Low Back Pain, Sciatica, & Disc Herniations - What You Need To Know About Exercise, Surgery, & Rehab

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The purpose of this video is to answer some questions about sciatica as it relates to disc herniations. What is sciatica? Are your discs like jelly doughnuts? Can your disc slip? Is your nerve trapped or pinched? Is there a best exercise? Is surgery a good option?
If you’re looking for a video that promises a quick fix, this isn’t it but I hope the information I provide is even more valuable.
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Intro (0:00)
What is Sciatica? (0:25)
Disc Herniations (1:51)
Is Your Disc Like A Jelly Doughnut? (2:16)
Can Your Disc Slip? (3:28)
Is Your Nerve Trapped or Pinched? (3:50)
What Should You Expect From Your Doctor or Physio? (5:36)
Is There A Best Exercise? (6:52)
Are There Exercises That You Need To Avoid? (9:40)
Is Sciatica Preventable or Avoidable? (10:28)
Is Surgery A Good Option? (11:08)
Summary (11:50)
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Disclaimer: The information presented is not intended as medical advice or to be a substitute for medical counseling but intended for entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing pain, please seek the appropriate healthcare professional.

[@E3Rehab]

Thank you so much for watching! Check out the blog with references here: e3rehab.com/blog/sciatica/

[@somebodyontheinternet1090]

Easter egg , in the footage of you walking are you wear vivo barefoot shoes??

[@BigJDinSC]

For what it's worth, I've been working in the industry for over 30 years and this is, by far, the best video I've seen on this subject. Very well done 👍.

[@E3Rehab]

Thank you so much!

[@ruthgonzalez5968]

I AGREE!

[@kbkesq]

Agree! 2 additions I’d suggest- cover piriformis syndrome as it actually can be a spasm of muscle and the other addition would be pigeon pose/ figure 4 stretch variations which help. Bonus points would be for your take on spinal decompression- teeter inversion table etc.

[@theodoreresultan3312]

Awesome video! Physio Brother!

[@CheburashkaGenovna]

Same here! 👍👌

[@philipkim9779]

I've had a lumbar radiculopathy with pain and weakness in left leg. I had it for a long time. I find this video to be really informative and will help lot of people who are suffering with Sciatica. I wish I encountered this video when I was really suffering from it. In my experience, trunk strengthening exercises, nerve glides, and repeated motions all of them works. I've done it all. I've tried Mcgill's Big 3, Nerve glides, and Mckenzie method. I moved from one to another while hoping that I will find one magic cure. However, all of them worked when I performed them regularly. Neuropathic pain analgesics, and nerve block shots worked as well. However, analgesics and nerve block shots only gave me a temporary relief. Trunk strengthening, nerve glide, repeated motions, all of them worked for me when I've done them regularly, but I found them to be quiet a hassle to do it everyday. I was obsessed with it because I was afraid that I will be in pain, if I didn't do these exercises regularly. I never really enjoyed doing those exercises, so I was pretty stressed out thinking that I have to these exercises to improve my condition. Then, I found out that my pain in my legs and lower back occurs whenever I was in distress while getting poor nights of sleeps. It didn't matter if I was doing those exercises or not, my pain wasn't getting any better if I was in distress and getting poor nights of sleep. I was able to realize that what it really matter was keeping myself active, and sleeping well. Sometimes, the pain just got better naturally when I wasn't even doing any exercise when I was getting good nights of sleep. I personally found walking regularly while doing some resistance exercises that I enjoy worked just as much as Mcgill's Big 3 and Mckenzie method. In my honest opinion, it actually worked better. Now, when I think about my past experience, I find myself silly that I was so obsessed about doing certain exercises thinking that it would magically free me from the pain. So, I think this video is great. It's realistic. The best part is that the information in this video is evidence based. So, I really appreciate this video, it display realistic and simpler view of disorder. I wish this video gets lot of view, because I believe it can help lots of people who are suffering from Sciatica by allowing them to see their disorder with simpler and realistic view. Thank you for making and sharing such a great content.

