Herniated Disc?
The Image Isn't the Whole Story.
52% of pain-free people have disc herniations on MRI. What matters isn't the image – but how your body moves and functions.
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The "Herniated Disc" Diagnosis and What Comes After
You had an MRI, the doctor points at the image and says: "There's the herniation." Now exercises are supposed to help. But what if the exercises make everything worse?
- The exercises from the physiotherapist intensify the pain
- Every movement feels risky
- You avoid certain positions completely
- Medication only numbs but doesn't solve anything
- Surgery is on the table – but you're hesitant
I understand the fear and uncertainty that comes with this diagnosis. Many of my clients had already been through an odyssey of various therapies before coming to me. The good news: in most cases, surgery isn't necessary – when you find the right approach.
What Science Says About MRI Findings
Study: Brinjikji et al., 2015
52%of people without back pain have disc herniations on MRI. The image often shows normal age-related changes that don't cause any symptoms.
View Study (PubMed)Study: Berg et al.
2/3In two-thirds of cases, the MRI level doesn't match the symptoms. The MRI score doesn't correlate with disability level or pain intensity.
View Study (AJNR)What does this mean for you? Your MRI shows a herniated disc? Many people without any symptoms have that too. What matters isn't the image – but how your body moves.
From Bedridden with Severe Chronic Pain to Climbing 7b – in Just 2 Months
What's possible when you identify the movements and exercises that cause harm – and either eliminate or adapt them.
Christoph M., Freiburg Herniated Disc
"I went to the doctor because of lower back pain – the MRI showed a herniated disc in the lumbar region. I tried various physical therapy clinics, but the pain just kept getting worse. I was diligent with my exercises, but after two months, it was so bad that I spent most of my time bedridden, even with the strongest painkillers. I couldn't even walk 50 meters without intense pain. I was at rock bottom, both physically and mentally, and was seriously considering surgery."
The analysis revealed: The prescribed exercises were re-traumatizing Christoph's disc every single day. The "right" exercise at the wrong time – or poorly executed – can do more harm than good. In his case, this led to severe, chronic pain.
The approach: First, eliminate the harmful movements. Desensitize the nervous system. Gradual rebuilding with exercises his body could handle. Developing movement literacy that allowed him to move much more comfortably in daily life almost immediately.
The key: Christoph learned to listen to his body. He understood which movements and exercises were harming him – and why. He learned what he needed to do differently.
Remarkable: Christoph's entire recovery took place online via video analysis – no in-person treatment was needed. After local physical therapists and doctors failed to bring relief, the breakthrough came through online coaching. It wasn't hands-on manipulation that made the difference, but precise movement analysis and identifying harmful patterns. Plus, he learned how to perform previously painful daily movements in a way that was comfortable or even pain-free.
My Approach to Herniated Disc
Neuromuscular Analysis
I look at how your body moves – not just where it hurts. Asymmetries in strength and mobility often reveal the actual cause.
Identify Harmful Exercises
Some standard exercises are counterproductive at the wrong time. I find out which exercises you should currently avoid.
Calm the Nervous System
A sensitized nervous system needs desensitization – not more stimulation. We slowly rebuild trust in movement.
Herniated disc training is part of my Medical Personal Training in Basel – therapeutic movement training for the management of (chronic) pain, post-surgery recovery, and prevention.
Why I Work Differently
- Clinical picture instead of MRI diagnosis – The image doesn't show if you'll have pain
- Neuromuscular analysis of the entire chain – It's not just about the back
- Desensitization before strengthening – Only when the nervous system is ready
- Learn to listen to your body – You become the expert for yourself
- No standard exercises – What works for others might harm you
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything important about training with a herniated disc
Can I exercise with a herniated disc?
Yes, in most cases movement is actually important for healing. However, it's crucial which exercises you do and when. Standard exercises can worsen symptoms if applied incorrectly. An individual analysis shows which movements help you.
What does the MRI really show?
Studies show that 52% of people without back pain have disc herniations on MRI. The image often shows normal age-related changes that don't cause any symptoms. What matters is the clinical picture – how your body functions.
How long does treatment take?
This depends on your individual situation. Some clients notice improvements in the first session. With consistent work, significant progress is often possible within a few weeks.
Do I need surgery?
In most cases, surgery is not necessary. Conservative treatment with targeted training can be very effective. Surgery should only be considered with certain symptoms such as progressive paralysis or bladder/bowel dysfunction.
Let's Discuss First Steps
In the free initial consultation, we'll clarify if my approach is right for your situation – no obligation, no pressure.