Lumbar disc herniation

A lumbar disc herniation — sometimes called a slipped or bulging disc — happens when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes outward and irritates nearby nerves. It can cause back pain, leg pain, or both, but here's the reassuring part: most herniations improve on their own over weeks to months, and surgery is rarely needed.

Physiotherapy supports recovery by managing pain, guiding safe movement, and gradually rebuilding strength and load tolerance. In this guide we cover assessment, pacing, and progressive loading for lumbar disc herniation — evidence-based guidance for clinicians and clear explanations so patients know what to expect through their recovery.