The Biggest Myth About Herniated Disc Injuries | Pain Science Physical Therapy

[@taniavelasquez7921]

Finally someone NOT promoting misinformation! Thank you, well done :) more PTs like you are needed

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback!

[@sallyjono]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! My herniated disk has just recently healed after @ 2.5 mos. I’m back to walking a couple of miles and feel ready to go to 3 mi. I just tried a little light intermittent jogging with my walking. I’m still good. I’ve been so worried I might be pushing myself too much so I am so happy to hear this from you. I feel really healed and won’t worry any more. ❤

[@kace78]

Thank you! I love your simplicity and positive message! My Herniated disc is on the path of healing, and now I do have nerve hypersensitivity - sciatica. But week by week, I am better.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Glad to hear that you are getting better and better! Check out the nerve gliding exercises for sciatic symptoms to help with this pain if you need them.

[@chichkeno]

how are you now?

[@kace78]

@@chichkeno still have sciatica, nerve sensitivity. Not much improvement

[@washout04]

Thank you so much. This was a big comfort. I have two bulging disks with an annular tear. I’ve heard about my dad and my grandfather having a bad back and thought this was the start of some kind of family curse.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

So glad it was helpful!

[@rajashekharkarajagi6665]

I got my l5s1 disc herniated 12 weeks back and the same showed in the MRI. My doc prescribed pills I'm taking. I'm still off work and started walking. It hurts less. Now I wonder how long does the extrusion take? I'm diabetic and also have neuropathy. Is because of this am I healing slowly? Please enlighten me. ThanQ.

[@johnsullivan4238]

Spot on info. Thank you. I am a 56yr. M, and active ER nurse. Recent MRI showed severe age degeneration of L1-L5, with mild herniations. I have suffered from severe and debilitating sciatica after working 12 hr shifts. I am on a weight loss program and down 50+ lbs. I use supplements like collagen, niacin, all B vitamins, and seem to be improving. There is hope to be pain free without surgery and or injections. I have however, used Ibuprofen, ice, and lidocaine patches to help work through pain.

[@shahnilkhan1155]

Change your department you should join ward because in ER you have to be standing all long day and also you have to do lots of active work which can make the situation worse

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Sounds like you are doing a lot. Degeneration can exist without pain. If your job is stressful it can be contributing to the painful experience. Standing all day doesn't have to hurt. Sorry it took so long for me to respond to this.

[@Preeti-lw9jc]

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

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

Hydration is your best friend.

[@andyt4198]

Hi many thanks for the great info. About 9 years ago I was restoring an old floor on a derelict cottage. I turned to the right to pick up my hammer. A terrible pain went through my back like someone was stabbing my spine with a knife. I couldn't move at all. None were around to help a couple of hours later my wife came to find me. An ambulance was called. The MRI scan showed I had 3 disks bulging. After a week or so I gradually improved but every now and again it flairs up and I am in agony for a few days or more. Mentally I worry that it will happen again which I believe does nothing to help the problem I would love to get to a point free of the flair ups and free of the fear that it will happen again. Many thanks for the video. Regards from UK Andy

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Thank you for sharing your story. We now know that in that time that you weren't able to get care your nerves and nervous system were on high-alert protecting you. The hardest thing is getting that system to stop protecting when the tissue has healed. It sounds like you are headed in the right direction. I have faith that you can get to the place where the flare ups are less. Working on that fear will help a lot!

[@andyt4198]

Many thanks for your kind reply

[@meelauramee]

Thanks for this video. Now, would you be able to recommend what is best to do to help that disc heal? Like what to physically avoid or do to help that process? Also, what foods, supplements, or vitamins help a disc to have higher chances of healing ? Thanks in advance

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Great question-- honestly if you are a healthy human (non smoker, limit drinking or any drug use, exercise regularly) and have a healthy immune system (you heal within a reasonable amount of time from illness and don't require hospitalization to heal from illness) then the disc will heal on its own just like a cut or bruise. I don't know of any specific foods, supplements or vitamins that have been shown, through research, to accelerate this process or provide the optimum environment for healing. That being said- even the healthiest person might have some difficulty with disc healing. There are other biological factors (such as genetics) that can impact this process. Working with an attentive medical provider and PT should help you make it through the process. Sometimes patients benefit from injections and in cases where the disc doesn't heal and there is loss of sensation/ muscle strength, then surgery might be indicated.

[@alanpascoe5821]

Thank you for optimistic but realistic comments. Knowing I am holistically healthy apart from a herniated disc/stenosis gives me confidence the condition should heal thoroughly after 8-12 months.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Glad it was helpful. Hope you are continuing to note improvement.

[@frezer2043]

Thank you so much... It takes long time but it gets better.

[@okomosimon9941]

Hello Dr. Thank you for the comfort u gave me today. I just got diagnosed with a herniated disc. I was so afraid but now feel better. I feel small tingling and numbness on my leg. I can walk freely and do everything without any issue. I was given 4 injections. Do you think I'll be completely healed in the long run

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am so glad that the video was able to give you comfort. To answer your question-- most people recover fully from this injury and return to a fully functional life. Sounds like you are well on the way. Sometimes nerves can continue to stay sensitive-- if so then working with a PT who is trained in treating this type of pain will help it fully resolve.

[@mishaearle]

Omg. Nearly had surgery but because I didn't have funds, I was saved.😅 I'm so much improved. Had a sequestered disc.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Yay! So glad you healed and are feeling better.

[@outofonesmind6722]

So your disk herniation was on the last stage right. You are saying it's healed without surgery even though it was at its last stage? Please reply as im experiencing same

[@Eazyflea26]

How do you feel about intentional weighted spinal flexion and extension to help build up the spine resiliency? Lots of people doing Jefferson curls, lateral flexion and extension of the spine with seemingly positive results. Would this possibly be a nerve improvement or actual spinal strength improvement ?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

If the exercises are weighted then they are improving strength of the muscles around the spine but not having an impact on the bone or nerve structures themselves. This is without seeing how the exercises are being performed. I do lots of strength training for the back and core and I feel that these areas have benefited from this training. Especially when I am doing any kind of functional lifting (like lifting my dog or groceries).

[@snowps1]

I have two bulging discs and an annular tear. My therapist just started me doing Jefferson curls and after 2 days my back pain and sciatica are flared up.

