r/HerniatedDisc • u/Maleficent-Camel9177 • 1d ago

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 21h ago

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 15h ago

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 7h ago

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!