Should You Walk with a Disc Bulge?

If you've been told you have an L4/L5 or L5/S1 disc bulge, you've probably received completely opposite advice.
 
Some people say you should walk as much as possible.
 
Others tell you to rest.
 
So… who's right?
 
The truth is, they can both be right, depending on where you are in your recovery.

Linked below is our most recent video, which is all about walking with a disc injury. One of the key messages from the video is, rather than asking "Should I walk?", a better question to ask is "Am I ready to walk today?"
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​In the video below, I explain:

• Why walking is often one of the best things you can do for a disc bulge.
• Why timing matters, especially in the early stages of recovery.
• The three most common walking mistakes I see in practice.
• Basic guidelines to follow when walking with a disc injury, including how long and how often you should walk.
• Warning signs that tell you it's time to stop.
• What to do if your back flares up during or after a walk.

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Walking can be an excellent way to help your recovery, but it isn't about pushing through pain or trying to get back to your usual distance too quickly.  A gradual approach, good walking posture and listening to your body's response are often the keys to success.

If you've also been wondering about how to sit or how to sleep with a disc bulge, make sure you check out the other videos in this series as well (they are linked below). Together, they cover the three positions you spend most of your day in and provide practical tips to help reduce unnecessary stress on your lower back.

I will also link a few other videos that can help with your recovery. I hope they help.

Related: How to Sit with a Disc Bulge
Related: How to Sleep with a Disc Bulge
Related: 4 Ways to Speed Up Recovery from a Disc Bulge
Related: Is Chiropractic Care Good for Sciatica?

Next steps to take

If you have been suffering from a lower back or disc injury, and would like some hands-on help, chiropractic care may be an option for you.

The best place to start is with a thorough examination. You can easily book one online here, or feel free to contact the clinic here and we can arrange a time for you. 

If you have any questions about disc bulges or back injuries in general, I am happy to answer them for you.