Can a Disc Herniation Heal Itself? 

How many people are watching this with back pain?

Praying for everyone in the comments , that our bodies heal itself quickly 😭🙏🏽 im right there with you 😭💚

Got a herniated disk, the orthopedic surgeon I consulted with recommended he removes my two adjacent bones and replaces them with a single titanium implant, which would limit my mobility and then have to be replaced every 10 years - his words, not mine. I did not listen to him and just used a mild form of stretching and waited it out - I feel fine and do an MRI from time to time, to keep it under control. No surgery was ever needed. If I let this quack operate on me, I would lose both money and health, and be forever tied to hospitals and surgeries. Some doctors are just criminals in white coats. Thank you for the video, I support this message and confirm that in mild cases there's nothing to worry about - rest and let the body repair itself.

I’m a doctor From Mexico. I want to share my experience. I had two dorsal hernias. I was in permanente pain for 15 years. I couldn’t walk straight. I had to use my arms to stand. I saw a lot of specialists one of them its my friend a specialist in rehab. , he said to me , you don’t need surgery your ciático nerve it’s not compressed. I ha a change in my live. I quit my job in a public hospital and worked only in my private practice. I start having a better life with my family , ejercice ( walking and swimming) and less stres. My pain disappeared miraculously in 1990. . I’m 73 years old now. My body heal itself. My greetings and my best wishes from Mexico. I’m sure you all wil be ok. Surgery must be the last option.

I thought this guy was BS because I was in serious pain! But one day I woke up and didn't feel so bad. Then as weeks went on I forgot what pain I had. My own body healed itself. Thank God and bless this man for spreading positive energy.

Im suffering from pain past 5 months...Now my pain is gone away😌...U just need a good dr. And excellent physio✅...And a full bed rest🙂...Ur body will mostly heal itself...If you r reading this with ur painnn...You will be cured...Im praying...God Bless You💝

I had l4 l5 & l5 s1 disc bulge/disc herniation(MRI) . I had severe pain in my lower back . Now I don't have any pain may be 0.5 sometimes or 0 out of 10 . Am doing some decompression stretches and praying to Jesus daily. Everyone who reads this comment. Don't worry 😊 It will heal by God's grace😇 Don't lose hope

This is the only video out of 1000s i have seen in RU-vid where people really came out to write there success story of recovery in comment section,really appreciate you guys ❤️

3 things I can suggest that have always helped my back repair itself from pain: 1. Get a neck and back massager. The kind you put your arms thru in the sleeves. 2. Stretch. Stretch when you wake up. Stretch before you go to bed. Stretch before you exercise and even when you’re bored. Stretch, stretch, stretch. 3. Ice. NEVER use heat if it is swollen or inflamed. Ice within the first 2-3 days, then heat the swelling has down. 4.EXERCISE! Work out! Walk! Run! Strengthen your back! The stronger it is the less likely it will be hurt. 5. Last but certainly not least. Eat right. Lay off the junk food, sugar, and flour. Stay away from ooey gooey cheese. As good as it is. NO SODA. And always WATER, WATER, WATER!

For any new people dealing with this, I ’ve dealt with this twice and it healed both times so don’t worry the pain is only temporary even if it doesn’t feel like it. My main advice is to be cautious of how you move shortly after it’s healed cause it can be really easy for the pain to come back and I’m now dealing with it a third time because of it 😭 so don’t push yourself too much even when the pain is gone. Hope everyone gets their healing soon!! :D

More information in this 5 minute video than I've been able to leach from two doctors, physician assistants, and physical therapists over the past month and half... Thank you kindly.

I’m scared to death for my mom. She has worked hard and now retiring. Praying to God her body can heal by itself. I hope it heals her. The pain medication did not work, but now it is kicking in. She has multiple herniated discs. 💔Pleaee God and everyone here I feel your emotional pain. May you all heal also. 🙏

This video almost brought me to tears giving me hope. I’ve been in agonizing pain for weeks, I couldn’t walk or stand for days and this is the only positivity I’ve heard yet. Thank you so much

Currently recovering from this. Herniated disc l4-l5. Pain was unbearable initially and I ended up in emergency as I passed out a couple times. But as this video mentions, handle the pain and let the body do it’s thing. Praying for anyone else who has to experience this as it’s brutal

I suffered a herniated disc Christmas weekend 2022. It was debilitating and could hardly walk or get up to watch my kids open their presents but made them wait 😂. MRIs revealed 1 bulge, 1 hernia ruin, and arthritis. It does improve over time but I also did the right chiropractic (soft tissue focused) and physical therapy focused on strengthening the entire core. I feel great! I highly recommend that to everyone. Also learn how to properly lift heavy objects. Stay safe everyone!

