If you have an L4-L5 or L5-S1 disc bulge, sitting can be one of the most painful parts of your day. Whether it’s at work, in the car, or on the couch, the wrong posture can put extra pressure on your spine and slow your recovery.
In my latest video, I explain how to sit correctly with a symptomatic disc bulge (these can also work for generalized lower back pain too). The video includes:
You’ll also learn why small posture changes and regular movement breaks are key for disc recovery and long-term spinal health.
To watch the video, simply click on the image below. Also continue reading to see why not all back pain is a spinal disc problem.
Related: How to speed up your recovery from a L4/5 or L5/S1 disc bulge
In my latest video, I explain how to sit correctly with a symptomatic disc bulge (these can also work for generalized lower back pain too). The video includes:
- The three biggest mistakes people make when sitting and how to correct them
- Simple adjustments to reduce disc pressure and pain when sitting
- Bonus tip: How to get out of a chair with less lower back pain
You’ll also learn why small posture changes and regular movement breaks are key for disc recovery and long-term spinal health.
To watch the video, simply click on the image below. Also continue reading to see why not all back pain is a spinal disc problem.
Related: How to speed up your recovery from a L4/5 or L5/S1 disc bulge
Not all disc bulges are painful
When talking about disc bulges, it’s important to understand that not all disc bulges are painful.
A well-known 2015 study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology reviewed imaging findings from people who were asymptomatic, meaning they had no back pain or sciatica symptoms at all.
What the researchers found was quite eye-opening:
This is important to highlight because disc bulges are often discussed in articles, blogs, and imaging reports, and it’s easy to assume that if your back is sore, a disc bulge must be the cause.
That’s not always the case.
Many people have disc bulges that are simply part of normal age-related changes and never cause symptoms.
So if you’ve had imaging and been told you have a disc bulge, it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s the source of your pain.
A well-known 2015 study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology reviewed imaging findings from people who were asymptomatic, meaning they had no back pain or sciatica symptoms at all.
What the researchers found was quite eye-opening:
- Around 30% of people in their 20s had disc bulges without any pain
- Around 50% of people in their 40s had disc bulges and no symptoms
- In fact, for most age groups, if you take someone’s age and add 10%, that roughly reflects how many people had a disc bulge without pain
This is important to highlight because disc bulges are often discussed in articles, blogs, and imaging reports, and it’s easy to assume that if your back is sore, a disc bulge must be the cause.
That’s not always the case.
Many people have disc bulges that are simply part of normal age-related changes and never cause symptoms.
So if you’ve had imaging and been told you have a disc bulge, it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s the source of your pain.
The disc bulge continuum
This is where I often talk about what I call the disc bulge continuum.
On one end of the scale, you have disc bulges with no pain or symptoms at all. On the other end, you have disc bulges that are irritating or compressing nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as sciatica, leg pain, numbness, or weakness.
Most people fall somewhere in between.
Understanding where you sit on this continuum is crucial, because it helps guide the right approach to recovery, including whether habits, posture changes, movement strategies, exercises, or hands-on care are most appropriate.
On one end of the scale, you have disc bulges with no pain or symptoms at all. On the other end, you have disc bulges that are irritating or compressing nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as sciatica, leg pain, numbness, or weakness.
Most people fall somewhere in between.
Understanding where you sit on this continuum is crucial, because it helps guide the right approach to recovery, including whether habits, posture changes, movement strategies, exercises, or hands-on care are most appropriate.
Getting the Right Assessment
If you’re dealing with lower back pain, sciatica, or you’re concerned about a possible disc bulge, a thorough assessment can help clarify what’s really going on.
At Elevate Chiropractic, I assess disc-related issues regularly. My goal is to:
If you’d like some help, feel free to contact the clinic here, or you can book an appointment online here.
Helping you feel, move, and function better.
At Elevate Chiropractic, I assess disc-related issues regularly. My goal is to:
- Identify whether a disc bulge is likely contributing to your symptoms
- Determine where you sit on the disc bulge continuum
- Create a plan to help you recover and prevent future flare-ups
If you’d like some help, feel free to contact the clinic here, or you can book an appointment online here.
Helping you feel, move, and function better.
RSS Feed
