1 nerf for the past 6 months too

[@Stig2632]

@@teamdeadsociety8521 what kind of symptoms do you have? Also horrible pain down the leg?

[@andypapas4670]

Very helpful to know that I am healing. This is awesome information

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for the comment and so pleased it was helpful.

[@smashy_smasherton]

Can a bulge or protusion heal properly or will it be a weak point that can be Re-injured easily? I had a l4-l5 protusion last October that I thought I had healed with self- care/pt and it was good for the last 3 months but pain is back but feels like different area. This video gives me hope!

[@ashahaywood7512]

Thank you this was super helpful 😊

[@HT-Physio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CWiebe-kg6uv]

Thanks for telling the whole truth unlike other physios. Hydration is critical to recovery. He's the only one who mentioned that and I watched lots of videos. If people would drink the proper amount of water, physios would go out of business....guess that's why they don't mention it. ;))

[@nolanme]

Thank you. Giving me hope. ❤

[@camden7488]

Thank you for the videos. They're very educational and helpful. Im glad your videos were mentioned actually as im currently going thru stages of a herniated disc. Its good mentally to know that you're on the way to healing. When your back and sciatica pain are so bad you think it's all over with, you can get mentally stressed even depressed thinking like that which i believe can postpone healing. Healthy mind healthy body....you know. Well thank you for you expertise

[@HT-Physio]

You're very welcome and thank you for taking the time to comment. I hope it improves for you very soon!

[@sethmaginnipig1801]

Thank you from texas

[@manuvanpoeck1469]

Great video! Do you have anything on herniated disc in the neck?

[@ricklast106]

You say a disc heals? This is not true! A disc herniation is a severe permanent injury that will never return to its anatomical state. In 2002 I herniated L4 and L5. My mri commented minor or mild degenerative changes in 2003,2004,2005. In 2017 it is now severe and they are black so it is not healed! Yes they can become assymptomatic but thjs does not mean healed!

[@F8Tributo]

According to your faith-

[@ricklast106]

@@F8Tributo has nothing to do with faith. Has to do with the latest science and statistical norms. If you look at your mri when accident happened your discs are white and capacious. Yeats later it will turn black and degrade. I can tell you at this point it is not asymptomatic.

[@andreawilhite8529]

Thanks for this video. I found the comments and your signs encouraging as I am one of the people who has had no back pain but now I feel very very fragile and pain in my back with improved leg symptoms as well as resolution of pins and needles. It's alarming when you feel like your ability and pain is worse, but it sounds like that can be a normal process with centralization of the disc causing the more directed pain. I am doing PT with the McKenzie methods being used. I feel mostly discouraged because of time frame it's taking to heal but reading that in your experience 12 weeks to 6 months is more what you see, that gives me hope that maybe I'll still heal without surgery. Thank you!

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for taking the time to comment and sorry to hear about what you are going through! I can completely understand the fear that comes with the condition. We very commonly see people who take well over 12 weeks to get better - the rate varies from person to person but the main signs we look for are a slow, gradual improvement over time. Surgery should always be the very last resort. Good luck!

[@SmileyTheAxolotl]

Thank you so much for this video! I thought I was getting worse and was confused when I noticed an increase of back pain while the sciatica had improved. And at my dr appt yesterday I could stand on my tiptoes and heels again. That was impossible 4 weeks ago. Hopefully this truly is the homestretch of what I can only describe as a nightmare. 🤞🤞🙏🙏🙏

[@Vengeance0117]

That’s me right now, sciatica is gone but my lower back hurts so much. Did you heal? How long did your centralization last? Please help

[@rudolphgartner9668]

I came down with sciatica in 2015, and it was pretty bad. I was diagnosed with two and a half bulging discs, spinal stemosis, etc., at age 58. I did steady physical therapy at a clinic and then continued the exercises at home regularly. I still do those exercises, not as frequently, but still enough so that when I sense vulnerability coming in my lower back, I start them up.again. I never go more than a week or so without doing at least some of those exercises. My symptoms improved within three months of the initial diagnosis, and it's now been eight years that I go around with this condition, more or less in a normal fashion, but I know that my back isn't what it used to be, so I move my body carefully in the way the physical therapist instructed me to do. It does work. Physical therapy is the best mode of treatment.

[@RandySpeer]

What did the physical therapist have you do? Is it things I can do at home?

