Disc Herniation – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
A disc herniation happens when part of a spinal disc pushes out of its normal position and may irritate nearby nerves. It most often affects the lower back and neck, and many cases respond well to conservative treatment – physiotherapy, manual therapy and the right exercises.
What a disc herniation is
Spinal discs are the shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Each disc has a tough outer layer and a soft gel-like centre. In a herniation, part of that gel pushes through a weak spot in the outer layer and can press on or irritate a nearby nerve root. It most often happens in the lower back (L4–L5 and L5–S1) and in the neck.
A herniation on an MRI or CT scan is not always the cause of the pain – many people with no symptoms also have disc changes. That is why treatment is based on a thorough clinical assessment, not on the scan alone.
In most people symptoms settle gradually over weeks to months, and the right movement and therapy make recovery faster and safer. Surgery is only considered in a smaller number of cases – with severe neurological symptoms or when conservative treatment has not helped.
Common causes
- lifting heavy objects with poor technique
- prolonged sitting and weak spinal stability
- age-related degeneration of the disc
- repeated bending and twisting
- excess weight and low physical activity
- smoking and family history
How it feels
- pain in the lower back or neck
- pain travelling into the leg or arm
- numbness or tingling
- muscle weakness in the leg or arm
- pain that worsens with coughing, sneezing or sitting
- stiffness and limited movement
How we can help
We start with a thorough assessment to find which movements and positions aggravate your symptoms and which ease them. We combine manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and physiotherapy equipment to relieve pain, and return you to full load step by step. If the assessment shows signs that call for a neurologist or neurosurgeon, we will refer you in good time.
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent medical care for sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or saddle area, rapidly worsening weakness in a leg or arm, or severe pain after an injury. These signs need immediate assessment.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.