Back pain is one of those things we all try to brush off. “Slept weird.” “Probably from the gym.” “It’ll go away.” But what if it doesn’t? What if the pain starts radiating, shooting down your leg, or feels like numbness and tingling?
That might be more than tight muscles—it could be a herniated disc.
At Pyramid PT in San Antonio, TX, we see people all the time who didn’t realize they were dealing with a disc issue until it got worse. So let’s break it down: what a herniated disc actually feels like, how to know if that’s what you’re dealing with, and what you can do about it.Understanding Herniated Discs
What Is a Herniated Disc, Really?
Between each of your vertebrae sits a cushiony disc made of a tough outer shell and a soft, jelly-like center. A herniated disc—also called a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc—happens when that inner material pushes out through a crack in the outer layer.
This bulging material can press on nearby nerves, especially in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) spine, and that’s where the symptoms start showing up.
Why It Matters
Your spinal discs play a huge role in shock absorption and flexibility. When they’re out of place or putting pressure on nerves, it can lead to intense pain, limited movement, and even neurological symptoms. In some cases, it can stop you from doing simple things like walking, standing, or sitting comfortably.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
Here’s the truth: herniated discs don’t always hurt the same way for everyone. It depends on where the disc is, how severe the herniation is, and which nerves are being affected.
But there are some classic patterns we see again and again at Pyramid PT:
1. Radiating Pain (Not Just in the Back)
A herniated disc in your lower back can cause pain that travels down your glutes, hamstring, calf, and even into your foot. This is often referred to as sciatica—and it’s one of the most common signs.
If the herniation is in your neck, you might feel pain shooting down your shoulder, arm, or into your fingers.
2. Numbness or Tingling
When a disc presses on a nerve, it can mess with the signals to your limbs. That might feel like pins and needles, “static,” or parts of your leg or arm just not feeling right.
3. Muscle Weakness
You might notice that one leg feels unstable, or that you’re dropping things more often if the issue’s in your neck. That’s because the nerves feeding your muscles are being interrupted.
4. Pain That Gets Worse with Certain Movements
Things like:
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Sitting for too long
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Sneezing or coughing
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Bending or twisting
…can crank up the pain when a disc is herniated. It’s not just “bad posture”—it’s pressure on the spinal nerves.
5. Not Always Painful at First
Here’s the curveball: some people don’t feel any pain at all initially. The symptoms might start mild and gradually increase as inflammation builds or the herniation worsens.
Common Causes of a Herniated Disc
This isn’t just something that happens to elite athletes. Most of our patients at Pyramid PT are just regular people who didn’t even realize they were at risk.
Repetitive Movements or Poor Lifting Mechanics
Improper form at the gym or lifting something heavy with your back instead of your legs? That’s how a lot of disc issues start.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Spending hours hunched over a desk or slouched on the couch can weaken your core and put chronic pressure on your spine.
Age-Related Degeneration
Discs lose water content as we age, making them less flexible and more prone to tearing or bulging.
Traumatic Events
Car accidents, falls, or sudden twisting motions can all cause disc herniation—especially if there’s an underlying weakness.
How to Know If You Have a Herniated Disc
Self-Checks (But Don’t Rely on These Alone)
Try bending forward or lifting one leg straight up while lying down. If that causes shooting pain down your leg or into your foot, a disc could be involved. But here’s the thing: these aren’t diagnoses—they’re clues.
Professional Diagnosis at Pyramid PT
At Pyramid PT in San Antonio, we perform a full evaluation that includes:
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Postural and movement assessments
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Nerve tension testing
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Strength and mobility screening
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Collaboration with your doctor if imaging (MRI or CT) is needed
We don’t guess—we assess. And we build a clear picture of why you’re in pain and how to fix it.
Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc
Let’s be clear: surgery is rarely the first move. Most herniated disc cases can be managed effectively with conservative care—if you catch it early and treat it right.
At-Home Relief (Temporary, but Helpful)
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Ice and heat therapy
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Gentle stretching
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Staying active (bed rest is not helpful long-term)
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Anti-inflammatories (as advised by your doctor)
But don’t stop there. Managing pain isn’t the same as fixing the problem.
Physical Therapy at Pyramid PT
We specialize in disc recovery without surgery. That means:
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Manual therapy to reduce pressure and inflammation
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Targeted core and back strengthening to support the spine
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Neural mobility work to improve nerve function
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Postural retraining and ergonomic coaching
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A program built specifically for you, not a generic PDF of stretches
When Medical Intervention Is Needed
If physical therapy isn’t enough or if you experience loss of bowel/bladder control, severe weakness, or intense pain, we’ll work with your physician to guide you toward advanced imaging, pain management, or surgical consultation.
How to Prevent a Herniated Disc (Or Stop It from Coming Back)
We’re not just about fixing pain—we’re about keeping you strong and mobile for life.
Prevention Tips That Actually Work
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Lift with good form: Use your legs, not your back.
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Strengthen your core: Your abs and glutes are your spine’s support system.
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Take breaks from sitting: Get up, stretch, and move every 30–60 minutes.
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Work on posture: Both standing and sitting habits matter.
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Stay consistent with movement: A sedentary spine is a vulnerable spine.
At Pyramid PT, we also offer post-rehab maintenance programs to keep your progress going strong.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Worse — Book a Consultation at Pyramid PT Today
If you’re feeling that telltale pain, tingling, or weakness—and wondering, “Is this a herniated disc?”—don’t wait. This isn’t something that just “goes away” on its own.
Let the team at Pyramid PT in San Antonio, TX help you figure it out, fix the root of the issue, and get you moving again—pain-free and stronger than before.
Book your evaluation today. You deserve answers—and a plan that actually works.