Lower back pain / Disc Bulge / Herniated Disc / Disc Protrusion

Lower Back Disc Injuries

Physiotherapy in Miranda, NSW

Struggling with a Disc Bulge, Herniation or Lower Back Pain?

If you’re living with persistent lower back pain, sciatica, or numbness in your legs, there’s a strong chance that an intervertebral disc injury is part of the problem. Whether it’s a disc bulge, protrusion, herniation, or even a disc extrusion, these injuries can cause disabling symptoms that interfere with work, sport, and everyday life.

At PACT Physio & Rehab, based in Miranda, NSW, we offer effective, evidence-based treatment for lumbar disc injuries. We combine manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted rehabilitation to help you reduce pain, regain function, and avoid unnecessary surgery.

What Are Disc Injuries?

Your spine contains soft, gel-like discs between each vertebra. These intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers and help with movement and flexibility. When injured, the disc material can move beyond its normal boundaries, causing pain and inflammation.

Common Disc Injuries:

Disc Bulge – A general broadening of the disc without rupture of the outer layer
Disc Protrusion – Focal displacement of disc material, where the outer layers are still intact
Disc Herniation – The inner nucleus pushes through a tear in the outer layer (annulus)
Disc Extrusion – The disc material breaks through the annulus and may press on nearby nerves
These conditions are often lumped together as a “slipped disc”, but each has different implications for pain and recovery.

Typical Symptoms of Lumbar Disc Injuries:

Lower back pain with or without leg pain
Sciatica – shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg
Pain worse when sitting, coughing, or bending forward
Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
Stiffness and difficulty standing up straight
Pain aggravated by prolonged driving or desk work

Why You Need Specific Physiotherapy for Disc Injuries

Disc-related injuries require individualised rehab, not generic stretches or rest. Without proper treatment, symptoms can become chronic and significantly impact work, sport, and quality of life. At PACT Physio & Rehab, we’ll guide you through a structured recovery process based on the latest clinical research and real-world results.

How We Treat Disc Bulges and Herniations at PACT Physio & Rehab

✅ Detailed Assessment

We take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, work demands, and activity goals. If you’ve had imaging (MRI/CT), we’ll interpret it alongside your functional assessment.

✅ Dry Needling for Pain & Muscle Spasm

Muscle guarding is common with disc injuries. Our expert trigger point dry needling helps release surrounding muscle tension (especially in the lumbar extensors, glutes, and QL) to reduce protective spasm and improve mobility.

✅ Manual Therapy & Mobilisation

We use gentle spinal mobilisation and soft tissue techniques to restore joint movement, reduce nerve irritation, and relieve pressure on sensitive structures.

✅ Tailored Exercise Rehab (Home or Gym)

Our rehab programs are built to restore strength, stability, and control of the lumbar spine and core. Exercises are adapted to your environment—whether it’s your home, a local gym, or workplace.

You’ll progress from pain-relief movement strategies to resilience-based strength work—ensuring your back becomes more robust over time.

✅ Ergonomic & Postural Advice

We’ll help you optimise your workstation setup, lifting techniques, and movement patterns to avoid flare-ups and prevent future episodes.

✅ Telehealth Physio for Workers’ Comp & CTP Claims

If you're recovering from a workplace injury or car accident, we offer telehealth physiotherapy nationwide (Workers' Compensation, CTP, Comcare, Early Intervention). You'll receive expert care without leaving home.

We Treat:

Acute disc injuries (first-time or recent onset)
Chronic disc-related lower back pain
Sciatica and nerve-related symptoms
Post-op lumbar surgery rehab
WorkCover and CTP injury management
Desk workers, Tradies, healthcare workers, and more

Why Choose PACT Physio & Rehab in Miranda?

At PACT Physio, we don’t just treat the pain—we treat the person. Whether you’re a desk worker with nerve pain, a Tradie with a herniated disc, or a parent trying to stay active, our focus is on empowering you to recover fully and stay strong long term.

📍 Clinic located in Miranda, NSW – serving the Sutherland Shire
💻 Telehealth available Australia-wide for compensable injuries

Book Your Appointment Today

Don’t let suboccipital pain take over your day. Book an appointment with Andrew Ellis, physiotherapist and dry needling expert, and start your path to recovery.

👉Book Your Appointment | PACT Physio & Rehab
📞 (02) 8330 6776