Suffered this shit for two years in my 20s. Had two disc herniations. One pressing on the sciatica and the other pressing on the s1 nerve root. The commentator is correct. Don't underestimate the healing powers of the body. If the surgery goes wrong there may be no coming back from it. Avoid surgery even though the pain is unreal. My pain was constant. It suffered standing, sitting, lying down and sleeping. It never went away until it finally did. Once it did I discovered barbell training. Of all things in the world that's what kept it away. Now squatting 240lbs easily. 300lb deadlifts. To think at one time 15 years ago I was barely able to tie my shoes. It will go away.

I had exact same situation as @Eftee02. First severe disc herniation L4L5 in June 2019. I was totally paralyzed and hospitalized for 4 days. Took me about 1 month to get normal with some pain killers and muscle relaxant and inflammation medications. Then in 2020 due to covid pandemic, I suffered a recurring disc herniation because of bad posture when I had to cook myself. The pain wasnt as paralyzing as 2019 but it sure was more complicated and took way longer to heal. As i tried to avoid hospitals in times of pandemi and from my previous experience with herniated disc, I decided to take a bedrest for 3 weeks thinking it will help the herniated disc to reabsorb. The pain did subside but when I was able to finally stand up, my whole body was feeling weak and I have muscle cramp because of prolonged bedrest and was super painful. It was kinda come and goes and not healing as I expected. I decided to consult doctor despite covid condition. My doctor gave me epidural steroid injection for 3-4x over a period of 3 months and prescribed me some medications. My back did start to get better and the pain start to centralised on my lower middle back. It was however still hard for me to carry out my daily activities, I had difficulties standing up or sitting down for too long, not to mention walk. But I did force myself to stand up, do stretchings, walk bit by bit everyday to recover my muscle strength and continue to take painkiller / muscle relaxant that my doctor prescribed to me and go for routine physiotherapy about twice a week. At this point, I faced a condition whereby i will feel pain when i sit down for too long, or when i tried to get up from my seat, my back felt stiff and the lower right part of my back feels stinging pain. Once i straightenned up my posture which took some time like 10-20 secs, then i will feel better. I did not give up. When it wasnt so pain, I would get down to the swimming pool, walk on the pool forward and backward and sideways. Then i also start swimming breast stroke, the kicking motion helps to pull and stretch my entire back and when you get up to gasp for air, the posture is almost similar to mckenzie cobra posture which helps to relieve my pain by a LOT. I swim everyday or at least 5x a week. As this video and eftee02 said, the most important thing is I constantly told myself i WILL recover and maintain positive mindset. I tried to do freestyle swim but it makes my back worse so I stick to breaststroke, discipline in doing my stretches, TUCK my tummy in when i walk, maintain upright and sitting posture, and my back starts to feel normal after 7 months and can do most of my daily activities including driving etc! Now i am doing core strengthening exercises to train my muscle so they will lock the part of my herniated disc area in place when i stand up or sit down to prevent future recurrence. You guys can find loads of such videos in youtube. Well i hope by sharing my story, it helps you guys here to keep fighting and positive spirit and know that you can recover !

A doctor affirming surgery is not needed is a breath of fresh air! Thank you

This video saved my life! I had the herniated disc for 6 months, before coming across this video. I went to doctors, physical therapists, massage people. Nothing helped. After hearing this doctor, I decided there was nothing else I could do, so I just trusted what he said. The stress I had put on myself was lifted and the pain started to subside. I kept getting better and better. Eventually, I was back to my old self. I was so scared I would never be the same, but after trusting that the body can heal itself, it actually did. I can't thank you enough!

