Herniated disc:
Herniated and bulging disc treatment without surgery in Polk County
If a disc problem in your back or neck is sending pain, numbness or tingling down your leg or arm, you're in the right place. Most herniated discs get better without surgery. At Core Rehabilitation's clinics in Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven, Florida, a licensed physical therapist builds a plan to ease the pain and get you moving again.
Serving Lake Wales · Haines City · Winter Haven
What's actually going on: Herniated disc: the short version
Discs are the cushions between the bones of your spine. Each one has a tough outer ring and a softer center. A bulging disc pushes out evenly past its normal edge. A herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc) happens when part of the soft center pushes through a tear in the outer ring.
Many disc changes cause no pain at all: bulges are common on MRI scans of people without back pain. Symptoms start when the disc irritates a nearby nerve. In the low back, that usually means pain that runs down the buttock and leg (sciatica), sometimes with numbness, tingling or weakness. In the neck, it can send pain into the shoulder and arm.
Back and leg pain have other causes too, such as spinal stenosis, joint irritation or a muscle strain, and each is treated differently. Your therapist confirms what's driving your symptoms before choosing a single exercise.
When disc pain needs to be checked first
Most back pain with leg pain is safe to assess with a physical therapist, but a few signs need a doctor first. If any of these apply, get medical care before you book physical therapy.
Numbness in the groin, buttocks or inner thighs, or new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels. Go to the emergency room: this can be cauda equina syndrome, which needs urgent treatment.
Leg or arm weakness that's getting worse, such as a foot that slaps or drags when you walk.
Back pain after a major fall or car accident, or with a fever, a history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
Pain that's severe and constant, isn't eased by any position, and keeps you up at night.
If none of these apply, physical therapy is a safe and reasonable place to start.
How we help: How physical therapy treats a herniated disc
Physical therapy for a herniated disc starts with an evaluation. Your therapist checks which movements and positions ease or worsen your pain, how far your back moves, your nerves (strength, reflexes and feeling), and how you sit, bend, lift and walk. They ask what the pain stops you from doing, so the plan fits your goals.
Treatment starts with movements and positions that ease your leg or arm pain, then builds strength in your back, core and hips so you can get back to normal activity. Hands-on care can ease stiff joints and tight muscles. Depending on your symptoms, your therapist may use mechanical traction for the low back, or heat, ice or electrical stimulation to calm pain, and shows you how to sit, sleep and lift with less strain.
Most people with a herniated disc improve without surgery, often over several weeks to a few months, and many herniations shrink on their own over time. Physical therapy helps you stay active while that happens and lowers the chance of the next flare.
"Should I stay in bed until my back feels better?"
No. Bed rest is no longer recommended for back pain or sciatica. Staying as active as your pain allows usually helps you recover faster, and your therapist shows you which movements are safe to start with.
"Does a herniated disc mean I'll need surgery?"
Usually not. Most people improve with time and non-surgical care. Surgery is considered when leg weakness is getting worse, or when severe leg pain doesn't improve after several weeks of treatment, and your doctor or surgeon makes that call with you.
How long it lasts: Will a herniated disc heal on its own?
Often, yes. The body can reabsorb part of a herniated disc, and leg pain from a disc commonly eases over about 6 to 12 weeks. Back stiffness can take longer to settle, and some people have flare-ups later, which is why strength and good habits matter.
If your pain isn't improving after about 6 weeks, or you have any of the warning signs above, your therapist will help you get a doctor's opinion.
What to expect: How long does it take to feel better?
It depends on how severe your symptoms are and how long you've had them. Results differ from person to person. After your evaluation, your therapist will tell you what's realistic for you.
Your first visit is a conversation about where the pain goes, what makes it better or worse and what you want to get back to. Then comes testing. It usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. A licensed physical therapist does your first evaluation and writes your plan of care. Between therapist visits, a physical therapist assistant may treat you under that plan. Here's what your first visit involves →
Early on, the focus is easing leg or arm pain and finding positions that let you sit, sleep and move more comfortably.
As you progress, strength and conditioning for your back, core and hips helps with lifting, longer walks, yard work and getting back to work or sport.
Before you come in, wear loose clothes you can bend in, and bring any MRI or X-ray reports. You don't need a scan to start.
Who treats it: Who treats a herniated disc: a physical therapist, a chiropractor or a spine specialist?
For most herniated discs without the warning signs above, physical therapy is a good place to start. In Florida you can book directly, without a referral.
See a spine surgeon or pain specialist if weakness is getting worse, pain is severe and not improving after several weeks, or you're considering an injection or surgery. Some people also see a chiropractor. Whatever you choose, an active plan of exercise and staying on the move is the common thread.
Related care: Where to go next
Where to get treated: Herniated disc treatment at our Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Haines City clinics
Winter Haven: 3017 Cypress Gardens Rd, about a mile from LEGOLAND Florida. Mon–Fri 9–12 and 1–5. 863-268-6523.
Lake Wales: 2031 State Rd 60 East, at SR 60 and Buck Moore Rd. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-678-0705.
Haines City: 50 Maxcy Plaza Circle, just off US 27. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-421-2000.
Every clinic treats herniated and bulging discs in the low back and neck, and Spanish-speaking staff are available. Most new patients get a first appointment within a few days to three weeks.
Common questions about herniated discs
Can physical therapy help a herniated disc?
Yes. Most people with a herniated disc improve without surgery. Physical therapy uses movement, strengthening and hands-on care to ease leg or arm pain and get you back to normal activity.
What does a herniated disc feel like?
In the low back, it often causes pain that runs from the buttock down the leg, sometimes with numbness, tingling or weakness, and it's often worse with sitting, bending or coughing. In the neck, pain can spread into the shoulder and arm.
Will a herniated disc heal on its own?
Often, yes. The body can reabsorb part of a herniated disc, and leg pain from a disc commonly eases over about 6 to 12 weeks. Staying active and doing the right exercises usually helps.
Is a bulging disc the same as a herniated disc?
Not quite. A bulging disc pushes out evenly past its normal edge, while a herniated disc has a tear that lets part of the soft center push out. Both are common, both can cause no pain at all, and physical therapy treats both.
Do I need an MRI before physical therapy for a disc?
Usually not. Guidelines advise against routine early imaging for back pain without warning signs, and many people with no pain have disc bulges on an MRI. X-rays show bones, not discs. Your therapist will tell you if your symptoms need a scan.
Where can I get herniated disc treatment in Winter Haven?
At Core Rehabilitation, 3017 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven (863-268-6523). We also treat disc problems at our Lake Wales and Haines City clinics.
Do I need a referral for herniated disc treatment?
No. In Florida you can start physical therapy without a physician's referral. If you need treatment beyond 30 days for a problem no doctor has assessed, a doctor must review and sign your plan of care.
Request an appointment
Tell us a little about you and your preferred location, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit. Prefer to talk? Call the clinic nearest you.
Lake Wales · 863-678-0705
Haines City · 863-421-2000
Winter Haven · 863-268-6523