Low Back Pain and Disc Bulges – What You Need to Know
Did you know that you probably have a disc bulge?
Sounds alarming, right?
But studies show that many people have disc bulges without any back pain at all.
A systematic review found that the prevalence of disc bulges in asymptomatic individuals increases with age (Source).
30% of 20-year-olds have them, and by 80 years old, that number jumps to 84%.
So why do we often hear people say their back pain is caused by a bulging disc?
What is a Disc Bulge?
A disc bulge occurs when the centre of an intervertebral disc pushes out against its outer layer. Occasionally, this can compress or "pinch" the nerves as they exit the spine.
It can happen after an acute lower back injury and sometimes cause significant pain.
But new research is making us rethink disc bulges entirely.
Maybe they aren't always "injuries."
Maybe they’re just a normal part of aging, like wrinkles or grey hair.
Low Back Pain Is More Common Than You Think
Low back pain is one of the most prevalent health conditions in the world.
Research suggests that up to 84% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives (Source).
A large percentage of those cases are often attributed to a "disc bulge".
But here’s something most people don’t realise…
Disc Bulges Can Heal
Yes, you read that right.
Not only do many disc bulges NOT cause pain, but research shows that they can resolve over time.
One study found that 43% of lumbar disc herniations fully resolved within two years, with larger herniations showing even higher rates of regression (Source).
So if your MRI shows a disc bulge, does that mean it's the cause of your back pain?
Not necessarily.
When Can We Be Certain That Your Back Pain is From a Disc Bulge?
We can’t.
And that’s why treating lower back pain is shifting away from a purely biomedical model.
Instead, we focus on the bio-psycho-social model, which considers:
- Physical factors (disc, muscles, joints)
- Psychological factors (pain beliefs, fear of movement)
- Social factors (work stress, lifestyle, past experiences)
Back pain is complex, and every individual is different.
What This Means for Your Recovery
The process of lumbar spine rehabilitation is vastly different for each person.
It depends on:
- Whether pain is acute or chronic
- The severity and location of pain
- Movements and activities that aggravate it
- Past experiences with pain
- Psychological and social factors
There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
That’s why individualised assessment and rehab plans are essential.
Key Takeaways
- A lot of people have disc bulges but no pain.
- Disc bulges can heal over time.
- Back pain is complex, and we can’t treat every case the same way.
At Undisputed Performance & Rehab, we take a comprehensive, individualised approach to managing low back pain.
If you're in Caringbah or the Sutherland Shire, book a consultation with us today and let’s create a plan tailored to you.