I had a massive disc herniation, L4-5 causing me excruciating pain no matter what position my body was in. I could not walk without severe pain, sleep was almost impossible. I went to my ortho who ordered an mri and after seeing the results referred me to a disc surgeon. He was ready to do surgery to fuse and stabilize the vertebrae. I was not ready for surgery...coward. I gave it time and as Dr. Shim stated it gradually improved. I got a second opinion from a very experienced neurosurgeon who did an exam, looked at the mri and said since I was improving, was retired and not needed to get back to work, that he recommended I should give it time. He said the large majority of these herniations heal over time without surgery. That was two years ago, I am pain free but I am cautious when lifting or doing anything that might aggravate my back. I am so pleased I took his advice because I have heard so many horror stories from individuals who underwent spinal surgery. I know there are times when it is necessary but if not an emergency....time is your best friend.

I’ve experienced 2x severe herniated discs in 2 years (couldn’t walk, couldn’t shuffle in bed, etc.). In both, I could walk assisted by 2 weeks, and walk without pain after 2-3 months. Swim / cycle within 5 months. I’ve also had two smaller flare ups since, with shooting pain down to my foot and unable to lie down to sleep. each one took 6 weeks to heal properly and the back pain got worse (burning after 30 secs of standing) whilst leg pain decreased, before resolving I remember all four times thinking I’d never get better, so I’m leaving this comment to share that it does!! Keep moving to the best of your ability in small increments, and you will get there x (I didn’t have any surgery, turned down injections, went to PT & used pain meds with anti inflam meds)

I was in severe pain from a low back herniation for an entire year. Had sciatica pain down to my foot and weakness in my right leg. One day after a year of suffering, I felt an inch better. I had told my doctors no to surgery. I started to exercise and a few weeks later I was 99% pain free. I have to manage my back health and see a chiropractor regularly. I still have episodes but it's mostly muscle problems. Thanks for giving us hope. Sometimes it feels hopeless when the pain is so persistent for so long.

I’ve been dealing with a pinched lower back nerve for about 2 weeks now. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.

I’ve had a bad herniation at L4/L5 for 6 years, excruciating pain ever since, and have now lost the ability to walk, sit, and do pretty much anything other than be on bed rest - and even lying in bed is agony. Saw various doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists; did stretching and targeted exercises; iced the area; walked a lot to stimulate blood flow; had a very healthy diet; even got my mind right to try to influence the body in a positive way. Had to come to terms with the fact that some cases are exceptions and need further intervention. Finally getting surgery soon because I’m at my breaking point. I’m so happy to see the comments here that show so many people had herniations that eventually healed - just how it should be. But for those suffering for years and years who have tried everything with no results, and with the situation only getting worse, please don’t be hard on yourself and get the additional help you need. ♥️

I've recovered from 3 herniated disc, periformas syndrome, and a hip slip. Solution: - Ice pack only no heat, helps reduce inflammation. ‐ Inversion table, decompresses the spine to allow disc to heal. Go easy, you don't need to be upside down to improve. - Dr./ Chiropractor, alignment and stretching only. Make sure they are good. - Magnesium, Fish Oil, Zinc for pain it works. - As you get better exercise to strengthen those areas. I pray you get better soon. This is what I did. No meds, no surgery.

Appreciate this kind of advice very much. "If you can bear with it, bear with it". Where the medical industry is getting increasingly predatory, it's hard to get an honest expert opinion. Quite often surgery is the first thing suggested.

For a guy who does spine surgery, this is actually quite an honest explanation of a phenomenon that occurs quite frequently, but that is rarely explained in such detail. I waited 4 years before getting surgery for a disk herniation. Did it work? No. Ended up with an artificial disk, which can have its own problems after 10-15 years.

