Description

🎙 Episode 61 – Do Disc Herniations Go Away?

Podcast: The Talking Rehab Podcast
Host: Dr. Fred Bagares, DO
Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Back pain can stop you in your tracks—sometimes literally. In this episode, Dr. Fred Bagares explores the often alarming diagnosis of disc herniation. Whether you've had an MRI that showed a large herniation or woke up one morning unable to move, the big question remains: Do disc herniations actually go away?

You’ll learn about the anatomy of disc injuries, why symptoms don’t always match the imaging, and how healing often happens even when things look scary on paper. Dr. Bagares also shares the clinical signs he watches for, conservative treatment approaches, and how to avoid unnecessary surgery.

⏱ Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Introduction to rehab and the episode's purpose
• [00:33] – Why back pain is so frightening and disorienting
• [01:34] – Focus of the episode: Do disc herniations go away?
• [02:00] – Three common ways disc herniations present
• [02:51] – Pain patterns: radiating pain, leg symptoms, and “the pop”
• [03:26] – Anatomy of a disc (jelly donut analogy) and what goes wrong
• [04:16] – When disc herniations affect nerves and cause radiculopathy
• [04:46] – Classic clinical sign: patients who prefer to stand
• [05:26] – Why sitting often worsens symptoms
• [06:01] – Typical treatments: PT, injections, massage, traction
• [06:44] – Can a disc herniation resolve on its own? (Yes – and here’s how)
• [07:38] – Improvement doesn't always mean the disc is gone
• [08:56] – Is treatment shrinking the herniation? (Not necessarily)
• [10:00] – What actually happens as the disc resorbs (bulge vs. blowout)
• [10:45] – The real role of treatment: symptom control while nature heals
• [11:26] – The risks of inactivity: joint issues, blood sugar, muscle loss
• [12:19] – Timeline matters: when is conservative care likely to work?
• [13:44] – When symptoms persist beyond 6 months, surgery may be considered
• [14:30] – The paradox: large herniations are more likely to heal
• [15:28] – Final thoughts: be patient, stay hopeful, stay informed

🗣 Call to Action:

If you're dealing with back pain or were recently diagnosed with a disc herniation, don't panic—get informed. Follow Dr. Fred Bagares on Instagram and Facebook (@drfredbagares), and subscribe to The Talking Rehab Podcast for more expert insights on musculoskeletal medicine.

Let this episode empower you with realistic expectations, practical advice, and hope for healing.

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