Disc Herniation: When Do You Need Surgery? (PLUS Fixing the Root Cause)

Dr. Erin Boynton, MD FRSC, explains what to do when you have a disc herniation or discover that your MRI shows signs of disc degeneration.

Not everyone needs surgery. Most disc herniations resolve themselves within 6 to 12 weeks. But there is one scenario in which an immediate visit to the ER may save you.

Most people will have some sort of disc degeneration by the time they reach their golden years. It comes from a lifetime of slouching posture or forward head posture (FHP). Without posture correction, the weight of your body on the cushioning discs between your spine will add stress, leading to wear and tear and eventually back pain.

Luckily, you can correct poor posture. Check out the links below recommended videos to get started. If your pain is 7 out of 10 or greater, you might benefit from our Spine Control program, also linked below.

IN THIS VIDEO

00:00 - Intro and anatomy details
01:20 - Study: Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25430...
03:20 - Do you need surgery? RED FLAGS
04:25 - Root causes for disc herniation
05:10 - Dr. B's recommendations

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED

How to Fix Tight Hip Flexors (Build Strength and Mobility):    • How to Fix Tight Hip Flexors (Build S...  

Stretching WON’T Fix Forward Head Posture (But THESE Exercises Will):
   • Stretching WON’T Fix Forward Head Pos...  

ROM Coach app (free!):​ https://www.precisionmovement.coach/r... - our beautiful mobile app to improve your mobility and help you achieve movement longevity, includes the Daily Movement Tuneup and gives you 3 new exercises that will activate every muscle and mobilize every joint in your body every 1-2 weeks (only 3-5 mins/day!)

Acute Low Back Pain Routine: https://www.precisionmovement.coach/s... - get these 2 free routines and we'll guide you on which one to use depending on how much pain you're currently in

Spine Control: https://www.precisionmovement.coach/s... - a science-based 3-phase course that will help you restore proper spine function so it's resilient and resistant to injury

Precision Movement Academy: https://www.precisionmovement.coach/a... - includes everything you need to get ALL of your joints and muscles functioning properly to eliminate compensations and imbalances so you can get back to and keep doing the things you love, for life

Medical Disclaimer
The medical information on any/all of our content is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.