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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How long does it take for a minimal disc bulge to heal?

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    Back & Neck Pain Pain
    Hi there, I have a MRI scan in june this year and found out that I have a minimal disc bulge at L3/4, identing theca ventrally.

    Compounding posterior element hypertrophy causing mild lateral recess and exit foraminal narrowing. No disc desiccation or annular tear is evident.

    Doctor told me to rest more for recovery but its already 3 months since the scan, and the pain still remains the same.

    I would like to know approximately how long does a disc bulge heal because the pain has affect my active lifestyle as I used to be and its really frustrating.

    Hope to see a reply! Thanks.
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    Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    One of benefits of MRI is that it is very specific in finding out what is happening in your spine. Unfortunately it doesn't always tell us what is causing your pain. A bit like taking a picture of a car engine doesn't tell you what is broken.

    It is estimated that a large amount of the population have a disc buldge similar to yours, but don't have any problems. 

    It is possible that although a disc bulge is present it is not the whole story in regards to your back pain.

    I would suggest consulting a registered chiropractor in your area to diagnose the issue that is causing your back to continue hurting.

    Go to the CAA website to search in your local area. 

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    Dr Andrew Lim

    Chiropractor

    Andrew has a Masters in Chiropractic and his interest in Sports Chiropractic has led him to treat many athletes from junior to elite levels in … View Profile

    Ryan has summed it up quite well, a large portion of the population have disc bulges and no pain. It is only when they start getting back pain that they investigate things a bit more that they realise that there is a disc bulge, so naturally the assumption is made that the disc bulge is causing their pain!
    To answer your question disc bulges heal in good time with ideal conditions to allow it to heal. There are many factors that we know of that may slow down or impede your healing. For example, occupational sitting and smoking are 2 risk factors that can slow the natural healing of a disc bulge from 3 months to 18 months. So definitely do not sit and smoke at the same time!
    But in all seriousness, if you back pain is not resolving by itself or with rest then it is probably a good time to seek professional advice and help from a healthcare professional. Chiropractors are trained to deal with these problems naturally and non-invasively. Other health care providers such as physio and osteopaths also have similar training.

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    Sandra McFaul

    Physiotherapist

    Do you suffer from chronic lower back pain or neck pain? Based in SYDNEY, Sandra is 1 of ONLY 15 Physiotherapists in Australia with ADVANCED … View Profile

    Here's the big picture....some exercises can make a disc bulge worse.  These are typically flexion exercises.  You need to do pain relief exercises. 

    A McKenzie Method trained physio will be able to help you out.  They are experts in disc bulge.  A Dip MDT McKenzie therapist has more expertise than a cred MDT. 

    GOOGLE McKenzie Method to find out more.

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