What “herniated” and “bulging” disc mean, in plain language
Discs are the cushions between the vertebrae. “Herniated” and “bulging” are terms a physician may use after an exam or imaging to describe how a disc in the low back looks. Imaging findings do not always match symptoms.
This page explains those terms. It does not diagnose a disc problem. Your physician can explain what your specific findings mean.
The scope here is the low back only. For a disc concern in the neck, or for pain, tingling, or numbness that travels into the arm, see neck pain that travels into the arm.
Low back pain with or without leg symptoms
Some people feel only low back pain. Others have pain, tingling, or numbness that travels into the leg. If symptoms travel into the leg, see physical therapy for sciatica. That page covers disc-related leg pain.
When to get medical care first (red flags)
Physical therapy is educational and rehabilitative care, not emergency medicine.
Seek medical care right away for:
- •New loss of bladder or bowel control
- •Numbness in the groin area
- •Sudden or worsening leg weakness
- •Severe symptoms after trauma
These need medical attention, not a decompression session.
How physical therapy may help
Physical therapy starts with an evaluation. Your therapist asks about your history and goals, observes how you move, and notes what aggravates symptoms. From there, you may build a plan together. What that plan includes depends on the evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Therapeutic exercise
Movement and strengthening chosen for your symptoms and the activities you want to return to. Your program is adapted as the evaluation shows what you can do comfortably.
Manual therapy
Hands-on care when it may be appropriate, as one part of a plan that also includes exercise and education.
Education
Plain-language discussion of positions and daily activities, and what you can practice between visits. There is no single schedule that fits everyone.
An evaluation may include
- Conversation about your history, symptoms, and goals
- Movement assessment, including what aggravates symptoms
- Discussion of findings in plain language
- A plan that may include exercise, hands-on care, and education
For more on exercise-based care, see therapeutic exercise.
For more on hands-on care, see manual therapy.
Where spinal decompression fits (Montebello only)
Spinal decompression or traction table therapy may be discussed as one part of a physical therapy plan. It is offered at the Montebello clinic only.
At our Montebello clinic, an FDA-cleared Chattanooga decompression table is available for low back and neck traction as one part of a physical therapy plan. Whether it may be appropriate depends on your evaluation and screening. A 10-visit package is $600, with the evaluation included as visit 1. It is self-pay and not billed to insurance.
For who may not be a candidate, and for how the 10-visit package works, see the spinal decompression service page.
Visit us
Physical therapy for low back and disc-related pain, including exercise and manual therapy, is available at both clinics. Spinal decompression and traction table therapy is offered at Montebello only. General physical therapy may be billed to insurance depending on your plan. The decompression package is self-pay and is not billed to insurance. View insurance and payment options.
(323) 246-4616Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
This article is general education. It is not a substitute for evaluation or personalized medical advice from your physician or physical therapist.