[@GlobalWarming1845]

Great video and I’m really hoping you will respond! I herniated my L4-L5 and L5-S1 (7mm on the L5-S1) 4 months ago confirmed through MRI. At the time I could barely walk more than 30 seconds at a time without extreme pain and had almost no mobility. I did oral steroids and an epi shot plus have been seeing a McGill PT for the last 2 months. I do feel like my pain levels have decreased overall, some days my pain fluctuates around a 0-2 but tends to ramp up higher in the evenings near the end of the day. I’ve got small kids and it’s hard to not do certain things while helping care for them. I never experienced any major sciatica pain down the legs but really bad low back pain and hip pain. I’ve also had a tingle feeling in my left toes/foot for the last few months although no major numbness of weakness. The tingling in the foot is extremely annoying but I couldn’t imagine that would ever be a reason for surgery. My mobility still remains very limited and I feel like I’m never going to be able to bend again. My PT stressed proper Body mechanics but then I also wonder how everyone else on earth can bend and do yoga stuff but I’ll never be able to. I also miss running! In your experience are these still normal seeming healing path at 3-4 months or would that give you cause to consider surgery? Doesn’t the foot tingle insinuate that the nerve continues to be impinged?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

So glad things have gotten better overall. Regarding the McGill protocol-- this is a great strategy for early rehabilitation after disc injury but is not what you will keep doing forward. Stay the course and make sure to work with your PT on regaining all you prior function once things have calmed down quite a bit. Overall the healing process can take 10 mos so try to be patient with your body (not easy I know). You should be able to return to all prior functional levels. Regarding the tingling in the toes-- this should go away but if it hangs on then look to doing mirror therapy (ask your PT about this), Graded Motor Imagery and/or nerve glides to help this resolve. I also have some videos on nerve glides for the sciatic nerve. Check those out.

[@chrissowder6761]

i had a what i believe was a herniated disc unimaginable pain in my but and knee down to my toes six weeks ago,its all but gotten better but the knumbness is still in my toes, how long before the knumness goes away? thank you

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am so happy the initial pain has resolved. The timeline on numbness is not known. The longer you have pain the longer it can take. Since the pain resolved so quickly it might be only a few months before the numbness resolves. If it isn't getting better over the next few weeks then consult a PT who is familiar with Graded Motor Imagery and see if they can help you regain the sensation. Sometimes the brain simply forgets the foot is there and needs to be reminded.

[@neerureddy2656]

Hello ma'am, can you please tell me what happens to the extruded part of the disc (l2-l3)? Does it go back inside the disc or what exactly happens?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

The extruded disc gets resorbed by the body and the disc just heals up.

[@klassyken]

Great informational video, I am contributing on here to give others hope. This is my personal experience only not medical advice. I am on my 2nd disk herniation ( L5 S1) , lost the sensation in my right leg and foot the first time the disk herniated, and was in complete agony and basically disabled for weeks. However had significant improvements on week 8 onward after figuring out what worked for me. Keep hydrated, don't drink alcohol in excess ( i found 2 or more drinks made my pain worse), go on walks if you can, take Epsom salt baths, use a heat pack after a few days after the injury, lay on a firm surface to sleep, could be a firm bed, the floor or what ever works for you. Sleep on your front if you can with a pillow under your tummy to provide immediate relief. I don't like taking pharmaceutical drugs but i did take Tylenol and ibuprofen to get me through the first 6 weeks. Be very careful what exercises you choose to do some can make the symptoms a lot worse, and even cause further damage, (aka don't just google exercises to try) and this might be a good reason to get a very experienced physical health therapist. I am writing this from my floor laying on my belly (a thai cushion) on week 6 of pain hell of my 2nd herniation to the same disk, i am seeing results following what i learned form the 1st herniation. Lastly think positive, it feels like it will go on for ever and will never heal, but as the science shows most people recover without surgery. Surgery might be an option for you depending on your individual case, but it is not something I want nor wanted to have on my back.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@pattyboucetta1897]

I see a lot of people here describing a lot of remedies and I think if you just read Sarno’s book and stop believing the medical tests and the doctors you can heal.

[@mohanasharma352]

Hey klassyken,how's the improvement?

[@klassyken]

@@mohanasharma352 Thanks for asking I am at week 33 and able to almost everything i like to do again. Little to no pain most of the time, lower back is a little stiff in the a.m but im in a very good spot. Are you suffering with a herniation?

[@mohanasharma352]

@@klassyken yeah suffering from disc herniation too. Can you sit and travel for long hours and can you bend?

[@shinyedits]

Hello doctor I have back pain since 7 months I did mri a month ago coz I wasn’t able to sit one day Im diagnosed with l4l5 disc bulge and l5s1 disc protusion will I heal like before and how much time will it take does disc bulgel5s1 (protrusion ) go back if the annulus is intact please reply I’m very scared I’m 20 years old I had an accident 8 months ago

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am sorry to hear that. Disc healing takes about 9-10 mos. The disc doesn't move-- the inflammation around the disc goes down. I would strongly recommend working with a good physical therapist to help you fully recover from this pain.

[@shinyedits]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy thank you for the reply doc. I’m doing better now it’s been a month of physiotherapy and I’m getting better I’m consistent with the precautions and exercises my therapist told me to do pain is reduced significantly but I feel tight stiffness on my right side of lower back it’s been there since accident. one question always bothers me my pt told me not to lift heavy ever life long so will I be able to do so in future like maybe 2,3 years later and also the bending forward precautions how much long do I have to not bend u say 9-10 months so will I be able to get back to normal function like before.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@@shinyedits I would talk to your PT about a graded approach to lifting if that is possible in your situation. I don't know your specific situation or diagnosis so I cannot comment on your specific precautions. There are specific situations in which really heavy weight lifting is not recommended but that is on a case by case basis.

[@ידידיהצבע]

Hi I am 19 years old and I am suffering from l4 l5 herniated disc a year and a half now The first months were horrible with the sciatic pain but then finally it was gone after that I still suffered from back pains that made it almost impossible to seat down but also they were gone so finally after a year I was pain free because I took care of myself which means doing nothing but pt and swimming When the pain was gone I started being more active gradually and starting to live life again which means basketball games I skied twice and that’s it But after about five months with no pains (except for some couple-of days) I woke up and felt strong pain by noon I felt the sciatic pain and almost a month later I still have this pain can barely walk and stand only lay down and sit Now I am really curious about the surgery Because I want to live again and stop with doing nothing I’m 20 so will I heal from the surgery better than older guy’s? I’m from Israel and the DRs mentality here is to never do surgery only if you fully can’t do anything and you have problems with your bladder which is not my case But my case is neither as my friends which can jump play fall and feel great after that So I do believe that if I will rest again couple of months and not do anything than I’ll be fine But not doing something makes me depressed So what do you think? If I do the surgery do I have high percentage for me to heal and be 💯 precent normal Or will I be the same as healing with out the surgery and still have problems even though I did the surgery?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

There are times when surgery is appropriate. I like that the Drs in Israel are less likely to want to do surgery-- that is the right approach. On the flip side sometimes surgery is needed-- this is when you are losing strength in a leg or losing sensation or losing bowel/bladder control. Surgery is not something you can undo so there needs to be really serious indications for it. I would follow the recommendation of your doctors. Regarding the pain I would highly recommend you look into a PT who has education in pain science. I know that there are Israeli PTs who are familiar with this approach. I just don't know how you find them. Let me know how it goes.

[@mohanasharma352]

Hey,how's the improvement?

[@ידידיהצבע]

@@mohanasharma352 ups and downs

[@Preeti-lw9jc]

How are you now??

