[Health Column] Herniated Discs: Why Do They Occur and Why Do They Recur? From Symptoms to Non-Surgical Management

 

hello, Director Moon Ji-hwan of Rebom Oriental Medicine Hospital no see.

 

When your back is stiff and pain persists, you may start to worry, “Could it be a herniated disc?” , you must have tried it at least once.

 

Herniated disc It feels like a sudden illness, but in reality, The result of accumulated long-term postural habits and alignment breakdown. This is often the case.

In particular, the feeling of back pain spreading to the buttocks or legs If this is the case, you should pay more attention.

today How lumbar disc herniation begins, why it recurs, and why a structure-centered, nonsurgical approach is important. Let's talk. Read on!

 

Why does a herniated disc occur?

👉 Because the burden on the disc is concentrated due to long-term posture and alignment problems.

 

A herniated disc is a disc that absorbs shock between the vertebrae. A condition in which the nerves are stimulated by being pushed to one side due to the inability to withstand continuous pressure Yes.

This pressure does not arise suddenly one day,

 

✔ Habit of sitting for long periods of time
✔ Working pattern with a bent back
✔ A life of leaning on a deep sofa
✔ Disorientation of pelvic and lumbar alignment

 

These small habits in daily life accumulate over a long period of time and are created.

Especially the intervertebral disc The structure is relatively weak at the back, so it is easy to be pushed backwards when repeated postural stress accumulates. This will cause problems.

 

 

Before you suddenly feel a “twitch!” your back may have been sending signals long ago.

It is important to consider the alignment surrounding your lower back rather than just the pain.

 

 

What symptoms will appear if you have a herniated disc?

👉It doesn't just end with the waist, it can extend to the legs.

 

Back pain isn't everything.

 

When a disc irritates a nerve, pain occurs.

✔ Butt
✔ Thighs
✔ Calf
✔ Up to the feet

Radiation tube type It can lead to.

Additionally, symptoms may worsen when sitting for long periods of time, bending over, or leaning back excessively, and incorrect stretching may actually worsen the condition.

 

 

 

In this case, you definitely need to check

If back pain + leg numbness/pulling occurs together You need to check for nerve stimulation.

 

 

Why do herniated discs recur?

👉Because pain reduction does not mean “alignment has been restored”

 

Just because your symptoms have improved doesn't mean your structure has recovered.

If the alignment issue is not resolved, pressure will be concentrated in the same area again, ultimately maintaining the 're-pushing environment'.

 

Originally, the lower back should maintain a gentle C-shaped curve (lumbar lordosis) forward to be stable.

When this disc collapses, the load is placed on a specific area of ​​the disc, and the intervertebral disc takes over.

 

So this is a pattern that many people experience.
✔ Get better → let your guard down → get worse again…

 

This is not because the disk is weak,
This is often because the lumbar-pelvic-hip axis continues to collapse.

 

 

 

Non-surgical Approach: Why Is 'Restoring Spinal Alignment' Important?

👉 An approach that addresses "why the disk was pushed" rather than "the disk was pushed."

 

Spinal alignment restoration surgery does not only look at the lower back,

 

✔ Waist
✔ Pelvis
✔ Hip joint

 

Evaluating this axis together Focus on correcting broken alignments Leave it.

As the alignment returns to its proper position, the pressure concentrated on the disc is relieved,

Reduced burden on the nerves A more recovery-friendly environment This is created.

 

 

The key is not simply to “reduce pain,” Addressing the cause to reduce recurrence are you.

 

 

FAQ

Q1. Do I really need surgery for a herniated disc?

A1. Most cases can be recovered without surgery.
However, if there are functional changes such as nerve paralysis, muscle weakness, or urinary problems, surgery may be necessary.

 

Q2. Is stretching good for you?

A2. Not all stretching is good.
Excessive bending or bending of the waist can actually increase pressure, so it is important to proceed according to your individual condition.

Q3. If the pain goes away, will it be a complete cure?

A3. Pain relief is only part of recovery, and if alignment issues and lifestyle habits are not improved, the possibility of relapse remains.

 

 

 

conclusion

A herniated disc is not a disease that is simply caused by a single impact.

The cumulative result of lifestyle and alignment issues This is often the case.

So rather than just temporary pain relief,

 

✔ Restore balance of the lumbar-pelvic-hip joint structure
✔ Check your lifestyle habits
✔ Sorting-centric approach

 

Doing this together is key to reducing relapse.

If the pain is recurring or persists for a long time, check your current alignment and determine the cause of the stress on the disc.

 

“It’s not about pain, it’s about correcting the structure.”

It is the most important starting point for returning to a comfortable daily life.

 

 

Rebom Oriental Medicine Hospital Gangnam Branch

Director Moon Ji-hwan

 

Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Oriental Medicine

Kyung Hee University Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Doctoral Program

Visiting Professor, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University

Former Director of Sasang Medical Banryong Oriental Medical Clinic

Former Director of the Department of Oriental Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Geriatric Hospital

Executive Director of the Korean Society of Spinal Orthopedics

Member of the Korean Society of Oriental Medicine

Member of the Korean Society of Oriental Internal Medicine

Member of the Korean Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine

Member of the Korean Society of Oriental Medicine

Research Fellow, Korean Society of Joint Rehabilitation

Member of the Korean Society of Obesity Studies

 

 

 

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