In my time as a sciatica specialist, I’ve helped countless individuals who are suffering from a bulging disc L4/L5.
A bulging disc at L4/L5 is the second most common disc problem, and it certainly gives many people a lot of trouble. Let’s talk about what a bulging disc L4/L5 is, and how to fix it.
What is a Bulging Disc L4/L5?
When we refer to a bulging disc at L4/L5, we are talking about a problem with the spinal disc at the second-lowest level in the spine.
To understand this better, let’s talk a bit about the anatomy of the spine. Once you can picture the area of the body we’re referring to, you’ll be able to understand why you’ve got your symptoms and what to do about it.
Before we dive in, please be aware that we are part of the Amazon Affiliate programme. This page may contain Amazon affiliate links, so if you choose to purchase a product for your sciatica that we recommend through a link on this page, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Overcome Sciatica alive! Thank you for your support. Please be assured that we only ever recommend products that we truly believe can help.
The Human Spine
The human spine is made up of 24 vertebra (your “back bone”) which are funny shaped bones stacked on top of each other. These vertebrae start in the lowest part of your back and run all the way to the top of your neck.
The top 7 vertebra in the spine are called the “cervical” vertebrae. These make up your neck. We call them C1, C2, C3 etc… All the way down to C7 at the base of the neck.
Your mid-back is made up of the 12 thoracic vertebra. These are called T1 to T12.
Your lower back is made up of 5 large lumbar vertebra. These are called L1 to L5. L5 is the lowest vertebra in the spine, while L4 is the second lowest vertebra.
Below that is your sacrum. Your sacrum is the funny shaped bone that joins the right and left parts of your pelvis together. Although the sacrum is one individual bone, there are 4 sets of nerves that exit the sacrum. We call these levels S1-S4.
The Spinal Discs
Between each vertebrae is a spinal disc – a tough sac made up of strong cartilage, filled with fluid.
We name these discs based on the vertebrae above and below the disc. For example, if we are talking about the disc between L1 and L2, we would call it disc L1/L2.
So, when we are talking about disc L4/L5, we mean the disc in the spine that sits between L4 (second lowest vertebrae) and L5 (lowest vertebrae).
Although the discs are much stronger than a donut, it might help to imagine the design of the discs like a jam donut – made up of tough outer layers filled with fluid.
The discs are very important. They help the spine move normally. Without them, we couldn’t walk, stand or move our spines.
The Nerves and Spinal Cord
Inside the bones in the spine, there is a long hollow passageway. Through this passageway runs the spinal cord – the origin of all the nerves in our body.
From each level in the spine, a tiny portion of the spinal cord splits off and becomes a nerve. This nerve then leaves the spine and runs to a limb or other part of the body. The nerves are vital to human life – they allow us to move, feel, talk and digest food.
The longest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve. It leaves the spine near the bottom of the back and runs all the way down the back of the leg into the toes.
It is around an inch in diameter and allows the legs to work normally.
What is a Bulging Disc L4/L5?
Over time, the discs in the spine can suffer normal wear and tear that occurs from repetitive movements throughout our lives. This process happens to everyone.
However, if one part of the disc has weakened more than others, it can lead to something called a disc bulge.
This describes the event where the strong outer fibres of the disc split and the inner part of the disc “bulges” out towards the nerve roots at the back of the spine.
In the image below, a disc bulge can be seen in the MIDDLE picture. (The end picture is a disc herniation – this is a worse version of a disc bulge).
Because of how close the discs are to the nerves that we talked about earlier, a disc bulge can touch one of the spinal nerves, causing an array of symptoms along its course.
If the disc bulge touches the sciatic nerve, the symptoms that follow are called “sciatica”.
Because the L4/L5 disc is extremely close in proximity to the sciatic nerve, a disc bulge at this level often touches the nerve and causes sciatica.
This is how a bulging disc L4/L5 can cause sciatica.
Below is a video describing exactly how pain occurs from a bulging disc:
What are the Symptoms of a Bulging Disc L4/L5?