[@frankdatankallday4745]

So my injury happened March 26th 2023. Stabbing back pain at first. MRI in October showed 8mm central disc extrusion L5-S1 with mild right s1 nerve compression. Also gradually touches thecal sac. I have sciatica in BOTH legs. Im contining doing my PT but my feet are numb everytime i sit down. Why cant I get better?? Should i wait or do surgery? Im in such a mental and physical battle with myself.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am so sorry you are going through all of this. Nerve symptoms are really challenging. I cannot tell you what the right answer is since I am not your PT and haven't evaluated you. That being said-- talk with your providers if your symptoms are getting worse or not getting better. Also try some of my nerve gliding exercises for sciatic nerve symptoms and see if they help. If your symptoms are not improving then you want to talk with your providers about what your options are. Also if you don't already have a clinical psychologist that you are talking with about your pain then please look to get someone on board to help you with this process.

[@frankdatankallday4745]

@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy Thanks for the reply. I have a follow-up next Friday with ortho. Gonna see chiropractor Thursday as well, but unfortunately, I don't have much faith that's gonna "fix" me. Thanks again. I'll check out the videos.

[@earnnestreamz2601]

I have L4 disc extrusion of 13×10mm and L4 annular tear. With no significant compression. I m facing sometimes severe back pain like its in a specific vein and sometimes like something is tearing. Its from 2months on and off i m suffering . I m 30 years old. I m on medicatn just. How much tim it will take to be healed. My pain is on and off specifically whn i sit and do some work.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

So sorry to hear that you are struggling. The healing timeline is the disc will be 50% smaller within 2 mos and will heal completely by 10 months. This is variable and does depend on your overall health as a person but in general this is what MRI studies have found. Please work with a PT to help get you back to full function because they can address the nerve pain.

[@AMAIRA2023]

Hello Doctor, I had L2 L3 annular disc tear. I am having mild pain and discomfort on my left side of back since last 9 months. ALSO after long sitting, my left leg has some kind of electric shock kind of pain for small durations. But from beginning I am able to swim everyday. Whether I shall get rid of this issue, if so then after how much time? THANK U 😊

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am sorry that I didn't see this message before. Typically 8-10 mos of healing time for a disc. I would recommend looking at some of my nerve gliding videos for sciatic nerve pain to treat the leg symptoms.

[@personalinjuryshow]

Excellent information, thanks for sharing.

[@joemandarino9818]

I had a small herniated disc in my L3/L4 took about 6 weeks of pt/chiropractic care the. I returned to my bowling leagues 4 nights a week. 6 months later I’m on my healing journey with my 2nd disc herniation at the L5/S1 first MRI from my first disc herniation showed a bulging disc at my L5/S1. it happened back in the beginning of February 2024 i’ve had one round of injections. I do physical therapy and chiropractic care again it’s been a little over two months and I would say about 90% of my pain has gone away every once in a while I get some achiness, but I’m hoping by September I can get back into my bowling leagues and be able to continue on with life.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Glad to hear that you are on your way and returning to all function!

[@pattyboucetta1897]

100% right. Dr Sarno proved this decades ago.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Yep.

[@cryptoharald8273]

Hello, it will be 2 months since I received the treatment. 80 percent of my pain is gone. It is only in my lower back. Will this go away? Can an extruded disc rupture heal? What can I do for its recovery? I walk twice a day, every day, for 1 hour.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am really happy to hear that you have made such great gains. To answer your question about the healing of an extruded disc-- yes they heal. Sometimes it can take up to 10 mos for full healing to occur but it will happen. Keep walking and if the symptoms continue then work with a PT to add in some nerve glides and continue to work on decreasing nerve sensitivity in the low back region. You can check out my nerve glide videos for the sciatic nerve. Even if you don't have sciatic nerve symptoms these movements can help calm the symptoms down. Without evaluating you I am limited in what else I can offer you in terms of treatment. I would check back with your doctor and/or PT to continue to work on the healing process. Let me know how it goes!

[@cryptoharald8273]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy Thank you, but I don't have sciatica pain, I only have pain in my waist area. I'm wondering what supplements will help heal a ruptured disc.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@@cryptoharald8273 Good question. I am not familiar with any supplements that exist for this. I know that the best way to heal is provide a healthy environment and good blood flow (exercise will do this as will avoiding things like smoking). I would recommend checking with a naturopathic doctor to find out more about supplements.

[@coralthrive]

Love you so much!! God bless you ❤️🙌

[@mantyshub90]

Iam so worried i have ddd in my l5 s1 and buldged hernaited disc...its been 4 weeks of bed rest and mild activity.. i camt even sit on a chair will i get better over time.. or do i need spinal fusion

[@Mami22328]

Same here

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@davidlee I am sorry you are having all of this pain. What we know is that discs heal-- part of the reason there is so much pain in the area can be because of the healing process. Nerves are sensitive and the immune cells/ inflammation in the region can make the nerves even more sensitive. Make sure to connect with a physical therapist who can guide you along the healing process. DDD is very common and many people have this without any pain at all- I tell you this to let you know that this is not a dangerous condition but in some people disc injuries can be not painful and in others very painful.

[@mantyshub90]

​@Pain Science Physical Therapy I am still in the same pain as i was when i left my first reply i habe to see a neurosurgeon on 21st.. and have a ESI shot .. April 4th...and worreid it will worsen things

[@mantyshub90]

​@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy forgot to mention they said i habe beginning of osteoarthritis... and fluid around my spine and nerves at the l5 s1 ...thats like snake venom and its aggravating my lower back

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@@mantyshub90 I am sorry you continue to have pain but am glad you had the appointment with the neurosurgeon and a shot scheduled to help calm things down.

[@aashish551]

So how does the l4l5 disc bulge having leg pain numbness and weakness go. Does the leg pain n numbness subside first or does the back pain? My pain comes and goes but still have some numbness and weakness intbe leg after 8 months. Is this a sign of getting better or same or worse. Am confused if am improving n will it ever improve. Plz let me know ur thoughts doctor.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I apologize for the delay on responding to this. It varies from patient to patient. In general decreased leg symptoms before back symptoms but I have seen some patients who have the reduction in pain the other way around-- back pain less then leg pain. For some it is altogether. Hope you have been seeing relief.

[@yongteikseng]

l think l am having the same, how are you now, does the numbness n weakness go away? please advise.

[@muhammadsiddique544]

What is your opinion of shock wave therapy? It aligns the spine by 2°

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am not familiar with it. Alignment is a relative term. The spine is always moving.

[@abolfazl7144]

hi doctor is annular tear heal completely and become like the same after period of times , please give me an answer.. thanks 🙏

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

They might not heal but the inflammation around them goes down so they are no longer painful.

