Conditions we Treat
Disc Herniation
Introduction.
A disc herniation happens when disc material or inflammation irritates nearby tissues or a nerve root. It can sound alarming, but disc symptoms often improve without surgery. The priority is understanding the severity, checking nerve function, reducing aggravating load, and rebuilding confidence gradually.
What is it?
Spinal discs sit between the vertebrae and help distribute load. A herniation means part of the disc has moved or bulged in a way that may irritate nearby structures. The symptoms vary: some people mainly have back pain, while others experience sciatica-type symptoms into the leg.
Symptoms.
Symptoms can include back pain, leg pain, pins and needles, numbness, pain with sitting, pain when bending, coughing or sneezing sensitivity, and in some cases weakness. Urgent medical help is required for saddle numbness, bladder or bowel changes, progressive weakness, or symptoms affecting both legs severely.
Causes.
Disc herniations can follow a lifting incident, repeated flexion under load, sudden increases in training, prolonged sitting, or no obvious trigger. Disc changes are also common with ageing and do not always cause pain. Symptoms arise when the disc and surrounding nerve tissues become irritated and sensitive.
How we can help…
Treatment may include education, symptom-relieving positions, graded movement, advice on sitting and lifting, manual therapy when appropriate, and progressive rehabilitation. Treatment is adapted if nerve symptoms are prominent or highly irritable.
Rehabilitation and self-management.
Rehab usually progresses from reducing sensitivity to improving spinal motion, hip mobility, trunk strength, hinge control, and load tolerance. The goal is not just pain relief but returning to confident bending, lifting, work, and sport.
What to expect at your assessment.
We assess your symptom behaviour, neurological status, movement tolerance, and red flags. We will discuss whether imaging is indicated; many disc presentations do not require immediate scans unless symptoms are severe, progressive, or medically concerning.
What happens next.
You should expect a plan that explains what movements are safe, how to pace activity, and how to progress week by week. If your presentation suggests urgent care or specialist review, we will make that clear rather than trying to treat beyond the appropriate scope.