There are a number of symptoms that can occur following a bulging disc at the level of L4/L5. They can be alarming and scary for anyone who first experiences them.
Luckily, with this article, you’ll understand what’s normal and why you are going through these issues which will hopefully alleviate some of your concern.
Common symptoms of a bulging disc L4/L5:
- Back Pain: Perhaps the most common symptom of a bulging disc L4/L5 is back pain. Now, although this may surprise you, not everyone experiences back pain with a bulging disc, but most people do. I was shocked at first when I would get clients who had a bulging disc yet no back pain whatsoever, but it is certainly possible. Most people who suffer a bulging disc will experience an aching to sharp pain right across the lower back. It may be tender to touch and feel like the muscles are in spasm.
- Sciatica: Sciatica is the word we use to describe the sensation of pain the runs down the back of the leg. It is usually shooting and can be severe – sometimes described by my clients as feeling like “being stabbed by a hot poker”.
- L4-L5 Pain Symptoms: Pain Down the Side of the Leg: Now, this is where a bulging disc L4/L5 differs from a problem with L5/S1. Because the nerves that start at L4 also supply the area on the outside of the leg, a disc bulge at L4/L5 can cause pain down the side of the leg and even onto the TOP of the foot. The pain will likely travel in a “spiral” type pattern, where it starts in the back and runs down the side of the leg into the top of the foot. This pain is similar in sensation to sciatica and can be equally as nasty.
- Pins and Needles/Numbness: A bulging disc can cause sensory changes in the leg and foot. Usually, the funny sensations will be present in the foot and toes and for some people this symptom can be worse than the pain. This symptom happens because the bulging disc is pressing against the nerve in the spine which stops the nerve from doing its job correctly. This means that some signals don’t get through properly and sensation isn’t felt normally.
- Weakness in the Legs: Now, this symptom can be alarming and you should definitely head to your doctor if you feel weakness in one or both legs along with any of the other symptoms on this list. Weakness in the legs (particularly thigh weakness with a bulging disc that touches the L4 nerve root) indicates a severe nerve compression. If this sounds like you, it needs addressing as soon as possible.
Less Common Symptoms of a Bulging Disc L4/L5:
- Leg shaking/spasms: Often confused with sciatica, these spasms cause the muscles to tense up and go into spasm. The best way to deal with this symptom is through a short course of muscle relaxants.
- Problems with the Bladder and Bowel: This is an alarming symptom that needs addressing as quickly as possible by a doctor. This occurs when the nerves that allow the bladder and bowel to do their job are compressed by the bulging disc. If you suffer from incontinence (accidents), not being able to “go” or not being able to feel when your bladder/bowel are full, seek medical attention immediately.
- Numbness in the Private Areas (or “Saddle” Region): This is another symptom that needs immediate investigation. Again, this indicates the lower nerves are compressed to the point that they can’t function properly. If this isn’t fixed soon, you might end up with a permanent problem. If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
L4-L5 Pain Symptoms
The pain from L4-L5 can depend on which nerve root is affected (specifically, whether it is L4 or L5):
If the L4 nerve root is affected, you will find the pain usually travels down the front of the thigh, crossing over the inside of the knee and running down to the inner shin.
If the L5 nerve root is affected, you will find that the pain usually travels down the OUTSIDE of your leg, down the outer shin and into the outside edge of the foot.
Of course, L4-L5 pain symptoms can occur at the same time, meaning you feel pain along both of these paths. A combination of these pains is the most common L4-L5 nerve root compression symptom.
What is a Diffuse Disc Bulge at L4-L5?
Many people ask about the terminology given on MRI scans. One of the common findings is a diffuse disc bulge at L4-L5.
This means that the area of the disc bulge is large and spread out. An acute disc bulge often means the bulge comes out further, but it is less spread out, while a diffuse disc bulge at L4-L5 means the opposite. This type of disc bulge tends to have less severe symptoms.
What to Expect from a Bulging Disc L4/L5
When I worked in professional football, we would usually be able to tell the manager with reasonable accuracy exactly how long a player would be out for, depending on the injury he had.