Praying for everyone watching this vedio that our bodies heal itself I m also in same conditions 🙏🙏

I wanted to cry after watching this

I’m two weeks into a 6mm herniated disk at L5-S1 and bulging disk at L4-L5. Incase anyone was wondering since it’s hard to find current data. 25 MALE AUTO TECH 5’10 220lbs FIRST WEEK WAS THE MOST INTENSE PAIN AND MISERABLE, THE PAIN IS VERY INTENSE AND I AM SORRY FOR ANYONE GOING THROUGH THIS. IF YOU HAVENT PLEASE PROTECT YOUR BACK AND LEARN PROPER FORM. Second week a bit more manageable still 7/10 pain but reduced from 9/10 crippling pain I can now move around for 20 min at a time before needed to rest up. No longer stuck on the floor in agonizing pain. Have been on Naproxen which helped the first week but doesn’t seem to be making a difference this second week so I have found that alternating between very warm and ice baths throughout the day have helped tremendously. As well as what you consume to help your body regenerate and rebuild help a lot as well. Will be losing some weight to help take stress of my spine after my recovery as well. Will keep posting updates here weekly so feel free to say what’s up. STAY SAFE GUYS 🙏🏽

I know this video is 3 years old but strikes a chord and explains what happened to me. I had a c5 c6 herniated disk back in 2015 at age 45. First doctor i saw immediately wanted to do surgery. I declined and got a 2nd opinion. He recommended therapy. It got better after about 2 months. Over the next couple of years I had some painful flare ups but it would get better. Then I lost 70 lbs and started lifting weights. I think this combo has made a tremendous increase in my quality of life as far as the herniated disk goes. (Knock on wood)

It’s just gotten worse for 2 years, I finally got recommended surgery after seeing countless doctors and going to countless physical therapists.

I’m laying on the floor at work right 🥺... trying to let it relax before I start moving... couldn’t even drive here without feeling pain... hope y’all get better!!

this is one of the best videos on herniated disc.

I want to give hope and advice, I was in severe pain after herniated l3/l4, (do not recommend heavy deadlifts) the best thing you could do is not agitate the back! Go easy on it, tolerate the pain and be patient and smart, do not lift heavy things while it's herniated. I had pain for about 2 years and 4 years later I can say I am all the way pain free, no surgery or anything. You can do this!

This was excellent. The description and the graphics made everything remarkably clear.

It's about time some pacmans dealt with my herniation, because it's been over 3 years of not being able to sit through a working day. I just want to get back to normal life

Thank you Dr !!! I just got the disk herniation and watched a bunch of other videos about this. this is the most comprehensive well illustrated one I have come across

I caught a refrigerator in 2003 and herniated L4/L5S1 - after stupidly following the suggestions of the worker's comp industry, I wasn't getting better for the first year or two (while they made money off my case). I refused disc removal and fusion per their heartless financial flow charts. Once I ejected myself from them and began riding my bicycle again, everything healed back up completely. Start slowly. Drugs aren't the answer. Posture and proper mechanics are. Stay in motion, the body wants circulation. Eat healthy. Stay hydrated. Have patience, and give yourself some time. The human body is an amazing self-righting machine.

I had mine twice in a year with the second one knocking me out of commission and on a couch with one leg up for 4 months. I had to go to the doctor to renew my disability, it took two shots of Demerol and 40 minutes in order for me to be able to speak just for moving to get to the doctor. When I got back home stepping up to go into the house it felt like my leg had popped out of this socket. I spent the next 6 hours laying on a ceramic floor 2 of which was in pain. The next morning I woke up and had no pain and was able to move but I didn't push it. It took about 10 years to heal to where I didn't have to worry too much about how I moved but I still pay attention. I'm pretty sure once I get into my '70s I'll be screwed but I'm happy to be able to move at least. Good luck with your journey.

I wish speedy recovery who came here ! May we’ll get fuckinn relief from this fucking! 😭

If one were to rate a video to be perfect, this would be the example. Thank you for this.

So true. I had so much pain i could not stand but i rested for 1 month and then slowly started getting betterm it took me 6 months to recover but avoided surgery. The message given here is so true.

Thanks Dr Shim for this video, I think you make a great lecturer. I love the way you used regular objects and even too item in description. I will be happy to get more lectures about orthopedic conditions

My dad was a doctor, he used to say "Don't worry about it, it'll take care of it self".

One of the best videos out there that explains in patient detail the process of the herniated disc and the value of waiting it out.

This is the best presentation on disc herniation I’ve seen so far.

Brilliant video ! I’m praying everyone here experiencing spinal problems get better !