[@LevaniTavberidze]

I appreciate your work and especially that you're responsive for the comments below. here is my case,now I am 27years old. I had more than 1cm disk herniation when I was 23-24 years old. Doctor was shocked how I was able to even walk to the hospital for the MRI as I had no pain,I just had feeling that something was really bad inside my back. since that day of my herniation I never had specific pain or weakness but till today I feel something inside is not right,especially if I don't move for few hour my back goes very weak and I feel little pain(uncomfortable feeling I would say) I would say I have no pain but sometimes I really move like an 70yeals old man,but once I warm up I am like horse,I can play football or anything. so after 4 years it shouldn't have been gone completely? or its gonna stay like this? I had no surgery and its the last thing I would do.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am really happy that you haven't had any pain with this. Regarding the weakness, you are probably experiencing something we call "cortical smudging" which is when the brain and the sensory system get disconnected because of nerve injury/ irritation in an area. It is very common with low back pain/ feeling of something being wrong in this area. There are activities you can do to help reconnect the back and the brain. One of them is called lateralization and there are a few apps for this. I would recommend working with a PT who specializes in persistent pain and sensory issues. I have done this work with other patients who aren't having pain but will have muscle/ motor control issues and a general feeling of something not being right in an area. This doesn't need to be a permanent thing.

[@falanadhimkana8644]

Hello, i really hope you respond. I'm 25 and herniated a disc nearly two months ago. My GP didn't think much of it and let me go with a muscle relaxer and i continued bending , etc. Until the pain started to stay all night long and i started having some nerve issues. Saw an ortho surgeon and he put me on medicines to see how i was doing for weeks or so until one day i was getting in the car and had a flare up while putting on seat belt. Got an MRI and it was a mild disc protrusion at L4-5 and a diffuse disc bulge. I was on oral steroids and some nerve pain medicines with a 2 week bed rest. As of the last 10 days, i have been managing without medicines althogh i feel like i have some pains in my legs and back (not the centre but around the sides) and it feels like muscle ache or tissue (not like the back pain i had inititally). Similarly for legs, there seem to be some spasms but the pointed pains feel more like trigger points in the muscles. I am unsure as to how to proceed. Please guide.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am so sorry you have had such a rough go of this. Do you have access to physical therapy? Ideally it would be great to work with a PT who is familiar with nerve injuries so that they can help guide you back to full function. The good news is that the more herniated the disc the more likely it is to heal. I am surprised the doctor prescribed bed rest. Ideally we like to keep patients moving despite the pain. The research support this so I am hoping that you are continuing to work on gently returning to movement. What I am not able to do for you is assess all the things that can keep you flared up-- stress is one of those things. So working with a PT who is familiar with nerve pain would be your best bet. Other treatments that can be helpful include working with an acupuncturist who is good with nerve pain as well. Let me know how it goes.

[@falanadhimkana8644]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy thank you so so so much for responding. I started physiotherapy 10 days ago, can't tell much of a difference but I do feel more mobile. I've basically been doing the stretches and now some exercises like cat cow, SLRs, and something for the glutes. My physical tests for disc herniated come negative (like the SLR test) but I still have pains. My back has been feeling sore to touch and I am unable to understand if it's backache or from the stretches. Would you recommend I keep my activity levels up? I was asked to lay down whenever I feel pain. I have been pretty active before the injury. I am a dancer and would do strength training 3-4times a week. I'm so scared to even sit, so I am either laying down or walking around. When I sit thr right side of my lower back starts to hurt like an injury.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@@falanadhimkana8644 I am glad you have gotten in to see a PT. I would recommend you discuss your activity levels with the PT. Also as a dancer I would find out if they are familiar with looking for hypermobility. Many dancers are also hypermobile so it might be helpful to have someone who is familiar with this because this adds another layer to looking at your movements.

[@rajashekharkarajagi6665]

I had got my disc herniated about three weeks before due to fall. The pain in the bigening was localised to the right buttock .I got MRI and the same showed extrusion of l5 s1. I was flabbergasted and took the pain medications and other pills doc has prescribed. Right from the beginning I had no pain radiating to my legs. I thought some miracle happened and God has blessed me. Today I have only 5% pain left in my right buttock and hope that too would go away in a couple of weeks. I believe now " herniated discs do heal"!

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Yay!! So glad you are recovering well.

[@LKaramazov]

What about a thoracic disc and the nerve going to my ribs causes excruciating pain? Does that mean surgery?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I apologize for not seeing this message sooner. Typically I haven't seen patients need surgery for a thoracic disc injury. It can respond well to nerve glides. I would recommend seeking out a PT who specializes in chronic pain and has education on addressing the nervous system.

[@mikeclements4548]

I needed to here this thank you 🙏

[@milesnotmoralez]

Thank you for this!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@jessicaporter4194]

Hi Doctor, I have a herniated disk c6/7 for a month compressing nerve and spinal cord. Pain improving but numbness/tingling in fingers. Surgeon recommending spinal decompression. I'm confused as internet says 85% herniated disks heal but also says spinal compression does not heal by itself. If it is the disk compressing and that heals surely that heals the cord compression too? Any advice much appreciated ❤

[@earthman3000]

Sounds like me. It’s been three weeks so far. Pain is under the feet shoulder blade and left tricep by the elbow. Any form of PT hurts. How long for you? How long to it started to improve?

[@jessicaporter4194]

@Earth Man hey 👋 I'm 6 weeks in and feeling great. Almost no pain and numbing/tingling improving. First 2 weeks was agony. Couldn't even move/go to toilet, sit up, or stand up without it going from painful to excruciating. PT helped I think to relax muscles in my back that had become super tight to protect my spine. I had tons of activity in my body (spasms etc) first 2 weeks. Feeling super optimostic now that I won't need surgery even tho surgeon still recommends.

[@jessicaporter4194]

Pain was in shoulder blade, triceps, forearm

[@jessicaporter4194]

and neck

[@jessicaporter4194]

@@earthman3000 found a surgeon on youtube saying just rest first 6 weeks and physio after that

[@3tch3r]

Hmm .. 🤔 what if it has herniated finally for a 2nd time after 22 years? Can It heal again?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Absolutely. I have had many patients over the years who have had more than one herniation in the same area who heal just fine. Can you get a cut in the same place or break the same bone more than once? The answer is yes! And each time you can heal from the injury.

[@kristinomlor5580]

Does an annular fissure of the L5S1 eventually heal?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Hi Kristin. According to MRI studies disc herniations heal. I am not sure if this is the same as an annular fissure. Please check with your doctor on this.

[@aumnamashivaya4]

You just made my day and month and year and decade AND LIFE 😮😮😮😮IS THE INSTRUCTIONS 😅 ❤

[@ידידיהצבע]

So if I have pain down my leg can it still heal?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Yes it can! I get butt and leg pain at times and I self treat with stretching, nerve glides and self talk--it typically comes back when I am super stressed! Nerves are great communicators about what is happening in our bodies but they can get sensitive and respond to things that are not even dangerous.

[@a7echo]

I had a disc bulge at L5 S1 in 1986. Just had a lumbar spine MRI for a problem at L3-4. That disc at L5 S1 is still bulging and occasionally over the years I’ve had numbness in my little toe just as I did in 1986. But, the wicked sciatica I had in ‘86 has never come back.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

So glad the sciatica never came back!

[@ru2g0r15]

Does degenerative discopathy heal? Im 14 years old. Im in depression so hard.

[@vince1229]

If you immediately decompress your spine by hanging on a bar or pushing on a bench before inflammation happens will the disc go back in?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Hi Vince, the disc doesn't move or go in or out. Research doesn't support traction for low back pain or disc injuries.