For example, a mild ankle sprain would almost always be recovered by 3 weeks, while a hamstring injury might take 6 weeks.
However, with a disc injury, it isn’t possible to accurately predict how long someone will suffer for.
Almost always, the healthier you are in general, the faster you will get better.
(Here is my overall guide on improving general health for over-fifties.)
Age also plays a role – people under 40 tend to recover a bit quicker than those over 40. However, other than that, bulging disc recovery time is difficult to predict.
As a general ball-park figure for you, most people SHOULD feel significantly better after 12 weeks following a bulging disc L4/L5.
However, many people don’t. And when you’ve been in pain for a long time, the body undergoes some changes which make recovery slower and more difficult.
That’s why ACTION is key – when you make a commitment to getting better, and do all the right things each day, you can usually accelerate bulging disc recovery significantly.
One of the best recommendations I can make at this point is to check out fellow sciatica specialist Dean Volk’s online sciatica relief programme. I have seen his excellent results first-hand so can wholeheartedly recommend his methods.
You can read more about his course here:
Check out Dean Volk’s “Kicking Sciatica OUT of the Butt!” Online Pain Relief Course Here!
I can proudly recommend Dean and his course for sciatica sufferers – because I’ve seen his incredible results first-hand. You can check out his course (and get lifetime access to the videos and bonus content) by clicking HERE.
Timeline for Recovery from a Bulging Disc L4/L5
Day 1 – Day 14
- Expect to be in a LOT of discomfort. Even though staying active as much as possible is key, you’ll need plenty of rest… And that is OK!
- You’ll need to look at HOW the problem started – were you lifting and shifting with poor technique? You’ll need to address this later in the process.
- How’s your diet and sleep? The more sleep you get and the “cleaner” you eat (click HERE for info on the RIGHT foods to eat), the faster you’ll get better from here.
- You may need a short course of pain killers to get through the worst bit.
- It’s worth getting an assessment from a doctor, especially if you are worried about any of your symptoms.
Day 14 – Day 28
- The pain may have started to ease a bit by now, but you’ll likely have incredible stiffness in the lower back. We need to start addressing that soon!
- This is the stage where gentle movement is key – in the back, in the leg and getting out for a few walks if you can manage.
- Make sure to stay hydrated here – when you aren’t fully hydrated, the discs don’t function or recover as well. Drink more water than usual.
Day 28 – Day 56
- Keep going with your exercises, keep walking as much as you can.
- Start a stretching program for your legs – click here for a simple stretching program you can use for sciatica relief at this stage.
- Now’s a good time to address the problem that caused the bulging disc – was it weakness in your back? Was it terrible technique? Was it your lifestyle and the fact that you’ve been generally unhealthy? Start addressing these things now.
Day 56 – Day 90
- Now, you should start to be getting back to some normality, although you’ll still be feeling fragile.
- You’ll need to take things easy – don’t rush back to anything. You should have someone who can help you at work when the pain starts to nag.
- Don’t worry if you get occasional bad days – it’s normal! Recovery is hardly ever straightforward and few set backs aren’t uncommon.
- Keep addressing the problem areas. If it’s weakness in your spine, you need to strengthen it. Don’t try and do this without guidance! Find a professional or invest in a proven system that works!
Tip: Here is a guide to the FIVE key signs to watch for to indicate that a bulging disc is healing:
L4-L5 Disc Bulge Treatment Without Surgery
So, when we talk about treatment for a bulging disc, we need to split this category into two parts: Lifestyle and Exercise.
In the following video, I’ll show you 8 strategies for accelerating bulging disc recovery time so you can get better faster:
Treatment for a Bulging Disc L4/L5 Part #1 – Lifestyle
Diet
It’s crucial for most people that diet is optimised for a recovery from a bulging disc.
This involves maximising anti-inflammatory foods: click HERE to learn more about anti-inflammatory foods for a bulging disc.
You’ll also need to minimise pro-inflammatory foods: click HERE to learn about which foods to AVOID when you have a bulging disc.
