Understanding Lumbar Disc Bulges and Back Pain (Lumbar Disc Herniation, Lumbar Disc Disease)

Are you having lower back pain. Maybe that pain travels into your leg. And you think you might have a lumbar disc herniation. Maybe you have seen your doctor and they say you have a slipped disc or degenerative disc disease. But do you really understand what is going on and how you got here?

I am regularly surprised at the number of patients who I see who have seen other doctors for their lower back pain and still have no clue why their lumbar disc is wearing out, why they have a lumbar disc herniation, or a disc bulge/rupture.

I think it is fundamental to healing (and staying healed) to first understand why a part of our body is getting injured or wearing out prematurely. Through this knowledge we can heal and stay healthy, not feeling like our health is just a roll of the dice.

In this video I cover the most common reason that lumbar discs fail. Why they herniate based on movement and biomechanics. And how you need to start thinking about bending and moving your spine in a healthy way to start to heal your lower back and discs, but also to reduce your chances of having lower back issues in the future. Knowledge and education is power. I hope this video helps you understand your lower back and lumbar discs better.

Attribution for images used in this video:

About Dr. Brant Pedersen:
Dr. Pedersen is a sports chiropractor who founded Positive Motion Chiropractic in the San Francisco Bay Area (Los Gatos). He specializes in finding rapid and lasting solutions to muscle and joint pain issues. He received his first chiropractic adjustment when competing professionally as a windsurfer and it opened his eyes to how quickly the body can heal when given targeted conservative care. Dr. Pedersen graduated valedictorian of his class from Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose, CA, maintains an adjunct faculty position at Palmer, gives back through humanitarian chiropractic care, and loves everyday in practice. He enjoys sharing his tips and tricks for how to stay active and pain-free and employs them daily as an extreme sports enthusiast.

Connect with Dr. Brant Pedersen, DC, CCSP

DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is created and published for informational and demonstration purposes only. It is not medical advice or a treatment plan. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. In some cases exercise may be inappropriate. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to a licensed healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Positive Motion Chiropractic makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services (911 in the USA) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Use of this content is at your sole risk.

[grisamaro]

I'm in recovery from this horrible pain.This video is very helpful. I'm looking forward to taking better care of myself using this channel.

[gingeremu]

I had 3 surgeries on my right hip (severe hip dysplasia and Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)) and because of the stress and my recovery I got a bulging disc for my troubles. my hip exacerbates my back and my back exacerbates my hip. I asked my PT guy to explain what exactly a bulging disc was and where exactly the problem is and he couldnt quite explain it to me well so this video was super helpful! thank you for keeping things brief, simple and informative

[eileenie]

I just found your channel. I have numerous problems with my right side from my back down to my completely reconstructed knee that’s been done twice and is failing again. You’ve given me hope and for me that’s the most valuable thing you’ve offered me in your videos. I wish I lived back on the west coast so I could visit your practice. Thank you!

[cinmac]

I hate when people ask me to like to like their videos, but, i will i did because i liked where what i he heard.

[teresag]

YouTube suggested one of your videos, which led me to watch more😀. I appreciated your explanation in this. I experienced a herniated disc in 2016 and was very frustrated with Medical community regarding information on why and how to take care of and avoid. Pain meds were the only direction and feedback. So frustrating. This is the first video that I have come across which educates us as to why and what to think about. You mentioned follow up videos with practical movements, that would be awesome. I try to stay physically fit, but really struggle with which exercises and stretching to do that won’t lead to pain. I usually work out a couple of days and then have to lay off a couple to let my lower back pain ease. Anyway, I appreciate your videos!

[jamahlgow]

Great information! Important information for everyday people doing our everyday things!

[amberashley]

Thank you so much for the details!!! I’ve been searching for something like this online and couldn’t find jt

[lauramarie]

Thanks for teaching us how to bend safely, we all need to be more mindful about this.

[rosepetals]

Any advice on the best way to break down, or push the" bulges" or " knots" back in by certain movements or rubbing.Inflammatories are obvious, but when you gotta get back to work, speedy recovery advice may be beneficial, lol🤭.Are electrodes a good option, I know some people can't handle them, but should they be used sooner or later upon flare up or injury🤔, 👍

[rokees]

Thank you Dr, But could you please tell us how to suck a bulging disc back to normal, I have seen 3 chiropractor and 2 physical therapy and have done some sessions on the Class IV laser, and nothing has helped me. Please respond to my comment. THANK YOU👍

[venkateshpeddini]

Hi sir I am your subscriber my problem is L4 L5 disc Bulge before 2years sir very pain in my back and left leg so best exercises and best medicine s or best technique s please reply me sir, l have acupuncture treatment and ayurvedic treatment taken but no use, next what I have to do sir,

[magic.weaver]

I have had chronic sciatica from last 6 years with disc bulge L5-S1 and L4-L5, i am only 28, exercises are not helping…what can i do ?

[litanbehera]

Mild disc kiya healing hoe sakta hey kiya

[iancunicolae]

Hi I am 45 and i went on one of those kids obstacle courses on the water, i fell between 2 tubes that you were supposed to jump from one to the other, and my face and legs were held in place slightly as i fell through the tubes, as my back and body bent backwards so that it can fall down in the water. I felt a hot pain like it was 200F degrees. I thought i broke my back, but i was able to move my feet, i wasn't paralyzed! and i was able to walk. The first 3 days were painful but i could still walk, most of the pain went away, but now 3 weeks in I still feel stiff, and pain. I started taking ibuprofen and it helps a lot, if i don't take it, the lower back feels very tight and limits my mobility in terms of how far i can move in all directions. I will get it checked out, but just curious what do you think it is? is it muscle sprain? strain ? a disk problem? I can jug for a few min and i don't feel any sharp pain from my back, also if i bend forward i feel pressure on my lower back muscles like they are tight? pressure/tension/pain that limits my mobility. however if i bend backswords i feel a lot more muscle pain.