What Is a Herniated Disc (Lumbar Disc Herniation)?
The symptoms of a herniated disc typically arise from dysfunction in the nerves and/or muscle tissues. The condition occurs when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae in the spinal column become damaged, pressing on the nerves branching from the spinal cord to the body.
It’s important to note that not all lower back pain indicates a herniated disc. While common symptoms include radiating pain to the legs, numbness, and loss of sensation, similar signs can also be caused by other conditions, such as diabetes and circulatory disorders. For this reason, self-diagnosis should be avoided, and symptoms should always be evaluated by a qualified physician.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
The main cause of lumbar disc herniation is degeneration of the cartilage and gel-like tissue between discs, due to:
- Excessive pressure
- Aging
- Trauma
When the cushioning between discs weakens, the discs come closer together, and the nerves between them get compressed. As pressure increases, nerve function decreases. If not treated in the early stages, this can lead to permanent nerve damage and even paralysis.
Understanding the Spine and Nervous System
The spine consists of 24 vertebrae connected by cartilage, forming a flexible and mobile structure that supports movement. Between each vertebra lies a disc composed of strong, cartilage-like material, allowing for mobility and shock absorption.
Another vital function of the spine is to house and protect the spinal cord, which distributes signals from the brain to the body. When herniated discs compress the nerves, they can severely disrupt bodily functions and cause progressive symptoms, such as:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Limited mobility
Permanent nerve damage is often irreversible, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
While lower back pain is a hallmark symptom, it’s often accompanied by pain that radiates to the legs, typically described as a sharp, shooting pain.
Other common symptoms include:
- Loss of mobility
- Numbness or tingling in the legs and feet
- Muscle weakness
- Dull or sharp lower back pain
However, since these symptoms can also appear in other medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), a clinical evaluation is essential to rule out alternative causes.
How Is It Diagnosed?
A definitive diagnosis can only be made by a physician using medical imaging such as:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Other radiological tests
Self-diagnosis is unreliable, and timely professional assessment is key.
Herniated Disc Treatment Options
This condition typically requires medical attention and cannot heal on its own. Treatment may be surgical or non-surgical, depending on the severity. Surgery is considered only when conservative methods have failed.
Non-Surgical Treatment (Most Common)
Non-surgical approaches are preferred in most cases and may include:
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Postural correction
- Pain relievers and muscle relaxants
Apps like MoovBuddy provide guided video-based exercise programs to strengthen the lower back muscles and track recovery progress.
Want a personalized plan? Take the test and get your custom routine with MoovBuddy
Surgical Treatment
Surgery becomes necessary if:
- The nerve compression causes irreversible damage
- Conservative treatments are ineffective
Procedures aim to relieve pressure on the nerve by removing the herniated portion of the disc. In advanced cases, artificial discs or spinal fusion may be required.
Surgery alone is not a permanent solution. If patients return to poor posture or unhealthy habits, the herniation may recur. Only about 2% of herniated disc cases in developed countries require surgery.
Importance of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for herniated discs. It involves:
- Electrotherapy
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Postural retraining
However, it must be followed by regular exercise and behavior modification to maintain results.
MoovBuddy allows both you and your physiotherapist to track your progress through a personalized plan, helping improve outcomes and boost motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can Herniated Discs Be Treated at Home?
Yes—for early-stage cases. Home-based physical therapy exercises can be as effective as medication. Avoid any unscientific or unverified remedies, and always consult your physician.
2) Is There a Medicinal Plant That Can Cure a Herniated Disc?
No. There is no proven herbal remedy that can reverse a herniated disc. Some alternative therapies may help with symptom relief but are not cures.
3) Can Physical Therapy Cure a Herniated Disc?
It can significantly relieve symptoms and reduce the need for surgery, but its effectiveness depends on:
- Regularity
- Proper execution
- Physician consultation
4) How Can a Herniated Disc Shrink?
By eliminating contributing factors like:
- Obesity
- Poor posture
- Excessive physical strain
Exercise and physical therapy help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
5) What Should People With a Herniated Disc Avoid?
- Don’t sit on surfaces too high or too low
- Use lumbar support while sitting
- Avoid soft or overly firm mattresses
- Bend from the hips and knees, not the waist
- Carry weights evenly in both hands
- Avoid pushing/pulling unless necessary—push instead of pull
- Avoid reaching for high objects—use a step stool
- Avoid high heels
- Lose excess weight under medical supervision
- Follow your doctor’s exercise plan
Final Advice
For long-term success, refer to the Back School program developed by Prof. Dr. Şafak Sahir Karamehmetoğlu, which focuses on posture education and daily habits that protect spinal health.