General Activity
Most people with a bulging disc shoulder keep generally active. This means not taking too much time off work for most people.
The best general advice for most people is to try to walk as much as they can within the realms of comfort. I usually tell my clients to stop when pain starts, have a break, then get back to it.
One of my clients used to leave his house, walk up the road 100 yards, then come back. That was it for each day. But even those few hundred steps made a huge difference over a number of weeks.
Little and often is key – don’t overdo it. The best advice is to stop as soon as the pain starts to worsen. Each day, the goal for most people is to be able to build their activity level gradually.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is absolutely crucial. When someone has a disc bulge compressing a nerve, any dehydration in that disc will make the compression worse. This is because the spinal discs are the first area that the body draws water from when the body is dehydrated.
This means that drinking 3-4 litres of water each day is critical to your success and a highly undervalued facet of recovery.
Sleep
Getting as much sleep as possible is incredibly important when you have a bulging disc (although, sciatica can make sleep more difficult for many people, unfortunately).
Sleep is one of the key parts of a recovery from a bulging disc – sleep is when healing occurs. It’s impossible to get better without enough sleep each night.
One helpful tip to remember is that you can make up for lost hours of sleep as a nap if your pain tends to be worse at night. A 20-minute nap has been shown to be as effective as two hours of extra sleep in the morning in terms of restoration, some research shows. However, the optimal duration of time for napping seems to be 90 minutes, this study shows.
Click HERE for a brief guide on sleeping better when you have sciatica.
Minimising Discomfort to Speed Up Recovery
Getting better from a bulging disc is just as much about avoiding making the problem worse as it is about doing extra things.
As a general rule of thumb, if an activity or position is making your pain worse, it should be changed or avoided – or you run the risk of delaying your bulging disc disc recovery time.
Products That Can Help
For a bulging disc L4/L5, there are a number of products that can help many people to go about their day with less pain and more comfort. Here are a few of my top recommended products for bulging disc relief:
#1 – TENS Machine for bulging disc
TENS machines are useful for providing relief from pain and muscle spasms in the back and legs. They are a safe and effective way of relieving the symptoms of a bulging disc without any great effort.
Below are 3 of my top recommended TENS machines:
TENSCare Perfect TENS Pain Relief Machine
This TENS machine has 8 preset programs so you don’t need to “tune it” yourself – just pick a setting and off you go! There is an option to purchase a ‘Value Pack’ which includes spare pads which I would definitely recommend.
Click HERE to view the TENSCare Perfect TENS Pain Relief Machine on Amazon US (closest match)
Click HERE to view the TENSCare Perfect TENS Pain Relief Machine on Amazon UK
SHANGPS TENS Machine for Pain Relief
The SHANGPS design has revolutionised the way TENS machines are used for a bulging disc – meaning it is possible to now get effective pain relief on the go. With its discrete design, you can easily conceal this under clothing and continue with your day to day tasks without having to stop and sit down to use the TENS machine. Purchase with spare pads for the best value for money.
Click HERE to view the SHANGPS TENS Machine on Amazon
TPN 200 Plus TENS Machine
A super-simple yet sleek design, this TENS machine is perfect for those who want a highly effective model and are confident with using a TENS machine for bulging disc pain relief. This unit doesn’t have a fancy display, so you can customise the settings to best suit your needs, tweaking and changing the frequency until you find one that works best for you.
Click HERE to view the TPN 200 Plus TENS Machine on Amazon US (closest match)
Click HERE to view the TPN 200 Plus TENS Machine on Amazon UK
#2 – Lumbar Roll
A lumbar roll is a specially designed cushion that goes behind your lower back when sitting.
It increases the curve in the lower back, which many people find takes pressure off a bulging disc in the lower back when sitting (which can be the worst position for a lot of people).
Here is a great option for a lumbar roll for the office, car and home:
Click HERE to view the Supportiback® Posture Therapy Lumbar Support Cushion on Amazon US
Click HERE to view the Supportiback® Posture Therapy Lumbar Support Cushion on Amazon UK
#3 – Creams for Pain Relief from Bulging Disc L4/L5
There are a number of rubs and creams that can help to relieve pain from a bulging disc. In this section of the article, I’m going to share with you which products I believe to be the best creams for pain relief.
Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication, including creams.
Best Cream for Bulging Disc Pain Relief – Voltarol
Click HERE to view Voltarol cream for sciatica pain relief Amazon US
Click HERE to view Voltarol cream for sciatica pain relief Amazon UK
This product contains an anti-inflammatory that helps to calm any inflammation around the affected nerve root when someone is suffering from a bulging disc.
What’s more, it also contains a natural product that will help to relax hyper-tense muscles and reduce pain, as well as provide a soothing effect to the area. For this reason, I would place it as my go-to and best cream for sciatica pain relief from a bulging disc.
Second Best Cream for bulging disc pain relief – 5Kind Hemp Active Gel
View this product on Amazon here
Hemp-based products have grown in popularity over the last few years. I always keep a close eye on the research regarding hemp and CBD – and the research shows mixed results.
Anecdotally, I’ve heard great things from users of hemp gel as a cream for sciatica pain relief from a bulging disc, and I had one client that used it to relieve back pain to great effect.
The product shown is one of the best on the market right now with over 11,000 ratings and an average of 4.5/5 stars!
Third Best Cream for Sciatica Pain from bulging disc pain relief – Keentox Hemp Cream
Click here to view the Keentox cream for sciatica pain relief on Amazon US
Click here to view the Keentox cream for sciatica pain relief on Amazon UK
Another Hemp Cream for sciatica pain from a bulging disc, this product has incredible reviews and contains an array of ingredients that have been shown to contribute to decreasing inflammation and pain in various studies.
You’ll find turmeric, arnica and of course hemp extract in this product making it an excellent choice.
Rub onto your back or leg for best results (of course, check with your doctor first).
Fourth Best Cream for Pain Relief from bulging disc – FourFive CBD Muscle Rub
Click HERE to view this cream for pain relief on Amazon UK
I was never convinced by the CBD craze when it all began, but I am starting to see more compelling evidence for its use in some people, in some cases.
While I don’t believe CBD to be “magic”, I do feel this product has potential to relieve some of the muscle pain experienced in the lower back for many people with sciatica.
That is why this product makes it onto the list of the best creams for sciatica pain relief from bulging disc L4/L5. Check out the reviews of this product – they are really outstanding, with a perfect 5-star rating.
What Other Products for Sciatica Relief Can Help?
I’m a big believer in the power of improving your general health when it comes to sciatica pain relief.
If you’re struggling with your mobility due to sciatica, one thing that might help is to address other general health issues like your weight, your diet and your general exercise.
If you’d like some tips on how to improve all of those aspects of your health, stave off injury and treat problems like arthritis, why not grab a copy of my brand new book, Thriving Beyond Fifty? You can see more details below:
Top Tip: Grab a copy of my #1 Best-Selling book, Thriving Beyond Fifty for more health, wellness and recovery strategies!
L4-L5 Disc Bulge Treatment Without Surgery Part #2:
Exercise
The most important thing to understand when it comes to bulging discs and exercise is that everyone is different; a suitable exercise regime for one person with a bulging disc will be different for another with the same problem.
However, there are some exercises that are commonly useful for many people with a bulging disc. The following exercises are not to be taken as a prescription but as a suggestion for what has helped some of my clients in the past. Always get professional advice before starting any new exercises for sciatica.
The exercises provided on this page for informational purposes only and are not designed to be a ‘prescription’ of any kind. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before you begin any new exercise programme.
#1 – Cobra Pose
Instructions:
- Begin laying face-down on a firm surface like a mat on the floor or a hard mattress
- Place your hands in line with your shoulders and gently push up, raising your torso off the floor
- Keep your hips down on the floor
- Only go as far as is comfortable – no need to get to full extension for a benefit!
- Gently lower yourself to the starting position and repeat up to a maximum of 10 times.
