Herniated Disc Treatment

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer. This can irritate or compress nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that may radiate into the arms or legs depending on the location of the herniation.

Herniated discs are most common in the lumbar spine (lower back) but can also occur in the cervical spine (neck). While the term sounds alarming, most herniated discs respond well to conservative treatment — and physical therapy is consistently recommended as a first-line approach before considering surgery.

At The Back Clinic, our approach to herniated disc treatment focuses on reducing pressure on the affected nerve while restoring healthy movement and building long-term spinal stability.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Directional preference exercises — Specific movements (often extension-based) that help centralize and reduce radiating symptoms
• Manual therapy — Hands-on joint mobilization and soft tissue work to improve spinal mobility and reduce muscle guarding
• Core stabilization — Progressive strengthening of the deep spinal stabilizers to protect the disc and prevent recurrence
• Neural mobilization — Gentle nerve gliding techniques to reduce sensitivity and restore normal nerve movement
• Posture and body mechanics education — Learning how to sit, lift, and move in ways that protect your spine

Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation where your therapist assesses your movement, strength, flexibility, and neurological signs. This helps us determine the exact level and nature of your disc issue and design a treatment plan specific to your presentation.

Many patients with herniated discs begin noticing improvement in radiating symptoms within the first two to three weeks of consistent treatment. A typical course of care involves 8 to 12 visits, with the goal of full return to your normal activities.

Every session at The Back Clinic is one-on-one with your therapist — you will never be handed off to an aide or left to exercise on your own.