Lumbar Disc Bulge & Herniation Exercises | Rehab That Actually Reduces Back and Leg Pain

Rehab Science book: https://amzn.to/45PmM5z Rehab Science app: https://rehabscience.com/membership/ Stretch Strap: https://amzn.to/4bvd8Zr Lumbar disc bulges and herniations are common findings on MRI, but they do not automatically mean surgery is required. In fact, a large percentage of disc-related back and leg pain improves over time with the right rehabilitation approach. In this video, I explain why starting with physical therapy and movement-based rehab is recommended for most people, and how progressive exercise can help reduce pain, improve function, and restore confidence in movement. I also discuss when surgery may be appropriate, including situations where pain does not improve sufficiently after a structured course of physical therapy or when there is progressive lower extremity muscle weakness, which requires timely medical evaluation. In the second half of the video, I demonstrate three commonly used rehab strategies that are frequently helpful for disc-related symptoms, especially when leg pain or sciatica is present: -A standing lateral pelvic glide to help reduce symptoms in people with a directional preference -A prone spinal extension progression, often useful when symptoms centralize or improve with extension-based movements -Sciatic nerve glides to help reduce nerve sensitivity and improve tolerance to movement These exercises are meant to be performed within tolerable symptom limits and adjusted based on how your body responds. Not every exercise is appropriate for every person, which is why individualized progression and clinical reasoning matter. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:05 Exercise 1: Lateral Pelvic Glide 04:44 Exercise 2: Lumbar Extension Progression 06:41 Exercise 3: Sciatic Nerve Flossing 08:44 My Book & App Dr. Tom Walters and Rehab Science recommend that you speak with your doctor or physical therapist before participating in the exercises demonstrated in this video. The exercises in this video are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. No information in this video is to be taken as medical or health advice.