Disc bulge and herniation
Back pain, sometimes with leg symptoms, from an irritated or bulging spinal disc.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
A disc bulge or herniation is when the soft cushion between two vertebrae pushes out and can irritate nearby structures or a nerve. It can cause back pain on its own, or back and leg pain together. Despite how it sounds, most disc problems settle well without surgery.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with disc bulge and herniation. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
We assess to understand how the disc is affecting you, then ease the pain and pressure with hands on therapy and carefully chosen movements. A graded program rebuilds strength and tolerance, and we guide your return to lifting and activity. Imaging and medical input are arranged only if warranted.
- Detailed assessment
- Pain easing treatment and positions
- Graded movement and strengthening
- Return to lifting guidance
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Spinal and joint mobilisation
Gentle, controlled movement to improve a stiff joint and ease the pain that comes with it.
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Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
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Chronic pain physiotherapy
A broader, paced approach for pain that has stayed past the normal healing time.
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Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
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What you pay, with or without cover
Every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. The fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and if you have Medicare, private health extras or an accepted claim, here is what you pay.
Paying privately
No referral or paperwork needed. Every visit is a full, unhurried session with the time it needs.
With a Medicare plan
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
With private health extras
Claim on the spot through HICAPS. The gap depends on your fund and level of cover. See all health funds
Workers comp & CTP
Accepted workers compensation and CTP claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
Every bar is drawn to the same scale, from $0 to the standard fee. Private health gaps vary with your fund and your level of extras cover.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
Does a disc bulge mean surgery?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Read more on this
Plain English articles from our physiotherapist, written to answer the questions we get asked most.
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about disc bulge and herniation, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.