[@sumr1000]

Aquatherapy is very good for back.

[@yasminharvey9512]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@HT-Physio]

No problem!

[@Billy-cw4kr]

Im having pain in both glutes and legs down my foot past 18 months,its alternating sides,can't stand ,sit for more than 5 minutes .how long does it take ti completely heal

[@frannyleyden7988]

Yes, would like to know that as well. Does it ever fully heal or is it something you have to learn to live with?

[@mrsstyles1324]

Muchas gracias por este video. Me ayudó mucho

[@lorenzovandervelden9472]

What does it mean when my back pain is worse but my leg pain is the same ? Is it still a good Sign

[@Madame686]

I have been diagnosed with a minor disc bulge two days back after having pain in my lower back hip and whole leg for 8 weeks now. I have been told to have signoflame pbren nt and physiotherapy SWD, tens and ift and flexion exercises for 10 days. I’m really worried. My nerve is compressed and nothing is helping it. I hope it heals after 10 days of therapy. Pins and needles in foot pain in whole leg I also have muscle spasm /inflammation in lower back and si joint, leg weakness 😢

[@basedbenji3342]

Is it normal that I have pain in both legs? It’s mostly my left leg that hurts but my right leg also hurts

[@Ranjana-ek1jg]

Hey how are you now?? Hope you're doing well ❤️‍🩹

[@estelleflorent9024]

Thank you for these videos! I injured my lower back doing CrossFit 8 months ago. Took 2 months to fully recover and be able to come back to CrossFit. The exams did not show any hernia, but a thinning/bulging of the L5/S1 disc (that the doctors said I maybe had before injuring at CrossFit...). After 2 months super cool doing my workouts, I injured myself again a first time, but I managed to recover alone within 2 weeks and a half, more or less. With some rest, vacations at the beach, core workouts everyday and swimming in hot sea :) Then, I wanted to start a program with a coach to strenghten the back. The exercise he made me doing were bad, and I injured again...I've now been struggling for one month of back pain. I have suffered a "kind of" sciatica, lighter than a typical one but also weirder : for ex, I felt pins and needles on the femoral and/or obturator nerve + during the "peak", a very bad discomfort on the whole leg but without any numbness, and only when I walked. It improved significantly last week, and my physio told me I could start doing again some glute bridges series. I did it two days ago (3 x 30 reps with band) and since yesterday my lower back hurts again, I'm super afraid I launched a new inflammation and I feel desperate: when I heard you say that sometimes during recovery back pain can get worse I thought maybe this is it, but something is telling me I did something bad and I'm on for a new round.... :(

[@mxttbrahhh8273]

Just take some rest for a week or 2 with 10-15mins of slow-paced walking 2-3 times a day. Then when your back starts to get better, do the McGill big 3 with impeccable form. I suggest you refer to Dr Stuart McGill, he's the no.1 back expert in the world. Read his book: back mechanics. You can also take anti-inflammatory and icing for pain. And finally practice good spine hygiene and don't overdo it. Hope this helps. I'm in the same boat where I injured myself twice but it's getting better everyday since I started practicing those tips.

[@mxttbrahhh8273]

One last thing: KEEP YOUR BACK NEUTRAL as much as possible to allow the disc to heal

[@zvxpro]

💔

[@sights.sounds]

Thanks for the video. I was in an accident in the military about 15 years ago. Following this my left leg and left testicle would go numb, in addition to the sudden pain in my lower back. You're the first person I've heard indicate numbness in the private parts as a problem.

[@snowps1]

What happened with it?

[@JJbro-rt5zu]

I just started feeling pins and needles recently with reduced leg pain I’m happy. I’ve been more active than ever since this started. I feel I’m getting better, week 15!

[@nikhiljain1560]

Hey how are you now i have completed 10 weeks and now i started tingling in feet and hands.. rest pain is managable.. Please suggest if i should worry about the tingling that startes

[@darkdeb4185]

What is i have been through all of what you just said but now still get some heaviness in my leg and a grabbing in the back of the leg and buttock....also get some strain prickle feel in my back. All from the doing flection

[@jayes7us]

Thanks. Its been almost 2 years since I had severe pain in the back of one leg (from hips downwards). After 1 year, the leg pain was gone, but the lower back pain and weakness came up (exactly as you mentioned, but took a long time). But, if I stood or walked for long (1-2hrs), the leg pain returned for a few days. It's now been 2 years, and the leg pain comes back only once in a while. I am debating whether to let the healing continue, or, go for some other alternatives, such as, steroid injection, or, possibly a surgery.

