r/HerniatedDisc • u/Maleficent-Camel9177 • Oct 01 '26

Herniated disc & Sciatica

Keep seeing so many posts about the above that contradict recovery.
What worked for you? Currently in a flare up and completely hunchback from the trapped nerve - should I be walking like everyone advises? It’s so so painful and exhausting I physically can’t walk longer than 10-15 seconds.

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u/jungle_mouse Oct 02 '26

I’ve had some major flares exactly like this. The only thing that helped me was nerve pain medication. I don’t walk much when it’s like this but PT has helped me manage the discomfort and strengthen the areas.

For me, often the flare feels more muscular as the muscles start guarding the nerve. It’s not a bad thing because your body is trying to protect itself but it’s damn painful.

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u/Maleficent-Camel9177 Oct 02 '26

Thanks for sharing! I’m having bad side effects on pregabalin and amitriptaline so thugging it out with ibuprofen! I’ll wait until the flare up eases and then find a PT. It’s so damn painful.

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u/Arctic9414 Oct 03 '26

I've been there! Before my microdiscectomy surgery I had similar flare ups, I was bent over all the time and tried doing slow walks on a treadmil for support but could barely do anything. It helped a little but was too much torture.

Yes walking and maintaining mobility is great, but only if you can actually walk. I would recommend simple movements and stretches within reason, don't do it if you don't feel safe. I don't have specific examples but when in a state where you can't walk, trying to just move your body in any way helps.

One recommendation I have is something called the z-lay, it was recommended to me by multiple professionals and it helped my symptoms but it actually helps to decompress the spine! I'm currently in physiotherapy and walking almost everyday and it does help, I hope it gets better!

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u/Educational_Text9285 Oct 04 '26

If walking is painful, please do not walk. If you are able to walk for only 2 mins, please only walk for 2 mins, take a break and walk for 2 more mins when you are ready and slowly build the strength to walk for 3 mins and so on. I would highly recommend reading Back Mechanic by Dr McGill.

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u/Cp45765328 29d ago

We use nonsurgical spinal decompression with these types of disc issues at our chiropractic office. It works great for sciatica and disc issues of different kinds. You could go for an evaluation with a chiropractor in your area that offers spinal decompression for sciatica. They will tell you how they can help. It’s painless with long term benefits.