Herniated DiscSlipped Disc Treatment & Recovery

Disc material presses on a nerve—learn symptoms, causes and how physiotherapy helps recovery.

What is a herniated disc and how does physiotherapy help?

A herniated disc occurs when the inner disc material protrudes through the outer ring and can irritate nearby nerves. Pain may radiate down a leg (sciatica) or arm depending on the level affected.

Physiotherapy focuses on education, movement tolerance, and progressive strengthening. Many people improve within 6–12 weeks without surgery.

Your plan identifies easing positions, builds confidence with movement, and restores capacity with hip/core strengthening and walking programmes.

Typical recovery timeline

2–6 weeks: symptom settling and improved sleep
6–12 weeks: strength and walking tolerance gains
12+ weeks: return to higher loads/sport as tolerated

Understanding herniated discs

Common drivers

Lifting/straining with sub‑optimal technique
Repetitive bending/twisting and prolonged sitting
Age‑related changes and reduced activity

Imaging considerations

MRI is considered if significant neurological findings are present or recovery deviates from the expected pathway. Imaging findings are correlated with symptoms and exam.

Common contributing factors

Trauma

Falls, collisions or sudden forces.

Lifting

Heavy loads with poor technique.

Age‑related

Degeneration and reduced elasticity.

Repetitive strain

Repeated bending/twisting or long sitting.

What are the symptoms?

Primary symptoms

Back/neck pain local to the affected level
Radiating pain into leg (lumbar) or arm (cervical)
Numbness/tingling along the nerve distribution
Weakness in muscles supplied by the nerve

Functional limitations

Sitting tolerance, lifting and bending
Walking distance or overhead tasks
Confidence returning to normal activity

How can physiotherapy help?

Care focuses on education, movement tolerance and progressive strengthening to restore function and reduce recurrence.

Core components

Education, reassurance and flare planning
Easing positions and graded movement practice
Hip/core strengthening and walking programme
Return‑to‑work/sport progressions
Sleep and stress strategies

Effective treatments

Manual therapy

Soft‑tissue, mobilisation or traction as indicated.

Exercise therapy

Mobility and progressive strengthening.

Education

Load management and flare planning.

Lifestyle

Walking, posture and workload strategies.

What happens in a physiotherapy session?

Assessment reviews pain distribution, irritability and neurological status. Tests guide safe loading and progression.

Subjective: onset, aggravating/easing, sleep, work
Testing: neuro screen, repeated movements, function
Education: prognosis, flare plan, pacing
Plan: mobility + strengthening with milestones

Home work supports progress across 6–12 weeks with objective progression.

Can you manage a herniated disc at home?

Many can self‑manage with pacing, gentle movement and progressive walking/strength.

Ideas to try

Short, frequent walks as tolerated
Easing positions (e.g., lying with knees supported)
Gentle mobility in the direction that settles symptoms

Weekly progression example

Week 1–2: easing positions + short walks
Week 3–4: beginner core/hip strengthening
Week 5+: progress walking distance and strength

When should you seek help?

Urgent assessment

Progressive weakness, saddle numbness or bowel/bladder change
Severe trauma or unremitting night pain

Consult a physiotherapist if

Pain persists beyond 6–8 weeks
Difficulty with work or daily tasks
Confidence in movement is limited

Accessing care in the UK

Access physiotherapy via GP referral on the NHS, or directly through private clinics (often faster access). Insurance or employer plans may help with costs.

FAQs

Do I need a scan?

MRI is considered if neurological signs are significant or recovery deviates from the expected pathway.

Can I keep walking?

Usually—short, regular walks help build tolerance. Increase volume gradually.

How many sessions will I need?

Often 6–12 sessions over several weeks, tailored to goals and progress.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.