Herniated discs, also referred to as slipped discs, can occur after a sudden movement, intense physical labor, or even through daily activities that put pressure on the spine.
When a disc in the spine becomes displaced or damaged, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and mobility issues. If you’re dealing with a herniated disc, you might wonder whether surgery is your only option—or if physical therapy can help you heal naturally.
As one of the leading providers of physical therapy in Fairfax and Chantilly, VA, Virginian Rehab and Wellness offers a range of innovative and non-invasive treatments to help patients manage symptoms and recover from herniated disc injuries.
Below, we explain how a herniated disc happens, whether it can heal on its own, and the best physical therapy treatments available.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Your spine consists of vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column, and discs, which are soft, rubbery cushions between the vertebrae. These discs act as shock absorbers, allowing the spine to move smoothly and protect the bones from grinding against one another.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of the disc pushes out through a crack in its exterior. This displacement can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, leading to back pain that often radiates from the lower back down to the legs (a condition known as sciatica). You may experience:
Pain on one side of the body
Numbness or tingling in the legs or arms
Muscle weakness that limits your mobility
Discomfort that worsens with certain movements, like bending or lifting
Can a Herniated Disc Heal Without Surgery?
In many cases, herniated discs can heal without surgery. With the right treatment and care, you may notice improvement within a few weeks to a few months. The body has several natural healing mechanisms that help reduce pain and improve function.
Here’s how your body may work to heal a herniated disc:
Immune System Response
When your disc herniates, your body recognizes the injury and triggers an immune response. This response helps eliminate any tissue fragments or inflammation caused by the herniation. As inflammation decreases, you’ll often notice less pain.
Water Loss in the Disc
As the herniated disc loses moisture over time, it may shrink. This reduction in size can help reduce pressure on the nearby nerves, leading to less discomfort.
Adjusted Movement and Muscle Function
While your body’s natural responses to limit movement help minimize pain initially, targeted exercises and therapy can help restore function and prevent future injury. Without intervention, there’s a risk of further damage, which is where physical therapy becomes essential for a full recovery.
How We Treat Herniated Discs in Northern Virginia
For those in Fairfax and Chantilly, physical therapy provides an effective, non-invasive solution to herniated disc recovery. By focusing on movement, strengthening exercises, and pain relief techniques, physical therapists can help you regain mobility and comfort.
Here are some of the treatment options we offer at Virginian Rehab and Wellness to help heal a herniated disc:
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques that target muscle tension and spinal alignment. By improving mobility and reducing pressure on the affected nerves, manual therapy can relieve pain and encourage the healing process. Your therapist may use techniques like soft tissue mobilization or joint manipulation to restore normal function.
Dry Needling
This therapeutic technique uses fine needles to target muscle knots, spasms, and tension. Dry needling can help reduce pain, improve blood flow, and speed up recovery. It’s often used for individuals with muscle spasms or tension caused by a herniated disc, helping to relax the muscles around the affected area.
NEUBIE Therapy
The NEUBIE (Neuro-Bio-Electric Stimulator) is an FDA-approved device that uses direct current to stimulate the nervous system and encourage healing. By applying electrical stimulation, NEUBIE can help alleviate pain, improve muscle function, and accelerate the healing of soft tissues around the herniated disc. It’s especially helpful for reducing inflammation and improving circulation, allowing the body to repair itself more effectively.
Otago Exercise Program
The Otago program is a specialized set of exercises designed to improve strength, balance, and coordination. For patients with herniated discs, these exercises can help improve posture and spinal stability, reducing the risk of re-injury. Our therapists can guide you through a personalized Otago exercise plan that targets your specific needs.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs
Physical therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals dealing with a herniated disc:
Non-surgical: Most herniated discs don’t require surgery, and physical therapy offers a non-invasive approach to healing.
Pain management: Techniques like dry needling, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation can help reduce pain and improve comfort.
Improved mobility: Therapeutic exercises help restore movement and prevent stiffness.
Injury prevention: Strengthening and flexibility exercises reduce the risk of future injuries.
Personalized treatment: Our physical therapists tailor each program to meet your unique needs and goals.
Let Virginian Rehab and Wellness Help Treat Herniated Discs
We specialize in helping patients recover from herniated discs using research-backed technology and hands-on care. Our therapists are experts in designing individualized treatment plans that address your symptoms, reduce pain, and promote long-term healing.
If you’re struggling with a herniated disc, don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and let us help you get back to doing the things you love—pain-free.