Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Herniation

What Is a Herniated Disc and How Is It Treated

A herniated disc is a condition affecting the intervertebral disc. It can develop in more than 50% of people with age, but it is also common in younger individuals. In some cases, a person may have multiple herniated discs in different parts of the spine.

Common Causes

• excessive physical нагрузка
• injuries
• sedentary lifestyle
• other spinal conditions (scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.)

Symptoms and Impact

A herniated disc may not cause any symptoms. However, in many cases it can lead to:

• back pain
• reduced mobility
• radiating pain into the limbs
• headaches
• chronic discomfort in the lower back or pelvic area

In more severe cases, it may lead to serious complications, including loss of function.

At a younger age, pain may resolve within a few days. With age, recovery often takes longer, and pain may become chronic with recurring flare-ups.

This significantly affects quality of life, limiting movement, work capacity, and daily activities.

Important to Understand

Back pain is not always caused by a herniated disc. It may also be related to:

• muscular dysfunction
• functional movement issues
• conditions of other organs

That’s why it’s important to identify the real cause of pain.

If pain:

• does not improve
• or becomes worse

—it is a clear signal to consult a specialist.

How a Herniated Disc Develops

Between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs — elastic structures that provide cushioning and allow movement.

They:

• compress and expand during movement
• respond to load (lifting, bending, rotation)
• change shape depending on body position

Without them, spinal movement would not be possible.

The Role of Movement and Muscles

Disc health depends on hydration, which is supported by the activity of deep spinal muscles.

During proper movement:

• tissues receive nutrients
• metabolic processes improve
• disc structure is maintained

Important: regular gym workouts do not always address these needs if they are not specifically focused on spinal function.

With age or lack of proper activity, the function of these muscles decreases.

What Happens to the Disc

When nutrition and hydration are impaired:

• the disc loses fluid
• elasticity decreases
• the risk of damage increases

This may lead to:

• disc bulging (protrusion)
• micro-tears of the outer layer
• or full rupture

In case of rupture, part of the disc material may move outward (sequestration), causing:

• inflammation
• nerve compression
• acute pain
• neurological symptoms

In severe cases, this can affect movement, sensitivity, and even organ function.

How a Herniation Forms

The process is often gradual and may go unnoticed.

Over time, the disc weakens. Under load (lifting, sudden movement, coughing, or sneezing), it may fail.

The outer layer is damaged, and part of the inner material moves outward.

Symptoms often appear suddenly at this stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m physically active and train in the gym — why did I develop a herniated disc?

There are many causes, including everyday factors. Gym training often adds additional load that is not always balanced for the spine.

Increasing weights, changing intensity, or following general fitness programs can increase the load on the spine. Most exercises apply vertical pressure, meaning the weight you lift is transferred directly through the spine and intervertebral discs.

If the body is not properly prepared, this increases the risk of injury.

My MRI shows herniation in multiple areas, but I only feel pain in one — why?

Each body is different. Factors such as pain threshold, metabolism, spinal structure, and nerve sensitivity all influence how symptoms are felt.

Even if there is no pain in certain areas, structural changes may still be present. Over time, symptoms may appear.

The best way to reduce risk is to:

• strengthen the deep spinal muscles
• reduce load on the discs
• improve tissue metabolism