[@E3Rehab]

Thank you for sharing, Philip!

[@gsingh30]

Agree with you Philip. Have had the condition recurring every year for the past 6 years. I too love how realistic the video is. It’s very refreshing to see, especially because it is backed by evidence based research. The condition doesn’t fit a certain mould as other videos out there might get you to think. You learn by your own experiences with the condition that trial and error’ing different approaches to see what works for you

[@songstofuckto]

Everything I see on this channel is so well done. Loved the humour in this video. The dog at the window..lol.

[@fabiomasini5674]

the dog cracked me!!!

[@mauriciotoriz1987]

Love seeing how much this channel has grown!

[@Theone.fitness]

Awesome content. Hats off!

[@CheburashkaGenovna]

Just love, love, love the formate !!❤ The clarity and the comprehensiveness of your content is second to none! 🤩

[@sallyalmosa3502]

Excellent and we benefit from you

[@wanri5393]

No nonsense, Honest information. Saved me from unnecessary appointments n expenses. Thank you. The world is a better place already with honest people like you. 👍👍👍

[@DLF-hj6rn]

Very nice video ty !

[@chrpanoussi]

Never have seen such a good professional as you!!! Really appreciate your videos🙏🙏🙏Grateful I found you!!!

[@jjwallasekar7798]

this is the best video on sciatica that I have come across on yt. well put together!

[@wanderingsoulenterprises5564]

Love your channel! Appreciate the research - and the jokes.

[@shapeurmind]

You cannot fanthom how much hope I have in improving my pain after watching this video! Thank you so much! I'll be implementing the core strengthening and other exercises! 🙏

[@petepta]

Wow. How refreshing to have a decent informative video. I like the fact that everything is referenced against medical papers that have done some research on the actual subject as well as the presenter says please check with your health care provider or professional for their advice. This is a good general knowledge video. Thank you so much for decent content.

[@gravel89-94]

Thank you for your videos! I found them really helpful

[@4upkoB]

Marc is the best. E3 rehab is the best source for the solutions on the problems i have )

[@maryanderson8746]

Excellent video! Much appreciated.

[@E3Rehab]

Thanks for watching!

[@thanhliemnguyen8721]

Thank you very much.

[@davidjanbaz7728]

As a PTA with 30+ years in the field, I had a ruptured disc and leg pain down to the toes. After 3 Epidurals to that area still could not reduce the pain meds from the nerve pain. I read a book by a PT , a Rhoads scholar and he suggested pumping the disc for healing. I did this at a Gym on a backextenion machine sitting sideways and doing high reps with bodyweight+ 10-20 lbs counterbalance. The pain went from 8- 9 with high meds to a 2 within two weeks and I was able to discontinue pain meds. The pain at 2 finally disappeared after 2 months. I still have some numbness at times in the toes but Lions Mane helps with this. Pain free after 10+ years and able to do high speed sprints again even at 67 years old.

[@whwhywhywhywhywhywhy]

isn't it crazy that we have all this technology and all these passive techniques to 'fix' our bodies problems but the best thing for it most of the time is to just load the effected area

[@davidjanbaz7728]

@@whwhywhywhywhywhywhy it wasn't loading but pumping the disc so healing could take place and take the pressure off the nerve that was very painful and it could go back into its proper space.

[@kxrsuperstar]

Can you share a video about this disc pumping exercise?

[@fouadi]

I have a sciatica, and some exercice help me tout reduce the pain, like a massage on the outside of my calf with a foam roller or a lacross ball helps me enormously: I feel reactions from my lower back (like a tight rope) and stretch my leg with a band to feel and find a full extension. Thank you for your video from Paris, France

[@charlespiette]

spot on!

[@kylecontreras8741]

Awesome video as always

[@E3Rehab]

Thanks!

[@VK-xu2xv]

Thank you!

