Lumbar Disc Herniation Physiotherapy
A lumbar disc herniation occurs when disc material in the lower back extends beyond its usual position. Some people may have disc changes on imaging without significant symptoms, while irritation of a nearby nerve can be associated with low-back pain, buttock or leg pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. Symptoms may affect prolonged sitting, bending, walking and everyday activities.
If symptoms mainly travel from the low back or buttock into the leg with tingling, numbness or nerve-related discomfort, you may also refer to [Sciatica Physiotherapy].
Common symptoms
- Low-back pain or stiffness
- Pain travelling from the low back or buttock into the thigh or lower leg
- Tingling, numbness or a pulling sensation in the leg or foot
- Symptoms becoming more noticeable with prolonged sitting, bending, lifting or certain positions
- Reduced leg strength or activity tolerance in some cases
How physiotherapy assesses
Physiotherapy usually begins by looking at where the pain and other symptoms are felt, when they occur, whether there is tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg, and how sitting, bending, walking, lifting and other everyday activities affect the symptoms. Where appropriate, low-back movement, lower-limb strength, nerve-related findings, gait and functional movement may also be assessed to understand current activity limitations and rehabilitation needs.
If MRI or other imaging results are available, they are considered together with the symptoms and functional findings. A disc herniation seen on imaging does not necessarily mean that it is the only source of the current symptoms.
If leg weakness is progressively worsening, numbness develops around the saddle area, or there is a new change in bladder or bowel control, urgent medical assessment should be sought.
How physiotherapy may help
Physiotherapy may include modification of daily activity, low-back mobility work, strengthening and movement-control exercises, and graded progression of walking, bending, lifting, exercise and other everyday activities according to the symptom presentation and nerve-related findings. Rehabilitation is adjusted according to symptom response and individual activity needs.
If you have undergone lumbar disc or nerve-decompression surgery, you may also refer to [Post-operative Rehabilitation Physiotherapy].
Related Conditions
Sciatica
Low Back Pain
Hamstring Strain
Not sure whether your condition falls into this category?
You may first arrange a physiotherapy assessment to understand the more suitable management approach according to your symptoms, activity needs, and rehabilitation goals.