[@zvxpro]

Same problem bro😭💔

[@himanshutechnicals37]

Plz also convert this videoin hindi

[@nadinedaoud2538]

Thank you for the great information. I just got this sciatica a little over a week ago but I’m fighting it. My doctor is well aware and we will do an MRI this coming week. Prayers for healing ❤️‍🩹🙏🙏

[@juliawiley6550]

🙏

[@Vengeance0117]

How are you feeling now?

[@RubyGemmaa]

This helped me so much thank you! I was sooo worried when the pain in my back started to increase, but this has given me hope! 😊 what are your thoughts on yoga for bulging discs?

[@HT-Physio]

Glad it helped! Some yoga exercises can help while others can aggravate a bulging disc so exercise selection is very important. This video might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoGckmxqbdOEnZI

[@sangitaedirisinghe562]

Thankyou somuch I feel mentally relieved that all that pain I went through as u explained was normal .I hv healed from herniated disc n sciatica more mentally than physically I feel.That was so positive. Thank u

[@sangitaedirisinghe562]

Yoga is really good I did yoga n hv recovered from 2 disc bulges .

[@RubyGemmaa]

@@sangitaedirisinghe562 thanks so much! That makes me feel a lot better about mine. How long did it take for you to recover, and how often/long did you do yoga?

[@basilprabhakar7028]

I believe there is a procedure called disc decompression and that it can alleviate disc bulge problems. They strap you to a machine that basically pulls your spine downwards. This forces the disc spongy stuff back inward and then all the symptoms disappear. I am going to try it. Will keep you updated.

[@johnsadler732]

Start at 5:19 to escape the BS.

[@kusoe2020]

Hello doctor, I am a 20 year old engineering student from Nepal and I have been experiencing L5 S1 disc bulge from past 5 months. I feel so down and hopeless because of the pain and most importantly my studies are getting worse due to lack of concentration and incresed pain while sitting. Will this heal? Can you give me some tips for speedy recovery?

[@sujanghimire8619]

Ahile kasto xa?

[@Ranjana-ek1jg]

How are you now?? Hope you're doing well ❤️‍🩹

[@felicitymc8200]

Should my GP have investigated the cause? I'm immobile from it, but she didn't send me for any scans or further tests or say what cause was, just gave painkillers.

[@vandanabhardwaj5473]

Hii. I am really healing as I can see all these positive symptoms after approx. 1 week of exercises you suggested. I am extremely thankful to you Dr.for your treatment without medication. Thanks to you tons. I am 50

[@paulwareham8430]

Will, can't begin to tell you how much listening to your videos has lifted me up, currently suffering with what I've been told is a L4 herniation , your knowledge and advice has spurred me to buy a copy of your book with the hope that further advice and knowledge will get me back to a normal routine , many thanks 👍

[@shafi420]

How about after getting epidural steroid injection and pain feels a bit less? How will I know if disc is healing or just masked and will be back

[@KristiKay]

Thank you!!!

[@HT-Physio]

My pleasure

[@talitakumi8679]

How encouraging to hear that it CAN get better! I thought it's going to last forever! I have L3 bulging disc, L4 bulging disc plus lateral extrusion (extrusion after I fell flat on my back) irritatation of the nerve root, L4 anteposition to L5...etc. I also hurt my right knee ( cartilege fissure 4th degree lateral tibial due to a fall as my knee 'slided' down); spondylolishesis L45 gr.I. My problems started in July 21, after excrutiating pain relieved only by injections of Dexamethason, Naklophene, Diazepam, it lasted for six months at least, and in 2023 it came again but to the opposite side. Is the swimming pool good for me? These improvement signs are excellent to know, thank you so much.

[@HT-Physio]

It certainly can get better usually! Sorry to hear about your situation. Swimming is often helpful for this issue but exact advice differs for everyone.

[@JawsR8]

Hi Will and comment section, I'm currently in the centralizing stage, from your experience with patients(comment section feel free to share yours) how long does this stage last and is this the last stage before being healed and symptom free?

[@gjdoan]

Thank you for explaining this disc problem. Last week I fell and had terrible pain. One day I felt a soft movement in my back. It was the disc returning to its place! I am walking every day and I think that helped my disc had returned to its place. I still have pain from where I fell but not as sore! Thank you!