[@vince1229]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy What about vibrating traction tables?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@@vince1229 PTs don't typically use these. I don't know of any research supporting these to help heal a disc but that doesn't mean there isn't anything out there.

[@neerureddy2656]

Hello doctor, recently I had a l2l3 disc extrusion shown in my MRI report. Will that disc get back to normal state? Specially in the case of extrusion. And I'm 22 years old

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Hi @neuru reddy yes, most of the time an extrusion will heal. It can take 9-10 mos for the full healing process to complete but that doesn't mean you will have pain the entire time. A lot of the pain that occurs is because of the active inflammatory response that is occurring in the area of the extrusion. Think of it as a cut that is healing on the inside. There will be lots of local inflammation in and around the nerves in the area of the disc that is healing. This can cause pain because of the nerves being sensitized to the inflammation. But the extrusion should heal on its own.

[@neerureddy2656]

Thank you ma'am, Also, whenever I lift one of my leg up, hold it for sometime, I hear a snap while Bringing it down.. somewhere in the area of lower back to thigh region..(not sure).. Can you please explain on this? Because I hear the snap/glide only only on the right side..

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@@neerureddy2656 Without evaluating this in person I am really not able to say what it is for sure. Common for us to notice (hear and feel) different sensations in the low back and leg with this diagnosis but again cannot say what it is exactly without seeing you in person. I would recommend working with a PT to have an evaluation seen.

[@neerureddy2656]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy hello doctor, can you please tell me what exactly happens to extruded part in mild disc extrusion case. Does that extruded nucleus remain like that outside the disc?? Or does it go back into the disc??. My doctor said it doesn't. If that is the case, how will the cut in disc close? Also I'm experiencing a pain through my legs.. can you please explain this to me? Thank you

[@vishalpandey1877]

@@neerureddy2656 How you got it bro?

[@Kraftravioli]

I wish I heard this before my surgery

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

So sorry to hear this. Unfortunately you are not alone. Hope you are getting relief and returning to function.

[@Akas410]

If a herniated disc is causing sciatica and numbness does that mean it can’t heal on its own?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

No it does not. All we know is that the nerve is irritated and this is most likely due to the healing process of the disc and the associated inflammation. Nerves really don't like swelling. It irritates them. Many times the disc will heal and the symptoms will resolve. Sometimes (a lot of times) the disc will heal but the sciatic symptoms persist. Treating the disc will not treat the sciatic symptoms in this case.

[@smith2186]

Hi mam my MRI report is showing i am having mild disc bulge without nerve compression or spinal canal and also i am not having sciatica but why I am having little back pain in sitting long ? i am just 22 and i really feel good when you talk

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Hi Smith, many MRIs of people without back pain will show mild to even severe disc bulging. This is a common finding. Not sure why you are having pain with sitting but I would recommend you see a PT to have this evaluated. Good luck!

[@deepakjha4552]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy UDY PROTOCOLS: SPIN ECHO T1 AND FAST SPIN ECHO T2W HIGH RESOLUTION SAGGITAL IMAGES OF CERVICAL SPINE WERE OBTAINED ON A DEDICATED SURFACE COIL USING 3.0 TESLA HIGH GRADIENT SYSTEMS AND CORRELATED WITH T1W AND T2 W AXIAL IMAGES. Clinical History: Neck pain radiating to bilateral upper limb FINDINGS: Levoscoliosis in the cervical region. Minimal disc bulge, early desiccation, small annular tear is seen at C3-C4 and C4-C5 level causing mild thecal sac indentation and foraminal narrowing with minimal indentation on bilateral exiting nerve roots at C3-C4 level. The AP canal diameter measures 11.2 mm and 11mm respectively. Diffuse disc bulge, desiccation, annular tear, reduced disc height, small protrusion is seen at C5-C6 level causing cord indentation with impingement on bilateral exiting nerve roots (L>R) without signal changes in the cord. The AP canal diameter measures 9.0 mm. Vertebral bodies are normal in height, alignment and signal intensity. Posterior spinal elements are normal. Cervical cord is normal in MR morphology. No evidence of altered signal is seen. Craniovertebral junction is normal. No evidence of atlantoaxial dislocation or assimilation is seen. Pre and paravertebral soft tissues are normal. IMPRESSION: MR IMAGING OF CERVICAL SPINE REVEALS

[@deepakjha4552]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy I m having neck pain and weakness of limbs for the last 7 months I tired PT as well Doing neck isometric exercises for the last three months but it has not got better Kindly let me know How to deal with it ?? I m really depressed 😔

[@sravans1019]

Bro how did it started imitially.. U lifted heavy weight or after a badfall.. I'm also xperiencing same after a badfall but my mri is normal

[@smith2186]

@@sravans1019 whatever the back issues it won't be forever, maximum it would take 7 months to get symptom free

[@jacobt5127]

I just dont understand, okay it heals but its weak after that meaning i cant go back to normal physical activity right? Like running tennis

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Not necessarily. Weakness can occur in the muscles that shut off from pain (abdominal and back muscles) or if you had a nerve irritation down the leg then leg muscles might be weak. Working with a PT you can get your strength back. But there isn't always weakness with this. Some patients feel weak but don't have actual muscle weakness. Hard to explain here but hope that helps.

[@aashish551]

I have bulgund disc in l4l5 and also in neck c5 c6 c7.. It's almost 8 months no answer. I had physiotherapy but that increases my pain . Helps with pain in my leg but it gives neck pain arm pain arm numbness. I don't have any answers. I can walk 20 min not more than that can't sit long time either.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@world I am sorry to hear that you continue to have pain without relief. Please check out my other videos and continue to work with your doctors and physios to get help. Also--try to look for a physio who specializes in chronic pain.

[@davidoliver3051]

Hello Doctor, I have not read all the comments but do take note of the number of times you have responded. If I may, in June of 2023 I started on a weight loss journey, not a for sale diet of sorts. My goal was to lose 64 pounds within 3 months. I just changed my eating habits. I met my goal, however, I ended up with a 10 day hospital stay for a massive gout attack. The pain was so bad I had to use a walker for 2 weeks after leaving the hospital. By the end of September I started to feel pain down my left leg, had X-rays of my hips (all normal for my age) and an MRI. The observations indicated L2, L3, L4 and L5 S1 were bulging. I have been to physio, chiropractic and osteopathic sessions to no avail. I am taking 60 mgs of morphine and 600 mg of Lyrica daily and not having a full pain free day. Do you think the sudden weight loss is connected to this; possibly instability of my spine? And do you think there is a possibility of the discs healing?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Wow I am so sorry to hear about all that you have been going through. I have not heard about a connection between weight loss and disc bulging. That being said the disc bulging really could have been there prior to you having pain. (images are usually not taken unless there is a pain complaint and research has shown that bulging discs are common in the general population of people who don't have pain). The discs will heal. What is possible is that the nervous system just went through too much in a short period of time. I am limited in what I can offer you without knowing your full history and examining you. However, I would recommend looking for a PT who is knowledgeable in treating patients with complex pain conditions and nerve irritation. Also check out some of my videos on chronic pain and nerve glides for the sciatic nerves to see if you can get some help there.

