Condition Guide & Treatment

Lumbar Disk Herniation

Herniated Disc, Slipped Disc & Disc Bulge

Book an Assessment

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.

Understanding the Condition

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
How We Help

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

Spinal manipulation and mobilization may help reduce pain and improve mobility for some people with disc-related low back pain, as part of a broader plan that includes exercise. Techniques are selected after a thorough orthopedic and neurological examination and modified to suit your presentation.

Physiotherapy

A structured rehab program — which may include stabilization exercises, the McKenzie method and neural mobilization — aims to reduce pain, improve function and strengthen supporting muscles to lower the risk of recurrence.

Softwave Therapy

Softwave (low-intensity, unfocused shockwave therapy) may be considered as an adjunct for persistent low back pain, applied to the surrounding muscles and soft tissues. Research on shockwave therapy for disc-related pain is still limited, and it does not reposition a disc or remove pressure from a nerve. Your practitioner will discuss whether it is appropriate for you.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may be offered as a complementary option for short-term pain relief alongside exercise and manual therapy. Evidence for its effect on disc-related pain is mixed.

Therapeutic Modalities

Traction, IFC and TENS may be used for short-term symptom relief in the early phase. Evidence for these passive modalities is limited, so they are used alongside — not in place of — active rehabilitation.

Your Safety

When to Seek Urgent Care

Contact your physician promptly, or call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department, if you experience any of the following:

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs (possible cauda equina syndrome — go to the emergency department immediately)
  • Progressive leg weakness or foot drop
  • Back pain following significant trauma, such as a fall or car accident
  • Fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or severe constant pain at night
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?+
Often, yes. Most people with a lumbar disc herniation improve over time with conservative (non-surgical) care, and many herniations shrink on their own. Surgery is generally reserved for severe or progressive neurological deficits, or for pain that does not improve after an adequate period of conservative care.
How long does disc herniation recovery take?+
Many people improve substantially within 6–12 weeks, although recovery varies and some cases take several months. Your practitioner will review your progress regularly and refer you for medical assessment if needed.
What exercises should I avoid with a herniated disc?+
Heavy lifting, forward bending under load, and high-impact activities should be avoided during acute phases. Your practitioner will provide a specific list based on your disc level.
Is it safe to see a chiropractor for a herniated disc?+
Yes, when assessed properly. Our chiropractors perform a thorough orthopedic examination and review your health history before recommending any spinal manipulation.
Evidence & Sources

Selected References

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59). 2016, updated 2020.
  2. Chiu CC, et al. The probability of spontaneous regression of lumbar herniated disc: a systematic review. Clin Rehabil. 2015;29(2):184–195.
  3. Rubinstein SM, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;(2):CD008112.

Last updated: September 2026. This page provides general information and is not a substitute for an individual assessment by a qualified healthcare provider.

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