[@kathyadams2022]

There are not enough words to,properly thank you! After nearly 6 months of pain, fear, depression and unanswered questions from multiple doctors… the pains are getting better. An MRI confirmed a herniated disc, but I thought surgery was the only answer. My doctor is sending me for a steroid shot, which I’ve agreed to. While the shot will help speed up healing, your video(s) have given me hope… something I’d lost!

[@francisgaspar446]

Hi doc! i have a herniated disc, i dont feel much pain now since i started the stretches and exercises, but now my legs and knees are feeling weak for 3 days.. am I getting better? Thanks for your answer and for your videos that really helps me! God bless!

[@firstnamelastname8206]

So, I've watched several videos about sciatica from you, doctor, and from other doctors as well. So far I've seen very little regard or explanation about the real problem with a slipped disc which is the spinal fluid. That's what causes the horrific pain many people experience,,,it's not the touching of the disc against a nerve. It's the fluid that covers the nerve as I understand it. If you get to read this, please talk about this in your next video or the one after that? Thank you.

[@kevinm7523]

I just started having debilitating back pain from an undiagnosed potential buldge/ herniation. I'm a truck driver, went to an urgent care in Texas, got the run around and crappy meds then to a hospital er got slightly better meds, but was told I need to be in excruciating pain for at least a month b4 they'll image me to verify anything.

[@punchabunchabuttons]

I got my injury 30+ months ago. A severe L4 L5 hernia, with all the extreme back muscle spasms. Entire right leg muscle spasms. 2h hours of sleeps for 3 months, etc, etc,... While in the process of healing, It reoccurred as bad as the first time about 18 months ago. I got a lot better currently but im lacking mobility in the mid section (around L4 L5) and a pulsating pain tends to come all the way to the back of my knee but after a 15 min Mckenzie technique, the pain settles. The lack of mobility is still present in the mid back. I can still feel there is a physical lump of obstruction in between my L4 L5. I would like to have just an outside opinion whether a microdiscetomy is a good idea to remove this lasting lump of hernia? Or just let timet take care of it... It will soon be 3 years and i got this hernia when i was 38. While i will look out in the future for such injury, i also would like it to disappear from my life entirely... or is it a wishful thinking?

[@janicewood2210]

How long does a disc bulge last for?

[@theuniversalcontractor4574]

is twising good to crack your lower back to feel some tension loosen?

[@wasabiy817]

thanks a lot for sharing, may I know if leg pain reduced but the same place having a bit pins and needles, is that better or worse?

[@rubyrosefeliciano3791]

Hello, I just want to ask if is it possible to get cervical vertigo after disc bulge or herniated disc or is it just my anxiety that make me feel dizzy 😅 Thank you! Your video really helps!

[@raindrops1047]

I have herniated disc c5-c6 and feeling pretty dizzy which made me feel anxious and that let to mild depression which resulted in sleeplessness night with no hunger with negative thoughts 🥴🥴😵

[@HT-Physio]

Sorry to hear about that! We always recommend dizziness is checked out by a medical professional as there can be a number of different causes.

[@eddybrevet6816]

Try above ^

[@Ergopruuli]

I have c4-c5-c6 herniation and i got bppv vertigo and it was bad, go to vertigo clinic they have a machine what shows the cause and fixes it.

[@bahavamoss8372]

Been having pain the past three months. It is only today that i noticed that things are gettiing better. I simply stopped doing the stretches and just did strengthening. Thank you. Your videos helped me understand what i was going through.

[@HT-Physio]

Great to hear! Hope it continues to improve.

[@petergrima9756]

@@HT-Physiohi there I’ve had the sciatica for the first 4-6weeks of injury to find it was a slight disc bulge in l-5 and narrowing of s1 it has been a year now and only have a very fine dull ache in the tail bone area that comes and goes away will that pain eventually go away I’ve found that stretching and exercises can aggravate it

[@LordClintix8]

​@@HT-Physiothis happens in kids?

