Conditions We Treat

Herniated Disc Treatment in Sterling Heights, MI

A scary MRI phrase with a surprisingly good natural history — most herniations improve without surgery.

How we treat herniated disc

Herniated discs heal: large studies show most symptomatic herniations shrink and symptoms resolve over weeks to months with active care. Our job is managing that arc — directional-preference exercise to move pain out of the limb, graded return to bending and lifting, and honest monitoring for the few cases that genuinely need a surgical consult.

Signs this page is about you

Back or neck pain with pain radiating into a limb
An MRI report that reads like a catastrophe
Numbness or tingling following one nerve's path
Fear of bending, lifting, or 'making it worse'

Michigan direct access: most patients can start physical therapy without a physician referral (10 visits / 21 days before a prescription is needed; wellness services exempt). Insurance plan rules vary — we verify yours and obtain any required referral before visit one.

Common questions

Do herniated discs heal on their own?

Most do — follow-up imaging studies show the majority of herniations shrink substantially within 6–12 months, with larger ones often resorbing the most. Active rehab manages symptoms and restores capacity while biology does its work.

When does a disc need surgery?

Progressive weakness, bowel/bladder changes, or severe unrelenting leg-dominant pain that fails 6–12 weeks of good conservative care. We track strength objectively and will tell you plainly if you're trending surgical.

Is it safe to exercise with a herniation?

Yes — movement, dosed correctly, is the treatment. Bed rest demonstrably worsens outcomes. We find your directional preference and build from there.

Opening February 2027 — evaluations bookable now

Join the waitlist and we'll schedule your herniated disc evaluation in opening week, verify your insurance in advance, and send intake paperwork you can finish from your phone.

Request an evaluation