🎙️ Demystifying Disc Herniations:
What You Need to Know
Are you afraid of the words "herniated disc"? You're not alone—but you might be misinformed. In this episode of The PTCH Podcast, Dr. Kathy Lynch (DPT) interviews Dr. Jason Young (DC) to unpack the truth about disc herniations. They break down spinal anatomy, explore what actually causes disc injuries, explain why surgery isn’t always the answer, and bust some of the biggest myths in spinal health.
We cover:What is a disc herniation (really)?
The symptoms that matter (and the ones that don’t)Why you can still live a happy, active life with oneHow MRIs can sometimes do more harm than goodWhy “degenerative disc disease” might be the worst-named diagnosis in historyPLUS: Stick around for a fun trivia game—“Who Herniated It?”—where Kathy has to guess which celebrities suffered disc injuries (spoiler: it’s fun and surprisingly informative).
Whether you're dealing with back pain, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand your spine better—this episode is for you.
đź“Ś Chapters
00:00 Understanding Disc Herniations
02:58 Spinal Anatomy and Function
05:46 What is a Disc Herniation?
09:12 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Disc Herniations
11:54 Causes of Disc Herniations
14:57 Risk Factors and Prevention
17:51 Treatment Options for Disc Herniations
21:00 Myth Busting: Common Misconceptions
23:57 The Role of MRI in Diagnosis
27:09 Living with a Disc Herniation
29:49 Celebrity Disc Herniations and Fun Facts
đź’¬ Sound bites
"Coughing can worsen disc pain."
"Most will heal on their own."
"You don't have a bad back."
🎯 Takeaways
Disc herniations aren’t life-threatening.
Most resolve without surgery.
You can have a full, active life after a disc injury.
The term “degenerative disc disease” is misleading.
MRIs aren’t always helpful (and can sometimes cause fear-based decisions).
👍 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who's ever said, “My disc slipped!”
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your health info—with a side of humor.