[@showtime287]

Thanks so much for the helpful information! In your experience, is there an expected timeline for lumbar disc herniation recovery? I’ve seen everything from a few days to 12 weeks advertised. I’m at 14 weeks (l4-l5 herniation) and still experience pain getting out of bed (in am) or sitting more than 20 min. However, I’d say I’m experiencing your 5 signs (in the good direction!). Curious if its typical for people to “stall” in their recovery even if abstaining from painful movements, etc. I’m doing everything I can naturally and with PT to recover. I understand you don’t have all the facts for my specific case - just curious on the timeline from your experience. Thanks!

[@MegS-econ-maths]

Hi, I also had a disc herniation. Mine took 7 months to feel somewhat back to 'normal'. Basically, don't give up hope if your symptoms are improving, they just do so ever so slowly.

[@showtime287]

@@MegS-econ-maths thanks for sharing! I’m sorry you herniated a disc as well. It’s so difficult for me to gage my recovery bc it is up and down. But if I assess recovery in the 1-3 week range, there’s improvement.

[@MegS-econ-maths]

@John Snow oh I know this feeling all too well! Especially when you're in pain, it is easy to focus on the bad days. The 12 week guidance just seems like utter crap but i am bias. Hope you recover fully soon.

[@showtime287]

@@MegS-econ-maths thank you, Meg! Agree!

[@HT-Physio]

Hi John, there is a wide variation in how long recovery takes but it is unlikely to be any shorter than 12 weeks. Most people who say they got better in under this timeframe did not have a true disc herniation or had what we call a "false recovery" where the pain disappears temporarily. Most people take 12 weeks to 6 months in my experience. Some longer even still. It is definitely common to see people stall for a while and hit plateaus - that is usually when I change the exercise regime. If you have plateaued for longer than 2 weeks, it would be worth speaking to your PT and possibly making a tweak to the programme. Good luck!

[@solidfuel0]

Can you make video about it's getting worse

[@fatemse611]

Is it a bad sign to change the location of the tingling in the bulging disc?

[@djhorn1622]

I had an L3 L4 herniation. Severe sciatica pain and numbness in my calf and toes to the point of tears for more than two weeks. Went to the orthopedic spinal center in my area. They did X-rays with a steroid injection, followed by an MRI. Pain switched off like a light switch and has been gone for about 5 days now. Still taking it easy and feel like it could come back with one wrong twist or move. Is this common as well?

[@walaaali1876]

Thank you million , i needed to hear this after 2 months from my journey with pulging disc in the s1 l5 resulted from deadlift at gym . Thank god im healing now and all the signs you mentioned im going through now❤😊

[@harish5466]

Have you healed bro? Please reply

[@SiiiiGuey]

Been to the ER multiple times. Got x rays and MRI. Was diagnosed with L5-S1 herniated disc. My back already feels a lot better but my left leg is still mostly tingly depending on my position . I think I was misdiagnosed and also have Piriformis syndrome but not sure. I have no weakness but there’s pins and needles and I can’t get hard/ balls have retracted. Going to PT tomorrow Pray for me.

[@basilprabhakar7028]

Go in the name of Jesus. Those who believe in the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall rise on wings like the Eagle...the words of Prophet Isiah....

[@Stig2632]

@@basilprabhakar7028 Hope you feel better today? I have pretty much the same situation without the hardness and balls retracted (thank god). Never had any back pain, but I had severe hearnited disc L5S1 with piriformis related syndrome and horrible sharp stabbing pain in my leg. Now after approximately 6 months I feel less leg pain and more irritation and pain around the disc as explained in this video. There is hope, a lot of rehab, rest, good diet and positive attitude. Feel better!

[@ryanbaker2134]

Hi, have you gotten any better? Specifically with the ED?

[@CallemJayNZ]

Handsome chap 😉 Do you know what's causing pain to the bottom pointy part of the shoulder blade (bottom pointing inwards) it seems to get relief when I apply pressure by stretching my arm forward and exposing the area and pushing it up against a door or a door frame. Does any of that even make sense? 😂 My doctor just prescribes pain killers, they're good but I'm kind of relying on them to get enough relief to fall asleep. I'm only in my early 30s, I shouldn't be getting this kind of pain at this age should I? Subscribed from New Zealand by the way 😊

[@radpartha]

Hi - After an intense episode, my calf pain flashes reduced in frequency a lot, but back pain has gotten lot intense. Does this fall under second point?

[@HT-Physio]

Very difficult to tell without seeing the case in person. Might be worth speaking to a professional for some guidance. Good luck!

