Herniated Discs
Pains That Don’t Warn You
Herniated discs are often the result of prolonged poor posture, improper lifting, and a lack of core strength. The NHS estimates that 1 in 3 adults in the UK will suffer from severe lower back pain due to degenerative spinal changes such as disc herniation.
About
Herniated Discs
Herniated Disc: How It Develops and Why It Changes Lives
The spine is made up of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a soft, gel-like centre (nucleus pulposus) and a tougher outer layer (annulus fibrosus). A herniated disc occurs when, through wear and tear or strain, part of the nucleus pushes out and breaches the outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves.
According to the NHS and Mayo Clinic, this process often begins quietly, without immediate pain. Over time, tiny cracks form in the annulus fibrosus due to natural ageing or repetitive strain. These cracks allow the nucleus to bulge outwards. If the bulge presses on a nerve, symptoms can range from mild tingling to severe, disabling pain.
Everyday Scenarios That Trigger It
At work: A warehouse employee who lifts heavy boxes day after day, bending the back instead of the knees. Initially, there are only occasional “twinges”; months later, a simple twist can trigger sharp pain down the leg.
At home: Someone spending hours bent over while gardening or doing home repairs. Sustained poor posture weakens the disc until even moving a flowerpot is enough to cause a herniation.
In sport: A gym-goer lifting weights with poor technique. Even if young and strong, repeated heavy loading compresses the discs and accelerates their deterioration.
Before
After
The Prosalud Vibrotherapy Solution
Regaining Mobility: The Power of Daily Physiotherapy with Vibrotherapy and Heat
Living with a herniated disc does not mean resigning yourself to constant pain or giving up the activities you love. Modern medical research shows that the combination of daily physiotherapy, therapeutic heat, and controlled vibration can be the turning point between living with limitations and regaining confidence in your own body.
Heat therapy acts as an immediate ally. By increasing blood flow to the affected area, it relaxes tight muscles and reduces pressure on compressed nerves. This not only lessens stiffness but also prepares the tissues to move more freely. Clinical studies have shown that applying low-level heat continuously for several hours a day can reduce pain by over 35% and improve mobility by up to 50%. These numbers translate into tangible changes: getting out of bed without fear of that first painful step, or bending down to tie your shoelaces without the sharp jolt that stops you in your tracks.
Vibrotherapy adds a unique dimension to treatment. Through low-frequency mechanical stimulation, it activates sensory receptors and improves communication between the nervous system and the muscles. This enhances proprioception — the ability to sense and control body movement — and significantly reduces pain during daily activities. Research on patients with cervical disc herniation found that adding vibrotherapy to a standard physiotherapy programme delivered notably better outcomes in both pain reduction and functional improvement.
Beyond the clinical evidence, what truly matters is how this feels in everyday life. Maria, an office secretary, used to break away from her desk every 30 minutes to stretch, unable to work for long periods due to lower back pain. By incorporating daily sessions of heat and vibrotherapy, she now completes her day without the constant interruptions and without the draining ache in her muscles. Luis, a keen gardener, had abandoned his allotment for fear of the radiating pain down his leg. With a daily routine of heat on the lower back and vibrotherapy before and after working in the garden, he regained strength and confidence, returning to planting without the anxiety of “locking up”.
The combination of daily physiotherapy, heat, and vibrotherapy is not just a treatment; it is a comprehensive recovery strategy. Heat relaxes and prepares, vibration stimulates and retrains, and together they break the cycle of pain, stiffness, and fear of movement that so often accompanies a herniated disc. Adopting this routine is not only about easing today’s pain — it is about building a solid foundation to prevent relapses and maintain an active, fulfilling life.
Medical Advice & Supporting Research
Why It Is So Limiting
The British Orthopaedic Association notes that herniated discs are a leading cause of workplace absence in the UK. The pain is not confined to the back: it can radiate down the leg (sciatica) or into the arm, making walking, driving, or even sleeping a challenge. Simple tasks such as tying shoelaces, climbing stairs, or sitting for more than 10 minutes can become exhausting.
The Numbers Behind the Condition
In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in every 1,000 people develops a herniated disc each year.
Between 60% and 80% of the population will experience low back pain at some point in their lives, with a significant proportion caused by herniated discs (NHS England).
The lumbar levels L4–L5 and L5–S1 are most commonly affected, often having the greatest impact on mobility and the ability to work (Journal of Orthopaedic Research).
Recognising the Early Signs
A herniated disc rarely happens overnight: it is the result of small, repeated stresses to the spine. The good news is that many cases can be prevented with simple habits — maintaining correct posture, strengthening the core muscles, and avoiding unnecessary strain. Recognising the early signs and acting promptly can prevent months of pain and help regain quality of life.
Both the Arthritis Foundation and the NHS agree:
Maintaining an active body, a healthy weight, and functional movement patterns significantly reduces the risk and progression of these joint and spinal conditions.
The Prosalud Company massager is engineered as a therapeutic instrument for home use, combining low‑frequency vibration that activates deep muscle fibres with controlled heat to maximise relaxation and circulation.