[@ANSARALI-rz7ft]

Mam my name is ansar im diagnosed l3 to s1 dics heriniation now 2 year after i barely stand or sit but i can walk. I have both leg ankle pain when i stand.. But the main problem is iam 22 i need to study or do some jobbss 😣.. But i can't. 1 weak the pain is normal im happy and another weak so much pain then i was so much anxiety and depression. My weight is 90 hight is 173 this is the reason its not improving please replay mam.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I would strongly recommend looking into working with someone who can help you through this process. Sometimes it is just too much to do on your own. I am sorry you are suffering so much.

[@furiousdoe7779]

Does spinal stenosis heal.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

This depends on the cause of the spinal stenosis. If it is due to disc bulging then yes it can heal. Discs heal so the spinal stenosis can improve. If it is due to bony changes in the spine then yes it can heal as well. Bone is living tissue and it can remodel over time and if you have a bone spur in an area that is close to the spinal cord or nerves then that spur can become smaller. I have had patients who had repeat MRIs that showed improvement in their spinal stenosis.

[@kingarthurusatenniscoach1415]

I am reading Dr Stu McGill and back mechanic,,, It explains a lot

[@vigneshwar.j]

I had l5s1 protrusion after 1year same result in MRI inbetween sciatica, it's may because of any deficiency or wrong exercise I am 26years old now

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

It is actually pretty common to find disc herniations/ protrusions/ bulging on the MRIs of people who are not having any pain at all. So having pain doesn't have to be directly from the disc injury. That being said-- there are some situations in which the protrusion doesn't improve and the pain doesn't improve and there is clear indications that one is causing the other (for example if you have an injection in the area of the disc herniation and for a period of time your sciatic symptoms improve this can be a diagnostic tool to help doctors know that the herniation is what is causing the pain). In those situations some patients benefit from more aggressive treatment than PT. Discs will heal just like any tissue in your body. Time of day that an MRI is taken and the position you are in can make a herniation or bulge look different.

[@erickloaisiga2616]

Why must of the orthopedists said disc never heal because doesn’t have blood supply ?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Good question-- it isn't true that they don't have blood supply. The outside of the disc has much better blood supply than the inside of the disc. It is possible that is what they are referring to.

[@rehanpathan9187]

Mam doe the disk goes back to its place?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

The disc doesn't move actually. It can get injured and really inflammed but it doesn't move. So typically what happens is that the disc inflammation goes down and that is how the disc heals. If the inflammation goes down then the nerve (or nerves) that are nearby calm down.

[@JoyceZxct-zg2qr]

I love you a lot you just gave me hope ♥️♥️♥️

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

So happy to hear it.

[@jimbochino1777]

Hi doctor, I’m a 40 year old male in the uk and I was told I herniated a disc in my back early November 2022. I really thought I was getting somewhere until around 6 weeks in, I don’t get the sciatic leg pain as bad thank god as that was unbearable. But I’m still getting various symptoms of lower back pain, tight piriformas, pins and needles in leg. I’m on a physio plan, but as no X-ray has happened so far, I’m scared about my long term future. Any advise would be hugely appreciated

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am so sorry that you have been going through this but glad to hear that it has gotten better. I would check out my video on nerve glides for sciatic nerve symptoms-- that should help with the symptoms that you are having. It takes a really long time for nerves to calm down after they have gotten sensitive. As the tissue heals the nerves can stay sensitive because of the all the inflammation in the area. Nerve glides, gentle cardio (like walking) should help. Keep going to PT and working with your therapist. Stay strong! You are almost there!

[@georgealberto1985]

I'm 37 I'm in the UK too and have some sort of bulging disk and been going on for like 3 months now. Been doing Stretches that help to a certain extend. But pretty much have the same symptoms you have.

[@israasaad244]

Hello doctor, I hope you have time to respond to me because I need hope I’m 25 with herniated disc in L4 L5 when I got diagnosed every one stated to tell me I’m sorry for you , you still don’t have kids you’re too young for this then I start experiencing panic attacks I’m overthinking especially because I’m about to get engaged Now 3 months after the injury I’m exercising every single day and I go swimming 2 days a week In the beginning of my injury I never had a Sciatica pain but when my doctor cut my pain killers saying I don’t need it anymore I started to have Sciatica pain Then I started to do some exercises to reduce the sciatica pain and improving my back muscles My question is will I be able to have kids and forget this pain one day ? Will be normal agin ? Can I work on my computer again especially that I’m an entrepreneur?? My doctor say don’t sit over 1 hour don’t bend down don’t stand for long Dont don’t don’t… are these things forever? I’m experiencing a panic attack while I’m writing to you ..

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@Israa Saad First of all I want you to take a moment to breathe and celebrate all the wins that have happened since your injury! You are back to exercising and swimming-- these are signs that you are healing and your nervous system is calming down. It is very common for some pain to increase when medication has tapered off. (Check out my nerve glide KZbin video for sciatic pain to help with this). Anxiety is normal when you have pain and it is normal when you have gone through something traumatic. When you are recovering from an injury for a period of time it is common to back off on activities that are aggravating until the nerves calm down but eventually you will be returning back to normal activities. Please make sure you ask your doctor to send you to PT. In fact most insurances will allow you to go without needing a referral from your doctor. In PT your therapist will evaluate what you are feeling and will guide you in returning back to all movement. Disc injuries are NORMAL and THEY heal. You should be able to return to all the activities and life experiences you want to participate in.

[@hindasad8745]

Hi Israa hope u doing good I'm in same pain w u but mine with nerve compression mentality I'm the same I had in addition L5S1 and in total they gave me moderate stenosis so far I'm in 9 months pain and nerve problems and keep doing everything I even had epidural steroid injection all in all I'm about 75% better still having nerve problems my pain gets better I exercise like u even swimming I saw Dr she gave me same attitude about having kids and then I met a woman who had 3 herniated disc and even she broke one of her vertebrae bone and had a baby after 2 years she told me that she had mild pain during her pregnancy and that it so keep it up and try to be positive and patience which easy to say more than do but it's not life sentence it will go away we will getting back to normal again so please try to feed ur brain that in order to give you strength.

