Sound familiar?
- Lower back pain radiating into the leg
- Neck pain radiating into the arm
- Numbness, tingling and pins and needles in a limb
- Pain increases when coughing or sneezing
- Fear of moving in case it makes things worse
Why it happens
First, the important part: bulging and herniated discs are found in a huge number of people who have no pain at all. A scan on its own does not explain pain — it shows a picture. Whether it matches what is happening to you is decided by examination.
Most often the pain is sustained by muscular spasm around the affected segment and loss of stability: the body locks the area to protect it and ends up in a vicious circle. Careful muscle work and a gradual return of movement break that circle.
How we work with it
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1
Careful assessment
I evaluate symptoms and refer you to a doctor if there are neurological signs — this is not a case for experiments.
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2
Releasing spasm
Soft work on the muscles around the area, no pressure on the segment itself and no sharp techniques.
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3
Stabilisation
Kinesiotherapy: activating the deep muscles that unload the spine.
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4
Restoring movement
Gradually widening the safe range so the fear of moving fades.
Questions and answers
Is massage allowed with a herniated disc?
With no acute neurological symptoms — yes, but the technique differs: softer, no pressure on the affected segment, no traction or twisting. With numbness, leg weakness or bladder or bowel changes, see a doctor urgently first.
Will the herniation resolve?
Small herniations do shrink over time. But that is not the goal of the work: the goal is to remove pain and restore normal movement, which is achievable even while the herniation is still visible on a scan.
I was told to avoid all load — but you talk about movement
Complete rest weakens exactly the muscles that should be unloading the spine. This is not about a gym with weights, but about precise, dosed movements chosen for your condition.