This is so amazing He explained it so simply I was so worried I feel relieved Thankyou so much ❣️🥺

Dr Shim, you have become my favorite online doc. Thank you for some straight talk. A lot of doctors want to operate. I'm getting too old at seventy-four. After two lower back fractures in late 2018, discs in my neck started popping like popcorn. Ouch. It was really bad. I don't have much pain in my neck any longer. However, I can barely walk from hip and lowback pain which..yep...runs all over the place. My feet burn and hurt. Doctors only want to look at certain places of my spine. I feel it all needs a good viewing. Not having much luck finding a doc to do that. One thing. I think our bodies do heal themselves. A bit of knowledge takes us far. Thank you.

The clearist explanation of disc herniation that I have heard sofar. Thanks Dr. Shim.

Finally an actual explanation! Knowing this, it's much easier for me to patiently await it out. Thanks Doc!

You did, for sure, gave me comfort. Your voice along with an authoritative and knowledgeable explanation helped me make my decision right away. Thank You, Dr. Shim. 💪

Thank you so much for this video and spreading positive reinforcement. I am currently suffering with a herniated L5S1 disc that’s pushing on my nerves. It has caused extreme pain in my right leg and foot drop. I’m trying my best to recovery without surgery. It’s been 1.5 months so far and I’m slowly improving. I am walking again and the pain went from an excruciating 10 to a tolerable 3 most days. I am determined to let my body heal. It’s hard to find positive outcomes online but I am keeping hope alive. I’m 34 and I will not let this ruin me.

Thank u doctor. This is the first positive and encouraging review I've come across regarding disc herniation.most doctors just traumatise patients n push them towards surgery.

I appreciate you breaking this down so it’s easy to understand, and in a way that didn’t make me feel demeaned.

By far the most informed and concise information on herniated disc. Well presented and very articulate speaker. Thank you

I feel so relieved after seeing this video. Thank you. 🌺 I hope all other people having pain now get relieved asap.

That was a brilliant explanation and genius illustration!

This is incredible! Thank you so much Dr. Shim for sharing this education! I have lived with spine pain for over 20 years and in all that time the doctors insist that discs do not heal (their agenda has always been to push me into surgery). I'm old now... and I finally understand why older people don't trust doctors.

You are the only honest surgeon I have encountered. I have had my life distroyed and my health compromised by doctors with no integrity or common sense. You have both in abundance. Please sing your message VERY LOUDLY, as an immunologist you make sense to me. Thank you

for me this was a super edifying video. for years i'd wondered what happens to the leaked out material. googling wasn't helping either. most results were just info about what herniation is and how to treat. finally this dude explained it. thanks.

This is the most helpful video explaining disk herniations yet. Great patient education! Thank you!!

Hardly anyone will ever reveal this. Thank you.

I was here in this video 2 years ago, and now, after a process I feel better and my herniated disk gets better and now I wishing to start again to training and rebuild strength on my back. Please believe in your body and your Doctor if he says you will get better soon. I know the physical therapy will be hard and painful but trust me you will get better. For me was 2 years after that horrible pain and fear 😔. Be strong, and be great with your family, they can not imagine how much you feel pain, and they don’t have the fault. 😁 my best wishes to everyone.

The absolute best explanation and cgi illustration i have seen.

Took me one year to heal Doctor said they wanted to take out my disc and replace it with a titanium one I ran out as quick as I could and found your video 1 year later still in recovery taking it slow but no more pain. 🙏 Best of luck The pain and depression was horrible.

What an inordinately helpful and caring comments section. Just wonderful messages.

What a great video! Clear and to the point. Very educational and helpful to everyone who may be trying to decide whether the suffer from this condition.

Thank you sir and I pray for everyone watching this video. We are in this together i wish you all a good recovery.

Thanks for creating such a wonderful and informative video. After going through severe pain, doctors terrifying advice and many videos, this is the only video which gave me hope to believe in myself.

I feel healthy and better after hearing this!

One of the best health-related videos I've ever seen. I hope Dr. Shim spends a good deal of his time teaching.

Thank you so much for this Doc. It means a lot to many of us suffering for disc herniation and losing hope. Kindly post exercises one can do to improve the quality of life

Brilliant. That was the best explained disc herniation on the Internet. Dude. 🎉

I feel SO MUCH BETTER just from this video!