[@nadarauf1522]

@@hindasad8745 great !!! Always feed your brain with positive things..!! It will work more than medicine n other treatments

[@GreysonCalem]

@Israa Saad Hi there. I don't comment a lot on KZbin but saw your post and hope to give you some encouragement! I was 15 when I was first diagnosed with L4L5 disc herniation. I was devastated. The doctor basically told me to live as much as a normal life as possible because by the time I'm 30 I'd be lucky to play with my kids in the back yard. I was a HS athlete and spent all of my free time being active (I played every sport and some outside of school) to all of a sudden spending most of my time on the couch hopped up on pain meds. My sciatica was so bad I couldn't stand straight, I had a noticeably horrible limp, and everyone in school called me "grandpa" because I had an old man back. It took me years to find hope. I'm now 26 and on a regular basis participate in full contact sports with little to no issues. What I'm going to tell you might make you or others mad because that's how I first wanted to react. But to anyone who will listen I would encourage you to work on your mental relationship with your pain. Our bodies are smart. Smarter than we think. When we experience an injury our body wants to protect itself. Hence the pain you are feeling. This pain can continue as a learned behavior even after healing has begun. My advice would be to meditate (I know I know sounds corny) and practice affirming that you are safe and that there is nothing abnormal with what you are experiencing. Thank your body for keeping you safe. Obsess over this so that you believe it! And Keep moving. Movement is medicine! (Obviously don't do anything past what you are capable of or that exacerbates the pain. Make sure you doctor says you're good) But when you exercise remember to keep telling yourself that you are safe! That this is healthy and promoting further healing. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. Don't give up. I am living proof that there is hope on the other side, and believe me, you will not believe how much stronger your body and mind will be when you get there. Much Love.

[@petebarber6778]

clarity.....thankyou!

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Liam-ho9du]

Hey, I think I have a disc bulge. But bassically I have slight pain in my lower back, more of a pressure feeling most of the time, but I have worse pain in my left foot mostly left big toe. It’s very annoying because I don’t feel pain whenever I do stuff like running sitting or whatever but after I’m done I usually feel a lot of pulsing pain in my left foot. Also when I walk my hips feel more and more sore. All symptoms have just been progressing anyone know if this is a disc bulge. The moment the disc bulge happened I didn’t really feel pain until 3 days later in my left foot.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am sorry that I didn't see this message before. Have things improved since you wrote this comment?

[@Liam-ho9du]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapyYeah they’ve improved a lot, it was a very hard time when I wrote that comment. I’ve had an mri done and turns out I had no signs of disc injuries or any injuries. I still have slight residual symptoms but it’s improving still. It doesn’t hinder me in anything anymore. However I’m still undiagnosed and don’t know what I did to myself, my best guess is I must’ve strained my whole nervous system which lead to peripheral symptoms. I’m grateful however that I can return to physical activity.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@@Liam-ho9du I am happy to hear that you are doing much better. A really big emotional stressor can lead to something like this. It is not the only thing but definitely one of the common themes I have seen in my patients. Glad things are better though and you are able to be active.

[@CM02997]

I herniated a disc at age 34, 4 years ago. I couldn't move from intense pain. Attempts to move hurt like hell. I then had sciatica for most of a year. Had to kneel at my desk too for nearly a year, as sitting was too painful. Took a year to be able to walk 2 miles without a lot of pain. The lower back pain became chronic. I've seen 7 different physios and tried everything prescribed, without resolution. Nearly 2 years ago, during a period of walking more than usual, the pain started to refer to my groin/thigh. The main trigger for the back pain and now groin pain is the same, slow walking or standing. The groin pain became so bad that I ended up limping and was barely able to walk at all. I still haven't received a diagnosis because our health system in the UK likes to send people in circles, a circle of different physios, and is completely against doing scans to investigate the problem. Now 4 years on, and I'm getting bursts of intense, sharp pain in my lower back when I try to squat with a low amount of weight. This pain is new and occurring with increasing frequency every time I try to squat, had to lay of squatting for now. I tried to move a chair and the pain happened. This is a nasty sort of pain, which is coming on in a sudden instant when I try to lift anything. It is sudden, sharp and intensely painful, and then it passes quickly as long as I immediately stop what I am doing, and don't try further, or it happens again. I don't know what is wrong with me. I still have no diagnosis.

[@jbarrera638]

Ceci Morgan it seems like you are getting muscle spasms in your low back from the herniated disc . I myself herniated l5/s1 about 2 years ago. I’m going much better now. I would recommend based on my recovery (not a doctor) to check out the book “back mechanic” by dr Stu McGill. That would help out more than the medical system . There’s light at the end of the tunnel you just need to get on a good recovery plan! Pretty much you have to strengthen your core and have perfect back hygiene. Bend at the knees. Use your hips and not your back. Walk 3-4 times a day. 10 minute walks(try to speed walk) as slow walking puts more pressure on discs. YOU will find all this info in the book back mechanic!👍🏻

[@ChrisEzio]

You need survery

[@NikhilKumar-le2rp]

Stop squatting, Bending forward, reach out to a neurologist immediately & know one thing, you have overcome many difficulties & you will overcome this too... Even I am suffering from severe disc herniation hopefully will be getting better soon.. 🙏

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am so sorry that you have been suffering with this for such a long time. Without seeing you and evaluating you it is really tough to know what is going on. My first question is how heavy an item do you need to lift to have pain come on. Is the pain in line with the activity? For example-- if you lift up something really light does the pain seem exaggerated for the amount of work you did? Do a little research into nociplastic pain. Look up hyperalgesia and allodynia. Also talk with your primary doctor about finding a PT who specializes in treating persistent pain using pain science. There are many resources out there for people with persistent pain. Check out the Curable health app. If you start listening to the podcasts and they sound like you then it might help.

[@aashish551]

​@@NikhilKumar-le2rp seems lik u r from India. Am suffering from the bro almost 8 months now. It's a hell ride unable to function

[@roopa9550]

Hello Doctor. Could you please advice on how to deal with cases where the disc has healed but the nerve sensitivity/pain memory is causing chronic pain?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Hi Roopa. Such a good question. To start with I would recommend finding a PT who specializes in pain science to help assess all the different factors that continue to keep the nerve sensitive. If that is not an option then there are lots of wonderful resources to help calm the nervous system. I would recommend checking out some of my other videos that address nerve gliding exercises and pain education.

[@hover_roller_balance_boards]

Not true for everyone. I had a herniated C5-c6 mri with severe damage. I had numbness in arm and pain for 14 yrs. Tried every form of PT. I own 4 versions of teeter and got 15 y straps from top chiros in CA. Later got a microdisectomy and found out that the crab meat stuff that comes out after a tear stuck or fused onto my spine causing pressure. There is no fix for that except to surgically remove it. It like trapped in there. Now I feel so much better and would have suffered my entire life unless I got surgery. Research posterior endoscopic microdosectomy. Only 3-4 surgeons will do it in the US. Takes Jedi level skill to do. Stay away from ADR and fusion if you can.

[@hover_roller_balance_boards]

Not to say you can’t heal a disc herniation. But in some cases if the material fuses or bonds to the outside of spine there is no natural cure. That’s what I learned the hard way but hope to educate others.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@@hover_roller_balance_boards You are correct. There are times that surgery is necessary for patients and I am really glad that you are feeling better after yours.

[@FeaROn3]

I’ve had a herniated disk for 14 months it’s a 10.5 cm in size . The pain is minimal like a 3 or 4 throughout the day . Do you think surgery is needed ? Or shall I just continue to do physical therapy will pain ever completely go away or it’s something I have to deal with forever ?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Hi J. I am really glad that your pain is minimal throughout the day. That does not sound at all like a reason to have surgery. Usually surgery is recommended for significant loss of strength and/or sensation and limited function. The pain should go away as the nerves calm down. I would recommend staying the course with PT. And maybe incorporate some pain science education to help address the nerves staying sensitive.

