Lumbar Disc Herniation

A Common Cause of Low Back Pain and Sciatica in Fredericton

Low back pain can develop for many different reasons. One of the most common structural causes is a lumbar disc herniation — also called a herniated disc, slipped disc, or bulging disc.

A lumbar disc herniation happens when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes outward and irritates nearby spinal nerves.

This condition is one of the most common causes of low back pain combined with leg pain, often referred to as sciatica.

Although the term “herniated disc” can sound serious, most people recover well with conservative care and time — without surgery.

At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, we treat disc-related back pain regularly. Understanding what a disc herniation is — and how it affects the spine — can help you make better decisions about treatment and recovery.

What Is a Lumbar Disc Herniation?

The spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra sits a spinal disc, which acts like a cushion to absorb shock and allow movement.

Each disc has two parts:

• Annulus fibrosus — the tough outer ring
• Nucleus pulposus — the soft, gel-like centre

A disc herniation occurs when the outer ring weakens or tears, allowing the soft centre to push outward.

If the herniated material presses on or irritates a nearby spinal nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, or weakness that travels from the lower back down to the leg.

This is why disc herniations are one of the most common causes of sciatica.

Where Do Disc Herniations Occur?

Lumbar disc herniations occur in the lower back, most commonly at the following levels:

• L4-L5
• L5-S1

These areas of the spine handle a large amount of mechanical stress from everyday activities like lifting, bending, and twisting.

Because of this, they are the most common places where disc injuries develop.

Common Symptoms of a Lumbar Disc Herniation

Symptoms can vary depending on whether a spinal nerve is irritated.

Common symptoms include:

• Low back pain
• Pain radiating into the buttock or leg (sciatica)
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Weakness in the leg
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing

Leg pain is often more noticeable than back pain because the herniated disc material is pressing directly on a spinal nerve.

Some people have a disc herniation without any symptoms at all. Research has shown that many people with no back pain have disc bulges or herniations visible on MRI — these are often a normal finding and may not need treatment.

What Causes a Lumbar Disc Herniation?

Disc herniations can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly. Common contributing factors include:

Age-Related Changes

As people age, spinal discs naturally lose water content and elasticity. This process makes discs less flexible and more prone to injury. Disc herniations are most common in adults between 30 and 50 years old.

Repetitive Bending and Lifting

Jobs or activities that involve frequent bending, lifting, or twisting — common in many Fredericton workplaces — can increase pressure on spinal discs. Over time, this repeated stress can weaken the disc.

Sudden Heavy Lifting

Occasionally, a disc herniation can occur when lifting a heavy object, especially if the back is bent or twisted during the lift.

Poor Movement Patterns

Improper lifting technique, poor posture, and weak stabilizing muscles can increase strain on the spine.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Long periods of sitting increase pressure inside spinal discs. People who sit for many hours per day — including desk workers in Fredericton and New Brunswick — may place more mechanical load on their lower back compared to those who move regularly throughout the day.

How Is a Lumbar Disc Herniation Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily based on symptoms and a thorough physical examination, rather than imaging alone.

Most clinical guidelines recommend imaging only when severe symptoms or red flags are present. This is because many disc changes on MRI are normal age-related findings that may not be related to your pain.

At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, Dr. Scott Brayall will perform a careful assessment to determine whether a disc herniation may be contributing to your symptoms and whether imaging is needed.

Recovery From a Lumbar Disc Herniation

One of the most important things to know is that many disc herniations improve over time without surgery.

Research shows that the body can actually break down and reabsorb herniated disc material — a process that occurs naturally in many cases.

Typical recovery timelines:

• Many people improve within 6-12 weeks
• Pain often decreases as nerve irritation settles
• Gradual return to normal movement is usually encouraged

Staying active within comfortable limits is generally better than prolonged bed rest.

Evidence-Based Treatment for Lumbar Disc Herniation

Most treatment approaches focus on reducing nerve irritation, restoring movement, and supporting the body’s natural healing process.

Chiropractic Care and Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractic care is a widely recommended conservative treatment for disc-related low back pain. At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, Dr. Scott Brayall uses evidence-based manual therapies tailored to each patient.

Spinal manipulation (often called a chiropractic adjustment) is a precise, controlled movement applied to a joint in the spine to improve mobility and reduce mechanical stress on surrounding tissues.

For patients with disc-related back pain, chiropractic care may help:

• Improve spinal movement and joint mobility
• Reduce pressure on irritated nerves and joints
• Decrease muscle tension and guarding around the spine
• Support the body’s natural recovery process

Research has shown that spinal manipulation can be effective for certain types of low back pain and sciatica when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Movement and Exercise

Gentle movement is often encouraged during recovery. Exercise helps:

• Improve circulation to healing tissues
• Reduce stiffness
• Strengthen muscles that support the spine

Walking, mobility exercises, and guided rehabilitation are commonly recommended as part of disc herniation recovery.

