Herniated Disc: What It Is and How It Feels
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back or neck. In addition, they are one of the most frequent causes of sciatica and arm pain.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Lower Back Disc Herniation (Lumbar)
In addition, A lumbar herniation causes lower back pain that may radiate into the buttock, leg, or foot. This is known as sciatica and can range from mild to debilitating.
Moreover, sitting for long periods, coughing, or sneezing often intensifies the pain. Weakness or numbness in the leg may develop in severe cases.
Neck Disc Herniation (Cervical)
A cervical herniation causes neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Tingling and weakness in the fingers are characteristic symptoms.
Furthermore, headaches and restricted neck movement frequently accompany cervical herniations. Early physiotherapy prevents worsening and avoids the need for surgery.
Can Physiotherapy Treat a Herniated Disc?
Yes, the majority of herniated discs resolve with physiotherapy and do not require surgery. At AlterPhysio Amsterdam, we have guided hundreds of patients back to full function.
Decompression and Manual Therapy
Manual therapy reduces pressure on the affected disc and surrounding structures. Specific traction and mobilisation techniques provide immediate pain relief.
Additionally, we teach positions and movements that decompress the disc. These techniques can be done at home for ongoing relief between sessions.
Nerve Mobilisation
Gentle nerve mobilisation exercises free the compressed nerve from surrounding tissues. This reduces the burning, tingling sensations that disc herniations cause.
Therefore, recovery from even severe disc herniations is possible without surgery. Consistent physiotherapy over six to twelve weeks produces excellent results.
Core Strengthening and Postural Correction
As a result, A strong core protects the discs from future injury and supports spinal stability. We design a programme that rebuilds strength without aggravating the herniation.
Beyond this, posture and ergonomic corrections address the daily habits that stress the spine. Prevention is built into every stage of your treatment.
Acupuncture for Disc-Related Pain
Acupuncture reduces the inflammation around herniated discs and nerve roots. It is an effective complement to physiotherapy for faster pain relief.
Book Your Assessment at AlterPhysio Amsterdam
Equally important, Do not wait for a herniated disc to worsen. Our expert team provides evidence-based treatment for disc problems at every stage.
nWritten by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Related Articles
- Hip Pain Physiotherapy Amsterdam: Diagnosis and Expert Treatment
- Headache and Migraine Treatment Amsterdam: Physiotherapy and Acupuncture
- Sciatica Treatment Amsterdam: Relief for Radiating Leg Pain
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)
Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.