[@FeaROn3]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy thank you so much for your response !

[@steveben6475]

Hi I had a herniated disk of about 8mm 2 months ago. I've been having pain sometimes on my left leg or my right leg but I don't have back pain anymore. Am 25 years old and I was wondering if I will have pain for the rest of my life? If not what should I do to expedite the healing process?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Hi Steve, I am so sorry that you are having so much discomfort. So a few things-- the disc is typically 50% smaller within 2 mos and then slowly continues to heal over the 9-10 mos time. The process is going to take as long as it needs to but your pain is the main concern you have. The nerves are still sensitive and that can continue for a while. You will most likely not have pain for the rest of your life. I would recommend you check out my video on Sciatic Nerve glides and every time you feel the leg symptoms do those. The nerves are just telling you they are sensitive when the leg pain occurs. The disc can be completely healed but the nerves can still stay sensitive. Doing the nerve glides should help reduce their sensitivity over time. The most important thing you can do is continue to move. In fact a brisk walk every day brings blood flow to the healing and sensitive tissues which helps to facilitate healing. Let me know how it goes.

[@steveben6475]

Thanks for the reply yes I've been getting better. I go for hikes long as I want. I climb 10 floor of stairs everyday just to strengthen myself. I have pelvic instability so I am trying my best to get in shape. Hopefully I'll get better and update you on this.

[@cryptoharald8273]

​@@steveben6475 How are you now

[@SmileyTheAxolotl]

Thank you! I'm dealing with a protruding disc causing unbearable sciatica for the past 3 weeks and I I'm hopeful at some point it'll heal. 🤞

[@eddybrevet6816]

Los, 10 years herniated disc gone by traction, decompression, 3 months, crutches 2 get around, hit again, 5 years on, neglected stretching , this time, 4 months shooting pain by movement went away, soreness , 3 years later, minor irritation, shoving snow with no increase of irritation

[@SmileyTheAxolotl]

@Eddy Brevet I really hope I'm able to heal from mine, too. The pain just wears me down mentally and physically. Your reply gives me hope. Thank you.

[@eddybrevet6816]

@@SmileyTheAxolotl here r some tips, 2 hold feet most comfortable found is car inner tube, tied in middle, loose 2 ends of bed post, 4 example, then tied in middle, stick feet in, holds swell, elevate foot of bed 2 get stretched, flex feet against resistance, is helpful, I think , I take , chondroitin, glucosamine , good luck, beat hell!

[@andsoistopped]

What’s the difference between a bulge and a herniation?

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Super good question. A bulge is much smaller than a herniation and with a herniation the central part of the disc (nucleus pulpolsus) will push through the inner rings of the annulus which is the thick fibers around the outside of the disc. This doesn't mean that the central portion of the disc is pushed all the way through, that would be an extrusion.

[@anhadroopsingh2610]

Thank you ma'am for providing such important information ❤

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

My pleasure 😊

[@angelenathompson744]

Great ness

[@Piotrek1985]

Yeah yeah blah blah what a load of crap… I injured my disc with a a hernia ten years ago… Never healed, constantly in pain

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am sorry that you are still in pain. Have you had a follow up MRI that shows the disc never healed? Tissue healing is different than chronic pain. Your pain is real and can be due to nerve sensitivity in and around the area of the original disc injury. It doesn't need to be due to a disc still being injured.

[@Piotrek1985]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy The disc is still pressing on the nerves causing pain. It intensified when I sit.

[@vince1229]

People going back to exercise too early without medical clearance doesn't help.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Hi Vince, If the medical doctor is recommending rest for back pain this is no longer supported by research findings as best practice. In other situations (such as surgery) then medical clearance/ guidance for return to activity is important. Working with a medical provider you trust is always a good idea when recovering from an injury.

[@vince1229]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy I mean "gym" exercises. Ronnie Coleman went back to heavy weights a week after herniating a lumbar disc playing college football and did his entire Mr. Universe career without letting it heal.

[@toddsutton5672]

that may be true but as i have had to do is to continue the same type of work which is hard on the low back they never healed or continuously reinjured. blew mine out in 88 still bother me to no end some days i can hardly walk. and i have been retired for 5 years.

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Sorry to hear that you have continued to have chronic pain since the original injury. Quick question-- have you ever had any other tissue injury in or on your body that you disrupted the healing process but the tissue still healed? (an example might be a cut on your knuckle). Even if a bone is healing and the process is disrupted, the body still continues to heal. The bone may heal in a different shape but it will heal. We know that this is true for most all tissue in the body. I don't know your specific case and have not seen your imaging studies, but the research around pain is very clear-- even if the tissue has healed the pain can still continue. If we treat the pain as it is coming from the tissue and the pain doesn't get better it might be that the tissue isn't the problem. Pain is complex. Working with providers who also look at your nervous system would be a good first place to start.

[@joshuaapple1322]

Good info but I’m still having symptoms after 2 years. I had no pain for over a year with an epidural after that it’s coming back. Had burning pain started in October again for 3 weeks but that went away. Bummer thought this was behind me

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

Hi Joshua. So sorry the pain has come back. However, the pain coming back doesn't mean it is coming from the disc. If you get a chance to check out some of my other videos-- they go through what pain is and why it occurs. Pain can come back due to complex neuroscience that actually has nothing to do with the tissue itself.

[@Fukiran7]

Despite the pivotal role intervertebral discs play in spinal function, their access to the blood supply of the body is nearly nonexistent. Each disc absorbs the nutrients they need by means of osmosis. It is this reduced blood flow that makes discs vulnerable to damage and slow to recover and heal from injury.

[@KoRtExXx]

well, for me it's not healing, pain is getting worse, and Mr showed same as 2 years ago

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

If pain is getting worse and MRI is the same then it is possibly not due to the structure. If possible seek out a PT who treats nociplastic pain. This is the pain that the nervous system creates after a nerve has been irritated for a long time. Treatment for this is different than treating the tissue based pain when a disc if first injured.

[@sravans1019]

Hi mam. My mri is normal. It did not show anything.. Also after an accident they took ct scan of spine and it also came out normal. But I'm having backpain when sitting.. I'm really depressed I have been to pt nothing works for me. I'm now doing ayurvedic treatment hoping one day i ll be pain free.. I'm only 20 yrs old. This backpain starts affecting me like I'm 60 yr old. Can't sit or stand for too long.. Plz help doc 🤍. . Initially the backpain started after a badfall on my back. Now it's been more than 3 yrs.. Plz help doc . It would be great if u can help me diagnose the reason of pain. 🥲

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

I am so sorry that I haven't responded to this message. I hope that things improved. Working with a PT who specializes in persistent pain would be good. The good news is that the MRI was normal. After an accident it is not unusual for pain to persist.

[@sravans1019]

@@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy mam my pain is ok now atleast i can manage the pain. Everyday I do core strength exercises. Now. Ut really helped me. But not completely pain free. I'm doing good now 😇..

[@PainSciencePhysicalTherapy]

@@sravans1019 So happy to hear that!