[@deliz0771]

I have L4 L5 S1 disc leakages. It started 3 weeks ago. The pain on my back is gone, but Im left with foot drop. I’m scheduled to see a neurosurgeon this week. I feel better compared to day one, but foot drop continues 😢due to pinched nerve.

[@dawnmaclearfitness]

THANK YOU for making it clear that drugs/surgery aren't mandatory!

[@michellehamilton7366]

What about stiffness feel stronger but still stiff ankles knee

[@dawnmaclearfitness]

@@michellehamilton7366 would you like to reword this or send it to someone else?

[@jaredmuller171]

Hi. 35 yr old bodybuilder here. Just touching on the reference to the nerve being so damaged that it might not be recoverable. 2 days ago i suspect i herniated either l5s1 or l4l5 as i have lost complete dorsiflexion in my right foot and massvive unilateral weakness in my right hamstring. Right quadricep seems OK, but did not test it out too hard. I am not able to get in to a professional until Wednesday (injury occurred Saturday) so i have been scouring the internet and have taken great interest in your channel. What signs or symptoms would the doctor or specialist be looking for if the nerve is not recoverable ? Just hoping i can relay as much relevant information to get an accurate diagnosis. Thanks very much

[@devbabbar]

Thank you for this video. I wanted to ask if going from tingling and pain in feet and toes to pain in calf muscles is a sign of healing.

[@HT-Physio]

It can indicate healing in some instances as this is what the start of "centralisation" often looks like. In a healing disc we usually see the pain reduce the distance it reaches down the leg as it gets better. It may also be a sign of healing if the tingling reduces in intensity. Everyone is different so get a medical opinion if not obviously improving. Hope that helps.

[@twosisterss]

Thank you for the video. I have a l5 s1 hernia, the pain in my leg is gone, but my sacrum and buttocks hurt. For some reason, pain in both buttocks, but one hurts more. Can you tell me if this is a symptom? the pain occur more when I get out of bed and gradually subside when I start walking after 15 minutes…

[@Ranjana-ek1jg]

How are you now?? Hope you're doing well ❤️‍🩹

[@faryyyyyy]

Thanks for the video! I had a lumbago in january and again in October this year.. but this time after the back pain of 3 weeks I noticed a tingling sensation in my left leg.. after MR we saw a disc bulge in L5 pretty bad on the nerve.. Today I don’t have pain in my behind or thigh. I have a weird numbness in my toes and pretty bad calve pain and weekness.. but it‘s getting better I guess Is it possible to get better this fast? btw: I‘m sure I have the herniated disc for a few years

[@christinanikou1324]

Man I'm 26 with a herniated disc, this video hurt my insides

[@bryanwillson1615]

Hi. Great video, thank you! I am just going through a back pain flare up. I have a history of disc bulges and think I have one this time. I have 2 symptoms no one seems to mention. One is that I've noticed sometimes, not always, when walking, I'm skimming the ground occasionally with my feet, If that makes sense. As though I'm not picking my feet up enough by a millimeter on random steps. The other issue is a feeling of being punched in the stomach. My abdominal and sides are very sore, especially when waking and sitting. Is this all part of the same thing would you say? I've had side pain for a few years, on and off but mostly on. No sciatice yet though, thankfully. Thank you.

[@dg9015]

My back is better since February couldn't move 2 weeks still have sensory loss lateral leg dorsum foot and hip flexor weakness will my strength or sensation come back or shall I see a doctor for intervention possibly. How would this be treated not having surgery

[@diegoreckholder945]

i was actually worried when my numbness became this tingling sensation, but hey! it was getting better! Thank you very much!!

[@lisabrochu5273]

Thanks for this video! I developed severe sciatica in early July; no back pain but extreme pain in glutes and down left leg with loss of strength in my calf and numbness my toes. While it is getting better, I still have severe restriction in hamstring mobility and flexibility for which i dont know what to do. It's like the nerve is stuck behind my hamstring as when I try to bend or nerve floss the pull I feel is not muscular tightness. I'm so discouraged as before this I easily touched my toes!

[@benstr8156]

Keep doing the correct exercises for you particular injury. Keep it up!! The body was design with the ability to heal itself. Your body needs encouragement and a bit of work to accomplish this.

[@shonteljacewic9911]

Definitely educational, and it’s good to know that I’m in the slow recovery mode as it’s been 8 weeks and I’m feeling all those signs

[@Vengeance0117]

How are you feeling now?! I am feeling this way and I’m 10 weeks in. It’s been 6 months, did you recover?