[@user-hg7jz8vs8u]

these videos are great. it would be amazing if you could also provide a progression of rehab AFTER surgery like a microdiscectomy.

[@jro8503]

I love how the dog is demonstrating (something) too!

[@aapes-yx6ql]

Thank you for your videos.

[@E3Rehab]

Thanks for watching!

[@GQ-jv9uw]

Thanks alot

[@momonster3000]

Great informative video!

[@E3Rehab]

Thank you!

[@pierredelinois5819]

Excellent and super informative video! Thank you for this. Have been experiencing 6+ weeks of pain with no relief, and have been on the freakout train 🤣 This has helped clarify things, and calm me down lol

[@kallak9676]

Appreciate your efforts 💗

[@E3Rehab]

Thank you!

[@Fit360medellin]

Great video

[@kt83948]

very well done

[@E3Rehab]

Thank you!

[@kotd.game.center7091]

thank you for your gret video what was that “below knee pain” connection with sciatica? thank you

[@dregaus]

This is almost a good comprehensive video that I'd like to share with some people, but just as an idea it might be good to mention of central vs lateral canal stenosis and the difference between those situations vs disc herniation, and how we might want to take those into account as possible different origins of a similar feeling problem... and maybe even including the difference between lumbar origin vs peripheral nerve entrapment? I realize these might be outside the scope of this particular video but... Just an idea to include!

[@aliciagonzales8195]

Agreed walking is one of the best exercises another Dr. recommended floor exercise is - lay on floor with arms above head straight meet opposite foot with opposite hand touching in the middle with that particular exercise your basically working whole body other best floor exercise is the windmill for (pinched nerves) comes with sound effects just like rice crispy treats Thank you bird dog is as valuable as walking

[@Hello-gf2og]

I had sciatica and lower back pain I could feel literally in the middle of my lumbar vertebrae from about 7 years old through to young adulthood. All it took to remedy it was correct strengthening exercises and practicing mind muscle connection. Also stretching and being mindful of posture and body throughout the day.

[@volodymyrsymchuk6762]

I could barely walk for two weeks when a buldge occurred. After physical therapy trainings and 7 months of time I was able to run and work out again. Makes total sense to go though physical therapy instead of surgery

[@rangosantana]

One if the best physio Channels

[@E3Rehab]

Thank you!

[@ChannelMath]

How much (motionless) sleep is too much, assuming I exercise during the day? I sleep 12 hours/day. THANKS love the channel. It's helping me remember everything my doctors told me the first time I ended up doing surgery. it worked great 4 years but now it's back!

[@kbkesq]

100% this is the best video on the sciatica subject. I was surprised however to not see stretches like pigeon pose and variations.

[@whwhywhywhywhywhywhy]

stretching isn't very useful compared to the movements they suggested

[@thehunterofdeath2180]

I have chronic back pain for 10 years is know joke the pain I have nerve back n neck pain I like this video very good video I do a lot of walking help me but I still need to use medication for chronic pain if not I will not function at all because of the pain

[@RostamTorki]

Such a fantastic video. Clear, concise, based on the best evidence out there, and easy to understand. So good.

[@E3Rehab]

Thanks!

[@furqantayyabkiani]

You guys are gem

[@E3Rehab]

Thanks!

[@omaralaa6967]

Can you make a video about sports hernia rehab exercises and program ?

[@metalmet]

What's your opinion on Nerve blocks?

[@MrFallout86]

Honestly, this was one of the best breakdowns I've ever seen on the topic. Well done. Extremely informative. I am shocked how this doesn't have millions of views.

[@NasheerMohammad]

Hi Thanks for making video on this and explained it well. I have pain in right leg below knee. I observed improvement, after lifting right leg continuously for 2minutes from horizontal position. I did this for 5 days. Pain almost reduces below knee.But getting near right Can you please help to overcome this.

[@Loerchen]

I would like to know what exercise the dog is doing at 10:15. :D I think it could help immensely when having trouble with a stiff back.

