Burwood NSW · Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment
A lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common causes of back pain and sciatica — and one of the most successfully treated with physiotherapy. Surgery is rarely required.
When disc material presses on a spinal nerve it can cause severe local pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness. Our evidence-based approach reduces nerve irritation, restores movement, and builds the strength needed for lasting recovery.
How We Treat This Condition
Evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific presentation and goals.
Accurate Diagnosis
Clinical neurological testing identifies which disc and nerve level is affected — guiding treatment precisely and determining whether imaging is required.
Learn more →Neural Tension Management
Specific positions and gentle exercises to reduce pressure on the irritated nerve root — often providing rapid relief of leg pain.
Learn more →Core & Spinal Stabilisation
Progressive core strengthening builds the muscle support around the lumbar spine, protecting the disc and preventing recurrence.
Learn more →Manual Therapy
Carefully selected joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques to reduce pain, decompress the affected level, and restore spinal mobility.
Learn more →Education & Self-Management
Understanding your disc injury — what makes it better and worse — empowers you to manage flares and progress your recovery confidently.
Learn more →Functional Rehabilitation
Gradual return to work, sport, and all daily activities with progressive loading — ensuring you are fully recovered and confident.
Learn more →When to See a Physio for a Lumbar Disc Herniation
Book an assessment if back pain is accompanied by leg pain, numbness, or weakness, symptoms haven’t improved within a couple of weeks, or you notice any changes in bladder or bowel control — the latter needs emergency care immediately.
What Happens at Your First Appointment?
Full Assessment
Detailed history, movement analysis and clinical tests to identify the root cause of your problem.
Diagnosis & Plan
We explain exactly what is going on and create a realistic, goal-focused treatment timeline.
Hands-On Treatment
Most patients receive treatment in their first session — manual therapy, needling, or exercise prescription.
Home Program
You leave with clear exercises and self-management strategies to accelerate your recovery.
Why Choose Burwood Physio?
- AHPRA-registered physiotherapists
- Same-day and next-day appointments available
- HICAPS on-site — claim health fund rebate instantly
- Medicare bulk billing with GP CDM plan
- NDIS registered provider
- WorkCover and icare accepted
- Evidence-based treatment — no unnecessary sessions
- 2 minutes walk from Burwood Station
📍 Located in Burwood: Shop 2, 36–38 Victoria St East, Burwood NSW 2134. 2 min from Burwood Station. Open Mon–Sat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my disc herniation heal without surgery?
Yes — the vast majority do. Studies show 90% of disc herniations significantly improve with conservative treatment within 6–12 weeks.
How long does a disc herniation take to resolve?
Most people experience significant improvement within 6–8 weeks of physiotherapy. Full recovery typically takes 3–6 months.
Can physiotherapy make a disc herniation worse?
No, when delivered appropriately. Our physiotherapists carefully select techniques based on your specific presentation to avoid aggravation.
What are the warning signs that require urgent medical attention?
Loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe progressive leg weakness require urgent medical assessment (cauda equina syndrome).
Do I need an MRI for a disc herniation?
Not always. Most disc herniations are diagnosed clinically. An MRI is only required if symptoms do not improve or surgery is being considered.
What causes a lumbar disc herniation?
Disc herniations typically result from repetitive bending and lifting, sudden heavy loading, or gradual degeneration of the disc over time, allowing the inner disc material to bulge or leak through its outer wall.
What does treatment for a disc herniation involve at Burwood Physio?
Treatment includes techniques to reduce nerve irritation, graded exercise to build core and spinal support, and education on movements and positions to manage symptoms during recovery.
Can I still exercise with a disc herniation?
Yes, with guidance. Complete rest is not recommended — appropriately modified movement and exercise, tailored to your specific symptoms, supports recovery better than inactivity.
Is a disc herniation the same as sciatica?
A disc herniation is a structural finding, while sciatica describes the symptom pattern that can result when a herniation compresses a nerve root. Not all herniations cause sciatica, and not all sciatica is caused by a herniation.
How common are disc herniations in people without back pain?
Very common. Studies show disc bulges and herniations are frequently found on imaging in people with no symptoms at all, which is why findings on a scan do not always explain your pain and should be interpreted alongside a clinical assessment.
Disc pain stopping you in your tracks?
Most disc herniations resolve without surgery. Get expert treatment today.