Condition profile · Back & Lumbar
Lumbar disc herniation
Protocol from 4'060 CHF · ≈ 8 weeks
Understand
What is a lumbar disc herniation?
Between two vertebrae, a disc acts as a shock absorber. A disc herniation happens when part of the disc's core moves out of place. In the lower back, it may cause no symptoms, cause back pain, or irritate a nerve root and cause sciatica.
Many herniations shrink on their own within a few months, and an MRI does not always reflect how much it hurts. Rehab aims to ease pain, restore movement and strengthen the back so you can get back to normal life, sport included.
See a doctor promptly if…
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness between the legs: go to the emergency department or call 144
- Weakness in a leg or foot that is getting worse (the foot catches the ground)
- Pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
Common causes
- Disc degeneration
- Repeated heavy lifting
- Repeated flexion/rotation movements
- Genetic predisposition
Symptoms
- Low back pain
- Radiation into the leg (sciatica) if nerve compression
- Numbness, sometimes muscle weakness
Timeline
How long does a herniated disc take to heal?
Pain usually improves well before the herniation disappears on imaging: we are guided by your symptoms and function, not by the MRI.
- Acute pain
- 2 to 6 weeks
- Clear improvement, in most cases
- 6 to 12 weeks
- The herniation often shrinks
- within a few months
Diagnosis
Our approach
The first step is always a medical consultation. Complementing this: clinical assessment and neurological tests (Lasègue) by the physiotherapist, with systematic red-flag screening as a priority. MRI with Dr Massimo Donalisio to confirm the level and degree of herniation.
Care at Off-Field
- Physiotherapy (relief, progressive mobility)
- Physical preparation (core work, global strengthening)
- In coordination with Dr Massimo Donalisio when indicated: targeted injection / perineural hydrodissection if pain persists
Rehab
Rehab for a herniated disc
- 01
Settle and understand
Explanation of the herniation, relieving positions, adapted activity: moving remains the best option.
- 02
Restore mobility
Gentle back and hip exercises, nerve mobility if the leg is affected.
- 03
Strengthen the trunk and legs
Core, glutes and thighs, then exercises closer and closer to your activities: lifting, bending, turning.
- 04
Return to sport
A gradual return to your usual sport, with a maintenance programme to limit recurrences.
Exercises
Exercises for a lumbar disc herniation
Pelvic tilt
On your back with knees bent, gently flatten your lower back against the floor, then relax. 2 sets of 10.
Kneeling plank
On your forearms and knees, back straight, hold for 15 to 30 seconds. 3 to 5 repetitions.
Bird dog
On all fours, extend one arm and the opposite leg without arching your back, hold for 5 seconds. 2 sets of 8 per side.
Brisk walking
20 to 30 minutes a day, building up gradually: the back likes movement.
Examples to adapt with your physio after the assessment: pain during exercise should stay moderate and settle within 24 hours.
Return to sport
Sport with a herniated disc: returning safely
- No pain, or mild pain, in everyday activities
- Normal strength, reflexes and sensation in the legs
- Core work and lifting without bringing the pain back
- Sport resumed in stages, from the least demanding (cycling, swimming, easy running) to the most demanding
Investment
Base protocol price
From
4'060CHF
≈ 8 weeks
Indicative price that may vary with the number of protocol weeks. It will be adjusted after the clinical assessment by the physician and physiotherapist, based on the actual protocol duration and specific needs.
Mandatory prerequisite (not included)
Initial consultation with a partner physician (entry assessment): mandatory prerequisite, not included in the package. If needed, our team handles the referral and booking.
Included in the package
- Private physiotherapy sessions (2× 1h / week)
- One-on-one personal training (1× 1h / week)
- Initial + follow-up consultation with a partner nutritionist
- Case coordination: premium orchestration across all experts, direct booking of appointments once your schedule is shared
Extras not included. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI), orthobiologics (PRP, hyaluronic acid, SVF, BMAC), injections, shockwave therapy, biomarker panels: billed on top, only when clinically indicated by the responsible practitioner.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about herniated discs
Another question? We reply quickly on WhatsApp.
Message us on WhatsAppDoes a herniated disc need surgery?
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Same area
Other conditions treated: back & lumbar
The diagnosis drives the protocol. Here are the other situations we treat in this area.
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