[@UNTRAVER]

With so much junk information swarming the internet, it is gratifying to see such a quality channel dedicated to physical therapy and musculoskeletal disorders, and that they base their recommendations on scientific evidence. Excellent! Congratulations, you are a great channel. Greetings from Colombia.

[@E3Rehab]

Thank you!

[@UNTRAVER]

Gracias a ustedes @@E3Rehab

[@fitwu]

Love the explanation and approach. I'm a fellow PT!

[@E3Rehab]

Thank you!

[@BuffLightyear]

enjoyed your life as a PT student series when i was going through PT school a few years ago

[@fitwu]

@@BuffLightyear haha that's awesome!

[@Raeinok]

I've had sciatica like pain down my left side for 4 years now, after what originally appeared to be just IT band syndrome and runners knee. Sadly even after nerve block shots, PT, and seeing specialists none of them have been able to really tell me specifically what is wrong. I do have scoliosis due to a hemi vertebrae between the last to vertebrae which is causing my pelvis to lower on the left, no herniated discs or arthritis.

[@shubhamrana2556]

You've earned a subscriber with l5-s1 disc herniation that caused disc dessication

[@jeffy8088]

Thanks for your video, appreciate all the information. My lumbar spine or something always pops when i do lumbar extensions/ snake poses. It feels after right after. However this pops everyday and some multiple time a day. Could this be contributing to the sciatic pain?

[@samba5363]

Lumbar lordosis is flattened. Indentation of acuteschmorl nodule is observed in S1 vertebra superior end plate. There are degenerative signal intensity losses in L4-5 and L5-S1 intervertebral discs. Diffuse bulging is present in the L4-5 intervertebral disc. The thecal sac is slightly compressed anteriorly. Minimal diffuse bulging is observed in the L5-S1 intervertebral disc Mr result what exercises should i do

[@Kickboxer7267]

You should do a video how to prevent disc herniations

[@somebodyontheinternet1090]

It's say repeating good movements it's has the best results for me. Stretching increases flexibility but not particularly where it is needed everytime....most of the time stability and activation and proper form are the right recipe. The problem is the motions people do every day for work or their families ,need to figure out how to do things painnfree not just relieve the pain afterwards

[@duncanbowtell2607]

Great video. I have sciatica. It was terrible to begin with. I haven’t gotten rid of it but have it under control. I was interested about the bit which says you don’t have to avoid any exercise. My main thing is cycling, but mostly because when I run I get pain if I do so for any length of time. Do you think this is something I can overcome? I’d love to go back to playing football, or just being able to institute a run training plan.

[@E3Rehab]

I think being able to return to running is probably a pretty reasonable expectation.

[@Hello-gf2og]

By the way, another great video! Do you guys know about the channel MoveU? They also make really good content

[@gerrygizzygarcia2572]

I have herniated discs from L1 to L5 been like this over 2 yrs I'll look into this but any advice would be appreciated

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

When people talk about “slipped disc” maybe they are really referring to slipped vertebrae, i.e. Spondylolisthesis. Walking really is the best exercise. Movement is medicine.

[@Skovajs]

Really Great video. I believe a nice long term addition is something called evolutionary kinesiology. Its Great long term solution for herniated discs by dr. Vojta and Kolář. Basically its about going through The movement patterns from babies to adults.

[@dhineshkumars1991]

How do I safely find flexion as a exercise ,,,

[@ashmabaral7905]

Is my case called sciatica? Can this be cured? Please advise.. I feel hopeless.. 😔 MRI mentions "C4-C5, C5-C6, L3-L4, L4-L5 disc dessication, posterior disc bulge causing mild central spinal canal stenosis at the respective level seen (degenerative disc disease) , loss of lumbar lordosis noted"

[@shilpichakraverty1633]

can I consult you online?

