Disc herniation

Medical illustration showing a herniated spinal disc pressing on a nerve.

Understanding Disc Herniation and Your Treatment Options in Singapore

Living with back or neck pain feels like carrying a hidden weight. If you’ve been diagnosed with a disc herniation or think you might have one, you’re not alone and there are non-surgical ways to get relief.

A disc herniation is when one of the soft cushions (discs) between your spine’s vertebrae bulges out or ruptures. Imagine a jelly doughnut when too much pressure is applied, the filling starts to squeeze out. This “filling” can press on nerves, causing pain, tingling or numbness, often radiating through the back, buttocks, legs or arms.

At Rapid Physiocare, we know how this condition affects your daily life from sitting at work to picking up your kids. That’s why we specialise in slipped disc treatment in Singapore that focuses on movement, strength and healing, instead of surgery.

What Causes a Disc to Herniate?

Disc herniations don’t just happen from accidents or trauma. Often they develop gradually from poor posture, repetitive strain, aging or genetics. Whether you have a cervical disc herniation (neck) or a herniated disc lower back (lumbar), the root cause is the same disc material is putting pressure on nearby nerves.

In some cases, patients experience a posterolateral disc herniation, where the disc bulges towards the back and side of the spinal canal, an area rich in nerve roots, making symptoms more pronounced.

Recognizing the Stages of Disc Herniation

Not all disc herniations are equal. Like any injury, they can be small or big. These disc herniation stages help us tailor your treatment:

Bulging Disc – The disc starts to extend beyond its normal space, but the outer layer remains intact.
Protrusion – The disc bulges more and may press on nerves.
Extrusion – The inner material begins to leak out.
Sequestration – Disc fragments break off and may travel in the spinal canal.

Understanding the stages of disc herniation helps us determine your best course of action and in most cases, that doesn’t involve surgery.

Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment at Rapid Physiocare

Surgery isn’t your only option and often, it’s not the first. We believe in empowering your body to heal through conservative, evidence-based therapy. Our approach to herniated disc treatment non-surgical focuses on three core principles:

1. Precise Diagnosis

We perform comprehensive evaluations to identify your symptoms and pinpoint the precise location of the herniation. Whether you’re experiencing disc herniation symptoms like pain, tingling, or weakness, or just general discomfort, we map it to what’s happening inside your spine.

2. Tailored Physiotherapy

Through physiotherapy for disc herniation, we use a combination of hands-on manual therapy, guided exercises, spinal decompression, and posture training to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. It’s like re-training your body to move in ways that heal, not harm.

This also includes:

Lower back pain physiotherapy if you’re dealing with lumbar issues.
Core stabilization to support the spine.
Education on avoiding triggers (like poor lifting mechanics or prolonged sitting).

3. Supportive Technology

For those with significant pain, we may incorporate advanced technologies like shockwave therapy or mechanical traction as part of your non-surgical treatment for herniated disc.

The Power of Movement in Healing

Many patients ask: “Will I ever feel normal again?”

The answer is often yes especially with early intervention and consistency. In fact, studies show that most people with a herniated disc see significant improvement within 6 to 12 weeks through conservative care alone.

At Rapid Physiocare, we guide you every step of the way from reducing your slipped disc pain to rebuilding strength and confidence in your movements. Whether it’s walking pain-free, carrying groceries, or playing with your kids again progress is possible.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re living with a slipped disc, or suspect a disc herniation, early action can prevent chronic pain. Don’t wait for things to get worse.

Call us at +65 6904 4900
Or WhatsApp: +65 9654 0427
Or Book an appointment online

Let’s work together to get you back to doing what you love pain-free, confidently, and without surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disc herniation

How to fix a herniated disc?

Fixing a herniated disc doesn’t always mean surgery. In most cases, it can heal naturally with the right care. Here’s what usually helps:

Rest and gentle movement: Avoid heavy lifting or twisting, but keep your body moving gently. Too much bed rest can slow the healing progress.
Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can guide you through safe exercises and stretches that reduce pressure on the disc and help it heal.
Good posture: Sitting and standing with proper alignment takes strain off your spine.
Pain management: Ice packs, heat, or gentle massage can help reduce pain and muscle tension.
Spinal decompression therapy: This is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches your spine and helps relieve nerve pressure.

With consistent care, many herniated discs improve in 6–12 weeks.

How to sleep with a herniated disc?

Sleeping with a herniated disc can be tough, but these tips can help you rest better:
Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This helps keep your spine straight and balanced.

Side sleepers can place a pillow between their knees to reduce twisting in the spine.
Don’t sleep on your stomach it can make the pain worse.
Use a firm mattress that supports your back properly.
Try placing a rolled towel or small pillow under your lower back if lying flat feels uncomfortable.

Good sleep helps your body heal, so it’s worth adjusting your position.

How to heal a herniated disc quickly?

Healing takes time, but there are things you can do to speed it up:

Start physiotherapy early. The right exercises reduce pressure on the disc and help it recover.
Stay active, but avoid pain. Gentle walking, stretching, and low-impact movement keep your blood flowing and muscles strong.
Don’t lift heavy things, bend, or twist your body for a few weeks.
Improve your posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping.
Eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep your body needs fuel to heal.

Quick fixes don’t work long-term. Consistent, smart care brings better results.

Can physical therapy heal a herniated disc?

Yes, in many cases, physical therapy can help heal a herniated disc without surgery.
A physiotherapist can:

Show you how to move in ways that take pressure off the nerve.
Strengthen the muscles that support your spine.
Improve your posture and flexibility, which can prevent further injury.
Use treatments like manual therapy, traction, or spinal decompression to reduce pain and inflammation.

With regular sessions and doing your home exercises, you can recover well and reduce your risk of the disc herniating again.

How to sit comfortably with a herniated disc?

Sitting can be painful with a herniated disc, but you can make it easier:

Use a chair with good support. Your back should be upright with your feet flat on the ground.
Put a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back to help support it.
Avoid slouching or leaning forward for long periods.
Take breaks every 30 minutes. Stand up, walk around, and stretch.
Use a seat cushion or ergonomic chair if you sit at a desk often.

Sitting the right way helps reduce pressure on your spine and eases discomfort.

Is walking good for a herniated disc?

Yes — walking is one of the best exercises you can do with a herniated disc.

It’s low-impact, gentle on the spine, and helps keep your muscles active.
Walking improves blood flow, which helps your disc heal faster.
It also reduces stiffness and boosts your mood.

Start with short walks on flat surfaces, and increase the time as you feel better. Just listen to your body if walking causes sharp pain, stop and rest.

What happens if a herniated disc is left untreated?

If a herniated disc is not treated, it might get worse over time. Here’s what could happen:

Pain may spread or become more intense, especially down your leg or arm (sciatica).
You might develop numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
In rare cases, severe nerve pressure can cause loss of bladder or bowel control (this needs urgent care).
Your daily activities like walking, sleeping, or working can become harder.

The good news is, with early treatment especially physiotherapy many people recover without needing surgery.

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