[@jagleaso]

Video would be great if you literally deleted the first 5 minutes.

[@ArpitaBhawal]

Hmm. Makes no sense to me as to begin with, my pain has been going down my right leg up till my knee. Back pain is reduced a bit but not significantly and if I am walking for 15-20 minutes that muscle in front on top of the front of the leg is pulling. 😅

[@sandracrawford9813]

When I first got severe pain running down my leg I could not move my foot up towards my leg. Two weeks later I can move it almost as far as the good foot. Is that a sign of healing or should I get this checked out. The sciatica is worse on some days than others.

[@loriduhaime9583]

My pain is getting worse and worse I worked a 5 hr shift last night and usually my pain will start up after 7 pm at night then I get home and rest on the couch for half hour then I could barely walk my back and leg were so bad I don't know what I'll do soon cause the pain comes and goes but at times it feels like it's getting worse I'm seeing a physchio in a month so well see how it goes I hope it gets better soon I hate getting old lol

[@ching-mansik7338]

I’ve been getting more frequent buzzing and weird feelings on the legs is that the sign it’s getting better? I just started chiropractic care

[@Eirusrevenge]

He starts explaining at about 6 minutes

[@clublulu399]

Over 50's? I'm 35 & you healed me.

[@irakpal9928]

hi . i had a recurrent disc herniation 1 month ago and i was the first time i had pain down the leg, weakness , numbennes . that all went away 4 weeks later, and i only have pain in the upper glutes and in the disc area. is the a good sign ? i feel better but after 1 week i feel like 5% better

[@emanuelailie748]

can we still do gym exercises with body weight?

[@kariyas]

Appreciate it. But bruh, just give the 5 signs doc. 4 minutes in and nothing 🤷‍♂️

[@mouzz]

how about if you have loss of sensation on your hand fingers and some numbness ?

[@HT-Physio]

A lumbar herniated disc will only usually cause symptoms in the legs rather than the hands.

[@michellehamilton7366]

Please cN you tell me have 2 bulged disks scatica it foot strength co.ing bk Nd nu..bless getting wee bit better but still occasional tight in the Nkles getting ing better or not

[@Skill.Issue.808]

what if I have upper to mid back (thoracic area) pain, it feels like sharp n poking n needles pain on that SPECIFIC part but I don't feel leg pain or numbness. I think what triggered it is from doing trap exercise (shrugs)

[@ytupdates3063]

Hi sir I'm 17 yrs old , and I'm suffering from disc slip since 3 years.. After a long visit to the doctor I'm feeling little bit releif and can walk, and can sit without any pain.. But my doctor was shocked that how did I got disc slip. Do this cause by incorrect posture for a long time?

[@POKHMAN]

i have similar problems and im 18

[@ytupdates3063]

@@POKHMAN How are you now? How much it has been you're suffering from? And what type of medicine you're taking? . As for me, medicine isn't working too

[@POKHMAN]

@@ytupdates3063 I am feeling little better but pain is mild and continuous . I think i am reinjured playing football. it is very difficult to sit. Now i do pressups and low impact physical therapy. I think self medication is better than medicines. How did you get better?

[@ritadennant7255]

Hi what is causing the back spasam

[@arrepuess]

Thanks for that info, at first, my back, never hurt, now after three months, my back is what hurts the most and my leg not as much. How long does it typically take for let’s say a 5 mm s1 herniation to heal? I understand it’s 3 to 6 months?

[@HT-Physio]

It is different for everyone but the average is probably between 3-6 months, as you say. The right kind of hands-on therapy and a targeted exercise programme can speed up the process, undoubtedly.

[@unashamed4hisglory]

Hi thank you so much for this encouraging video. Is it a sign of healing if the tingling alternates with pain and pins and needles? It goes back and forth between all of those when in the beginning it started with only tingling. I am on 12 weeks since initial symptoms and diagnosis l4-l5.

[@HT-Physio]

Tingling is a sign that the signals travelling down the nerve are not completely reaching their target, so there is most likely an entrapment somewhere. Would be worth getting checked out to see if you are on the right tracks. Hope it improves for you soon!

[@jaysonterry4746]

The only only numbness I got right now is numbness in my big toe. Was getting it in my foot but now just the toe.