[@David-1216]

You guys should make a video on a daily stretching routine to do in the morning, and one before bed. Could be amazing

[@aliciagonzales8195]

Athlean-x

[@whwhywhywhywhywhywhy]

there is little reason for the average person to be stretching at all, let alone every morning and night

[@rmrmrm868]

@@whwhywhywhywhywhywhy could you expand on this

[@slimphotog]

Is chiropractic useful? Or inversion tables?

[@E3Rehab]

No great evidence for manual therapy or inversion tables, but some people may report feeling better from them.

[@djVania08]

Should we try to go over the pain slightly when bend forward with straight legs? I have disc hernitation since 2 yo. It improved a lot but I still have one weaker leg over the other (probably connected to neurology) and also can't do full forward bends or such because the pain stops me. Would wanna know your opinion. Thx.

[@E3Rehab]

Have you seen a physical therapist? If you're still having weakness and pain, it might be nice to get some one-on-one guidance. I wouldn't be able to give you specific recommendations on here unfortunately.

[@djVania08]

@@E3Rehab I did the first year. Got some exercises, acupuncture helped to get me out of the worst state. Now I'm sort of coasting and dunno what to do next to get my function fully back. Still continue with the exercises though.

[@jimmahgee]

@@djVania08 Definitely worth checking in with your physiotherapist again.

[@j.alvare.z8902]

Ive had rly bad sciatica down both legs for 6 years but only got a left bulge on l4, Ive been exercising and doing traction as well for a while but ive never been able to get rid of the pain sadly, but im curious on how smoking impacts this, im a heavy green smoker

[@E3Rehab]

The research is related to cigarettes.

[@Anjanya1948]

What do you do if you have trouble walking? Can't really take steps without a walker. I dream of running but it aint gonna happen .. 😢😢😢😢😢

[@paul-ie]

Doesn't a disc "slipping" come from the idea that the stuff inside has "slipped" out (herniation)?

[@jeremy.lichtman]

Lmao 4:30 Great info as always! Thank you for providing concise, high quality content!

[@E3Rehab]

Stella is a great actress. Thank you!

[@patilnilesh9668]

I have disc hernitation is cycling good ?

[@E3Rehab]

I'm generally a fan of any aerobic exercise that feels good for the individual.

[@user-zk4dv2nx8k]

I sometimes get a stinging pain in my left lower back but no numbness ever . Should I be worried ? My dorsiflexion sucks tho .

[@E3Rehab]

Most cases of low back pain resolve on their own with time or respond well to conservative management. I'd recommend seeking out a physical therapist if you're concerned, though.

[@user-zk4dv2nx8k]

@@E3Rehab ohk , thnx . Appreciate the quick reply .

[@aliciagonzales8195]

Posture

[@moritzmichaelis6819]

@@aliciagonzales8195 what about posture?

[@aliciagonzales8195]

When I read your reply it sounded to me maybe your out of posture causing weakness which can cause vertabra to get out of alignment little putting pressure on nerve & yes it can cause different sensations I experience burning stabbing laceration frostbite tingling buzzing blunt force trauma lightning rod electric shock sensations

[@jamesvinson4387]

Is there a time limit for sciatica to fully resolve? LIke say if there is slow continued improvement for 1.5 years....can it continue to improve even after that? Thanks

[@E3Rehab]

I don't think there is a set time limit, but there are some individuals who report that their symptoms don't fully resolve. However, as a physical therapist, I am always going to try to help someone improve their function and quality of life regardless of time frames.

[@akshay6559]

can hearniated disc recover 100 %

[@linzhaoxu]

👍👍👍

[@bethreisman8869]

i keep noticing your knee bend moves out over your ankle. i thought this was an absolute no no. ?

[@harjeetsingh4971]

I m suffering from last three months

[@rd7068]

Exercise starts from 7:30

[@alakdan011468]

Smoking has nothing to do with sciatica.

[@Sykdude]

I would be pissed if I had to pay you just to tell me that I should go on a walk to not actually fix my pain issues.