My good friend (RIP), was a sports massage therapist who worked on many professional athletes Including John McEnroe the tennis player. He was able to reconstruct very badly damaged herniated discs via massage techniques. The key was to increase the blood flow to the damaged area because so many times the tightness around the damaged disc creates a swelling causing trapped fluids to prevent the blood from reaching the disc. These macrophages and monocytes are restricted from reaching the site until the blood flow is restored as all healing comes from the blood. So if you are in agony, I would suggest finding a licensed sports massage therapist to help you. You can often find one who will charge $1.00 US per minute and believe me 15 or 20 minutes makes a huge difference but you may need 7 to 10 or more treatments depending on your disc issue.

He’s right. Don’t keep feeding yourself the idea you are going to deal with pain forever. I had so many issues from herniated disk to fibromyalgia, to depression and hip dysplasia. Not to mention issues with my feet I was born with. A lot of of odd stacked against me. Once I decided I was tired of the shyt, I started working out, drinking lots of water, and eventually things improved. I’m not completely healed yet, but day by day, I get better. I go where the pain is and I address it. Where attention goes, energy flows. Try blessing of the energy centers by joe dispenza and do it as much as possible. Drink water and move as much as is comfortable, increasing bit by bit until you find yourself free from your own body.

The best explanation I found on the internet about this subject. Thank you and congrats for the video!

You deserve kudos for explaining it the way that even a common man can get the sense, great! 👍👍

Thank you, this is exactly I was looking for & thank a lot for very useful information🙏

Finally a video with great animation graphics that helps us understand it better.

This is the clearest explanation I've seen yet!

Great medical advise, thank you, doctor, for your clear presentation

Thank you Doctor. 😊 your explanation is so reassuring even though I am in pain. I pray for everyone here to heal.

Good news for people struggling with the backpain. This is the relief for the ones with a lot of stress due to misinformation spreaded about disc injury. Thanks for sharing this with everyone doctor!!

Had my herniated disc first diagnosed 4 years ago. Hasn't gotten any better yet. Hoping for a better recovery for all of you guys. This sucks

Hi guys quick advise. Disc injuries normally take between 6 -12 - 18 months to heal. This means you're pain will substitute. Full Recovery may take up to 2-3 years. So please don't start lifting or doing silly things after 6 months even if the pain goes away

This clip is just what i needed to hear right now as I’m on month 4 and recovery is very very slow, i can and am tolerating the sciatic pain but it can be very depressing so thank you for this positive clip. I needed to hear it .

Thanks for the encouraging words Dr. John Shim!

I am so much relieved to see this video. Thanks, I am more confident now that I will heal completely and will be more patient! Thanks a lot!

That was a great video. The video and explanation were very understandable. I had the concepts down before, but now I know why. A couple years ago I had a bad herniation between L4 & L5, pressing on the sciatic nerve; I couldn't walk or sleep anywhere but on the floor. As the doctor said, in about eight weeks I was as good as new. I did go to physical therapy, to learn to walk thru all of it and to speed the recovery, but no surgery and no medicine.

this was true for me, I had an episode of intense pain and numbness and tingling left leg found out through an MRI I had a massive disc extrusion and over time symptoms went away. I lift weights and run and now only on occasion will I feel some stiffness in low back. When that comes on, I back off activity and stretch/decompress low back and it clears up. so far so good

Thank god I am one of the lucky one.. I had slip disc.. could not walk for 15 meters.. doctors suggested surgery took good amount of bed rest.. covid helped me as my job was WFH now I am fine.. much better.. I just gave time for body to heal itself took good 1.5 years.. if your daily routine is not getting impacted I would say avoid surgery.

It’s videos like these which make me love the internet. Very well explained 👏🙏

Made my night so much better. Thank you!

This is such good news. Thank you Dr. Shim

great news Dr. Shim, glad i came across your video; thank you!

Very good review and refreshing that it is NOT the usual RU-vid advertorial to get you to handover $$$ to radiologists and surgeons. 90% get better with natural healing. Be patient!!

The explaination is so clear and informative. Thanks a lot doctor!