Strength and Stability Training

The muscles of the core, hips, and lower back play an important role in supporting the spine. Improving strength and coordination in these muscles can:

• Reduce strain on spinal discs and joints
• Improve posture and lifting mechanics
• Lower the risk of future disc problems

Education and Self-Management

Understanding your condition is a key part of recovery. Research consistently shows that patients who understand what a disc herniation is — and what to expect — recover faster and have less anxiety about their pain.

Learning better strategies for lifting, sitting, and daily movement can help protect your spine and reduce the risk of future episodes.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

While most disc herniations improve with conservative care, certain symptoms require urgent medical evaluation.

These include:

• Progressive weakness in the leg
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Severe numbness in the groin area
• Severe or worsening neurological symptoms

These symptoms may indicate a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.

Get Help for Disc-Related Back Pain in Fredericton

If you are experiencing low back pain with leg pain, numbness, or tingling, a disc herniation may be contributing to your symptoms.

At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, Dr. Scott Brayall has extensive experience treating patients with disc herniations using safe, evidence-based chiropractic care.

You don’t have to wait for the pain to go away on its own. Early treatment can help speed recovery and reduce the risk of your pain becoming chronic.

Book an appointment or call us at (506) 472-7000 to get started.

The Bottom Line

Lumbar disc herniations are one of the most common structural causes of low back pain and sciatica.

They occur when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes outward and irritates nearby spinal nerves. Although the symptoms can be painful, many people improve with time, movement, and conservative care — without needing surgery.

Treatments such as chiropractic care, exercise, and rehabilitation can help reduce symptoms and support recovery.

Understanding how the spine works and learning strategies to protect and strengthen the back can help you recover and reduce the risk of future episodes.

If you are looking for a chiropractor in Fredericton, New Brunswick who specializes in treating disc herniations and low back pain, contact Fredericton Family Chiropractic to schedule your first visit.

Related Topics

• Non-Specific Low Back Pain — The most common type of back pain and how it is treated
• Sciatica vs Piriformis Syndrome — How to tell the difference between spinal and muscular causes of leg pain

Frequently Asked Questions About Disc Herniation

Can a herniated disc heal on its own?

Yes. Research shows that many disc herniations improve significantly over time without surgery. The body has a natural ability to break down and reabsorb herniated disc material. Most people see meaningful improvement within 6-12 weeks, especially with conservative treatments such as chiropractic care, gentle movement, and exercise.

How long does a disc herniation take to heal?

Most people with a lumbar disc herniation begin to feel better within 6-12 weeks. The exact timeline depends on the size of the herniation, how much nerve irritation is present, and how active you stay during recovery. Early treatment from a chiropractor can help speed the process and reduce the chance of the pain becoming chronic.

What is the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

A bulging disc occurs when the disc extends slightly beyond its normal boundary but the outer layer remains intact. A herniated disc occurs when the outer layer tears and the soft inner material pushes through. Herniations are more likely to irritate nearby nerves and cause symptoms like sciatica. Both conditions can often be managed with conservative care.

Do I need surgery for a herniated disc?

Most people do not need surgery for a disc herniation. Clinical guidelines recommend trying conservative treatments first — including chiropractic care, exercise, and rehabilitation. Surgery is typically only considered when severe symptoms persist after several months of conservative treatment, or when serious neurological symptoms such as progressive leg weakness or loss of bladder control are present.

Can a chiropractor help with a herniated disc?

Yes. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat disc-related back pain using safe, evidence-based manual therapies. Spinal manipulation and other chiropractic techniques can help improve spinal movement, reduce muscle tension, and decrease pressure on irritated nerves. At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, Dr. Scott Brayall develops individualized treatment plans for patients with disc herniations.

Is it safe to exercise with a herniated disc?

In most cases, yes — and it is usually encouraged. Gentle movement such as walking and guided mobility exercises can help improve blood flow to healing tissues, reduce stiffness, and support recovery. The key is to start slowly and avoid movements that significantly increase your pain. A chiropractor can help guide you on what exercises are safe for your specific situation.

References

Fardon DF, et al. Lumbar Disc Nomenclature: Version 2.0. Spine Journal.

Jensen MC, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in People Without Back Pain. New England Journal of Medicine.

Hartvigsen J, Hancock MJ, Kongsted A, et al. What Low Back Pain Is and Why We Need to Pay Attention. The Lancet.

American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guidelines for Low Back Pain.