“Can exercise heal a herniated disc?”

Hi. It is certainly possible. I would seek treatment from a physical therapist for an exercise program, along with possibly spinal decompression treatment from a chiropractor. Take care.

There are a few types of disc herniations and a wide spectrum of symptoms and levels of pain. The vast majority will heal on their own but this may take a long time. A targeted exercise program for this specific problem will not directly heal the disc, but can definitely help facilitate the healing process taking place by your body and is recommended, however only with monitoring and supervision by a professional like a physical therapist for example.

Physical therapy is promising. Yes exercise can help. Ice and heat therapy are beneficial as well.

Absolutely not! A herniated or bulging disc does not cause any pain but only soft tissue injury (muscle/fascia strain) does. If no pain, no treatment is required. If pain, it should not be treated with stretching/strengthening exercise at all because it only irritates and worsens the injury. It must be treated with soft tissue release via light touch, i.e., Touch-and-Hold of The Precision Method to initiate self-healing by the body itself. It usually requires 1-4 hours to cure back pain.

A herniated disc in the spine often resolves on its own in 6 months. Specific and individualized physical therapy can decrease the pain, help it heal faster by taking pressure off the disc, and prevent recurrence of the disc herniation. Herniated discs causing significant weakness, or bowel and bladder dysfunction may require emergency surgery. Herniated discs causing significant pain or lasting more than 6 months can be corrected surgically. Please see your doctor for further discussion of treatment options and indications. If you are overweight, then weight loss due to exercise can also prevent recurrence of the herniated disc. However, exercise in general will not heal a herniated disc. Bi-Ying Yeh, MD