- Do a set of these 3-4 times per day
Who this is for:
Usually, people suffering with a bulging disc find this exercise one of the most useful for improving their symptoms. However, regardless of what is causing the sciatica, a person should only persist with this exercise if it is comfortable to perform this movement. This exercise is a good place to start for many people who have trouble bending forward.
Why this bulging disc exercise works:
This bulging disc exercise works because it involves movement of the lower back which encourages blood to flow to the injured area so healing can occur. Some researchers also believe this exercise causes a disc bulge to “centralise” into the disc where it can’t pinch on a nerve root.
#2 – Knee Rolls
Instructions:
- Lie on your back on a mat or a firm mattress
- Bend your knees up halfway
- Slowly and gently, allow both knees to roll over to one side only as far as is comfortable
- Bring your knees back to the start position, then allow them to roll over to the opposite direction
- Repeat for 30-seconds total, don’t rush the repititions and try to find a rhythm
- Try to find time to do this exercise every 2-3 hours if you can
Who this is for:
This bulging disc exercise is great for relieving any tension in tight muscles in the lower back. It is also a great way to begin to regain any lost rotation in the lower back following a bulging disc.
Why this bulging disc exercise works:
By gently encouraging a slow, controlled rotation of the lower back, the muscles in your lower back will realise that it is OK to relax a little. This will bring about bulging disc pain relief.
#3 – McKenzie Side Bends
Instructions:
- Start standing next to a wall. Most people prefer to do this exercise with their painful leg being the one FURTHEST AWAY from the wall. However, try both sides and see which one is most comfortable for you – stick with that one.
- Use your elbow and forearm to support yourself so you are leaning on the wall (1st picture)
- Slowly and gently, let your hips “glide” towards the wall while keeping your feet in the same position.
- Only go as far as is comfortable, then return to the start position.
- Repeat this 10 times, have a break, and do 3 sets total.
- If this exercise has worked for you, you may feel rapid relief in the painful leg and possibly slightly worsening back pain – rest assured this is a normal phenomenon.
Who this is for:
This exercise works really well for bulging disc problems and is a mainstay for a treatment approach called “McKenzie”. It brings significant sciatica pain relief to many people with a bulging disc and can work rapidly.
Why this bulging disc exercise works:
The McKenzie approach claims to work by encouraging the disc material called the “nucleus pulposus” to re-centralise into it’s inner middle. Whether or not this actually occurs hasn’t been proven in scientific literature but I have seen this exercise provide relief for many. I recommend my clients choose the direction that is least painful when performing this bulging disc exercise.
#4 – Standing Extension
Instructions:
- Start standing normally.
- Gently try to lean back. Only go as far as is comfortable.
- If you feel able to, use your hands to provide support in the lower back allowing you to extend further (3rd picture)
- Slowly return to the start position
- Perform up to 10 repetitions, every few hours or so. Cut your set short as soon as you reach the first signs of pain.
Who this is for:
This is a great sciatica exercise for a bulging disc as well. It works especially well for people who have trouble leaning forward and is a more user-friendly/convenient version of #1 on this list. However, I find it to be slightly less effective compared to the Cobra pose as I find people tend to rely more on pelvic rather than spinal movement with this one. You should AVOID this exercise if you suffer from arthritis of the lower back or spinal stenosis.
Why this bulging disc exercise works:
This exercise works in a similar way to #1 – it involves movement of the lower back, encouraging blood to flow to the injured area so disc healing can occur. This exercise may help a herniated disc to “centralise” into the inner disc where it can’t pinch on a nerve root.
Exercises to Avoid
It is also important to AVOID certain exercises when you have a bulging disc.
Here is a video explaining exactly which ones to avoid:
Other Treatment Options for a Bulging Disc L4/L5
Very rarely, surgery is required for a bulging disc. This intervention is reserved for those who have tried everything else and are still suffering.
It’s important to exhaust all non-surgical methods first, as you can’t reverse a surgery and the results from surgery are often underwhelming. Occasionally, surgery can make someone worse which is obviously devastating to hear about.
