Lumbar Disc Herniation (Lower Back Disc Herniation)

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What Is a Lumbar Disc Herniation?

A lumbar disc herniation occurs when the inner material of a spinal disc (the nucleus pulposus) pushes through a weakened or torn section of the outer layer (the annulus fibrosus). When the disc material protrudes outward, it can irritate or compress nearby nerves, leading to lower back pain, sciatica, stiffness, muscle tension, or numbness in the legs.

Herniated discs most commonly occur at the L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels because these segments carry most of the body’s load and are heavily involved in bending, lifting and sitting.

A lumbar disc herniation may develop gradually due to wear and tear, or suddenly due to lifting, twisting, impact, or repetitive stress.

What Does a Lumbar Herniated Disc Feel Like?

Symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation, but commonly include:

• Sharp, burning or electric pain in the lower back

• Pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica)

• Numbness, tingling or pins-and-needles

• Muscle weakness in the foot or leg

• Pain worse with sitting, bending, driving or lifting

• Difficulty standing upright or moving freely

Some people experience severe episodes, while others have chronic, lingering symptoms that never fully resolve.

Common Causes of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniations are often caused by a combination of:

• Repetitive bending or lifting

• Prolonged sitting (desk work, driving)

• Degenerative disc changes

• Ageing and loss of disc hydration

• Injury or trauma

• High-load sports

• Poor posture and spinal mechanics

• Weak core and supporting muscles

Sometimes there is no single “injury moment”; symptoms may appear gradually over time.

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How Spinal Decompression May Help Lumbar Disc Herniations

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy designed to gently reduce pressure inside the affected disc. Your BTL documentation shows that decompression creates cyclical negative intradiscal pressure, allowing:

• nutrients, oxygen and hydration to draw back into the disc

• reduction of pressure on irritated nerves

• improved disc height and mobility

• decompression of the nerve root

What does the research suggest?

Clinical research examining non-surgical spinal decompression has explored its potential role in the management of lumbar disc herniation. Findings from published clinical studies and case reports (including Carmona et al., Arumugam et al., Di Modica et al., and Vicari et al.) suggest that structured decompression programs may be associated with:

• MRI-observed reductions in disc herniation size in some individuals

• Improvements in nerve-related symptoms such as leg pain, numbness or tingling

• Improved functional outcomes across a range of age groups

• A reduced likelihood of proceeding to surgical intervention in selected cases

These findings highlight the potential role of spinal decompression as part of a non-surgical management approach for lumbar disc herniation. Individual results vary, and suitability must be determined through comprehensive clinical assessment.

Many people choose decompression when:

• they’ve “tried everything”—physio, injections, medication—but still have pain

• they want a non-invasive, gentle alternative

• they’ve been told surgery is an option but want to avoid it

• they want to address the underlying mechanical cause

What Happens During a Decompression Session?

At Complete Chiropractic Dee Why, your decompression program includes:

1. Full Clinical Assessment

Your chiropractor reviews your:

• history

• symptoms

• posture

• neurological testing

• orthopaedic testing

• imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT if available)

Not everyone is a candidate — this step ensures safe, targeted care.

2. Personalised Treatment Setup

Your spine is positioned according to your condition (L4/L5, L5/S1, multi-level). The table gently applies controlled traction forces.

3. Decompression Cycles

The machine alternates between controlled pulling and relaxing phases. This stimulates fluid movement and reduces disc pressure.

4. Post-Session Stabilisation

Light rehabilitation may be recommended to strengthen the supporting muscles and improve long-term spinal stability.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Lumbar Decompression?

Decompression may be suitable for people with:

• Lumbar disc herniation

• Lumbar disc extrusion

• Bulging discs

• Degenerative disc disease

• Sciatica

• Chronic lower back pain

• Postural compression

• Nerve root irritation

• Recurrent flare-ups that never fully resolve

We do not offer decompression to people with:

• spinal tumours

• unstable fractures

• severe osteoporosis

• diagnosed spondylolisthesis grade III or IV

• recent abdominal surgery

• pregnancy

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

While it varies, most people require a structured program of:

• 2–3 sessions per week

• for 6–10 weeks

Disc healing is gradual, and ongoing congestion must be relieved consistently.

We incorporate chiropractic care, decompression and rehabilitation to improve long-term stability — not just short-term pain relief.

Will Decompression Fix a Herniated Disc?

No therapy can guarantee a “cure”, but spinal decompression may:

• reduce mechanical pressure on the disc

• improve disc hydration

• reduce nerve irritation

• improve mobility

• support natural healing

• reduce recurrence frequency

• reduce the need for invasive treatment in eligible cases

Results vary based on the severity of the herniation, age, inflammation level, and lifestyle factors.

FAQ

Is spinal decompression safe for disc herniations?

Yes — when properly assessed and supervised by a trained chiropractor. Manufacturer-provided clinical information and published research relating to BTL spinal decompression systems indicate that, when appropriately prescribed and supervised, spinal decompression is generally well tolerated in eligible patients. As with any clinical intervention, suitability must be determined through individual assessment, and responses may vary.

Does it hurt?

No. Most people find it relaxing. You should not feel pain during treatment.

Can decompression help if I have sciatica?

Many cases of sciatica are caused by lumbar disc herniation. Decompression may help reduce nerve compression and improve symptoms.

How long does relief last?

This varies. We combine decompression with corrective chiropractic care and rehabilitation to support long-term results.

Do I need imaging before starting?

MRIs are helpful but not required. Your chiropractor will determine whether imaging is needed before proceeding.

Book an Assessment

If you’re experiencing lower back pain, sciatica or symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc, our chiropractors can assess whether spinal decompression may be suitable for you.

➡️ Book Your Initial Assessment (40 minutes)

Includes history, neurological and orthopaedic testing, review of MRI or X-rays, decompression suitability screening and a tailored care plan.