Lumbar Disc Bulge & Herniation in Mona Vale
Lumbar disc bulges and herniations are common findings that can sometimes contribute to low back pain, leg pain or nerve symptoms. At Helix Recovery, we assess your symptoms, movement and function to determine whether the disc is likely to be contributing and develop an appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan.
What is a Lumbar Disc Bulge & Herniation?
The discs between the vertebrae of your lower back act as cushions and help distribute load through the spine. A disc bulge occurs when the outer portion of a disc extends beyond its usual boundary, while a disc herniation involves displacement of the softer inner disc material.
Disc changes are common on MRI, including in people without pain. When a disc does become symptomatic, it may cause local low back pain or irritate a nearby nerve root, resulting in symptoms travelling into the buttock or leg.
Common Symptoms
Low back pain or stiffness
Pain into the buttock or leg
Pain aggravated by certain movements or prolonged positions
Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
Reduced tolerance for sitting, bending or lifting
Occasionally weakness in the affected leg
How We Assess a Lumbar Disc Bulge & Herniation
Disc bulges and herniations seen on imaging do not always explain a person's symptoms. Other structures in the lower back can produce similar pain, so we don't rely on an MRI finding alone.
Assessment may include lumbar movement, neurological testing, strength and reflexes, nerve tension tests and movements or positions that reproduce or relieve your symptoms.
The aim is to determine whether the disc or an affected nerve is likely to be contributing and identify the factors we can address through treatment and rehabilitation.
How We Treat a Lumbar Disc Bulge & Herniation
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Exercise rehabilitation
Strength and mobility exercises
Activity and load modification
Gradual return to work, gym or sport
Education and self-management
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Not necessarily. Disc bulges are very common and can be found on MRI in people who have no back pain at all. Imaging findings need to be considered alongside your symptoms and clinical assessment.
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Many symptomatic disc herniations improve significantly over time, and herniated disc material can reduce in size naturally. Treatment usually focuses on controlling symptoms and progressively restoring movement, strength and activity.
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Most people with lumbar disc herniations do not require surgery. Conservative treatment is usually appropriate initially, although significant or progressive neurological symptoms may require further medical assessment.
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In most cases, yes. Exercise is usually an important part of recovery. The type and amount of exercise should be matched to your symptoms and gradually progressed as your tolerance improves.
Common Questions
Get Your Back Assessed
If persistent low back or leg symptoms are limiting your work, training or everyday activities, we can assess what's contributing and develop a treatment and rehabilitation plan.