A lumbar disk herniation — also called a slipped disc, ruptured disc, or disc bulge — is one of the most common causes of lower back pain and leg pain (sciatica). It occurs when the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through the tough outer layer, pressing on nearby spinal nerves.
What is Lumbar Disk Herniation?
The lumbar spine (lower back) bears most of your body's weight and is subject to significant mechanical stress. Discs act as shock absorbers between vertebrae, but with age, injury, or repetitive stress, the outer fibrous ring can weaken and allow the inner gel-like nucleus to protrude. This herniation can compress or irritate adjacent nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates into the legs.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp or aching lower back pain, often on one side
- Radiating pain, numbness or tingling down the leg (sciatica)
- Muscle weakness in the hip, thigh, calf or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending forward, or coughing
- Pain relief when lying down or walking
- Difficulty with daily activities such as standing, walking, or lifting
Common Causes
- Age-related disc degeneration and loss of disc hydration
- Sudden heavy lifting using improper body mechanics
- Repetitive twisting or bending movements
- Prolonged sitting or sedentary work habits
- Excess body weight increasing lumbar load
- Trauma or injury to the spine
- Genetic predisposition to disc disease
Treatments at Woodbridge Rehabilitation Centre
Our multidisciplinary team creates a personalized treatment plan based on your specific presentation, health history, and goals. The following therapies may be recommended individually or in combination.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Specific, gentle spinal manipulation techniques are used to relieve pressure on affected disc levels, improve spinal alignment, and reduce nerve irritation. Our chiropractors tailor each adjustment to the specific disc level involved.
Physiotherapy
A structured rehab program including lumbar stabilization exercises, McKenzie method, and neural mobilization helps restore disc health, strengthen supporting muscles, and prevent re-injury.
Softwave Therapy
Softwave's deep-penetrating shockwaves reach the disc and surrounding tissues to reduce inflammation, promote cellular healing, and relieve nerve compression — offering results where other treatments may have plateaued.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture needling reduces nerve sensitization, muscle spasm, and pain signaling associated with disc herniation, providing complementary relief alongside manual therapy.
Therapeutic Modalities
Traction, IFC, and TENS therapy decompress disc spaces, reduce inflammation, and block pain signals, forming a critical part of early-phase disc treatment.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book an assessment at Woodbridge Rehabilitation Centre in Vaughan, ON. Our team will evaluate your condition and design a personalized treatment plan.
Book Online Now Call 905-856-4444