Another option is an injection, which can give pain relief down the course of the sciatic nerve. From my experience, these have very underwhelming results for most people. However, they can occasionally be effective.
The most effective (and safest) proven option is to follow a proven exercise programme designed to encourage healing from a bulging disc L4/L5, such as the one I proudly recommend here.
What to Avoid with Bulging Discs?
There are also 7 common mistakes I see in my practice that make bulging discs worse. Learn what they are with the video below so you can avoid them!
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this article helpful. I think it’s useful to understand exactly why you’re suffering the way you are right now from that bulging disc at L4/L5, so the symptoms make more sense. I also hope you find some of the suggestions in this article useful.
Remember, getting better from a bulging disc is just as much about managing your day in a way that doesn’t make the symptoms worse as it is about doing exercises to fix it.
What did you think of this article? Was it useful? Leave me a comment below and let me know.
If you still want more help for a bulging disc L4/L5, check out the programme I recommend to people who are unable to come and see me at my clinic below:
Are You Looking for RAPID Relief from Sciatica?
My good friend, colleague and fellow international sciatica expert, Dean Volk, has a brand new sciatica relief video course available – and I’m delighted to be an official sponsor!
Check out Dean Volk’s “Kicking Sciatica OUT of the Butt!” Online Pain Relief Course Here!
I can proudly recommend Dean and his course for sciatica sufferers – because I’ve seen his incredible results first-hand. You can check out his course (and get lifetime access to the videos and bonus content) by clicking HERE.
The information on Overcome Sciatica should never be used as a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Never put into action any tips or techniques from Overcome Sciatica without checking with your doctor first. Please see full terms of use here.
This website has been so helpful thank you. The physio I saw in the NHS told me me there was no exercise she could give me. Also I can’t have have an operation either. I m now trying a tens machine so I am so grateful to find these exercises. I have had this pain down the side of my leg for 18 months now and to say it is affecting my life would be an understatement! Trying so hard not to depend on Tramadol as a last resort. Thank you again.
Hi Carolyn, thanks so much for your kind words! Sorry that you’re suffering right now. I hope the exercises in this article help. You can also check out my YouTube channel for more exercise ideas and tips on how to get better faster: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLo-5fkMJmGopFmyXbnRFMg
Thank you so much. I was getting PT and they had me bouncing on a ball and now I am in the worst pain I have ever experienced in the top of my foot side of my leg. I had a ruptured L4/L5 from a car accident years ago which I healed. I was walking 4 miles everyday and now can barely walk 20 feet. Would u recommend ibuprofen to get through the healing. I am in so much pain I am in tears. This is more info than I got from the PT folks
This is a very helpful article. For me it gives me a lot of options which provides some hope.
I found the article very helpful. I had surgery 18 months ago. Unfortunately the result was disappointing. Full surgery on L4 and L5 wasn’t possible due to condition of my bone. Still have sciatic pain and now have to use walking stick for stability. Feel hopeful that exercises will help lessen pain. Thank you
WOW! this is the best volume I have read yet for Sciatica…learned a lot. I’m currently in PT for a bulging disc L4-5…and as a golfer, need all the help I can get.
Thank you,
Will, your entire website is SO calm, sensible and reassuring! I have found a LOT of helpful advice, but perhaps more importantly it has taken much of the fear of the pain of sciatica away…
It’s a HORRIBLE condition that is taking a while to heal, but I am able to say “hurt does not mean harm” and not to panic when it DOES hurt…
Thank you.
Thank you Thank you Thank You
Omg I am so glad I found this currently on day 4 & this is not only clarified but gave me hope thank you
Very helpful article, Thank you, Will try your suggestions,
I have undergone some 14weeks of rdiotherapy for bowel cancer,then suddenly I started falling and after scans it shows I have a 5th lumber disc ?protusion PID. I now cn only walk with a zimmer frame. Any help would be appreciated
Thank you C.LLoyd
Really it’s very useful article, superb analysis, thank you very much
Thanks for all the information! This is been very useful for me to understand what am going through here! I screenshot all the pages! Once again thank you very much.