Is Your Herniated Disc Really Causing Your Pain? The Truth
When you’re diagnosed with a herniated disc, it’s natural to assume that “the protruding disc is compressing a nerve and causing pain.”
However, the reality is more nuanced:
- Some people with herniated discs experience no pain at all
- Protruding disc material can naturally reabsorb over time
- Nerve compression alone doesn’t always produce pain
So what’s actually causing the pain?
This article explores that question through the lens of scientific research and clinical observation, offering gentle, science-based insights into how your body really works.
Why Herniated Discs Occur in the First Place
The intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae of your spine, acting as cushions that absorb the subtle movements of daily life.
When a portion of a disc protrudes or herniates, it's rarely an isolated "disc problem." Instead, the condition of the surrounding muscles plays a crucial role.
When a portion of a disc protrudes or herniates, it's rarely an isolated "disc problem." Instead, the condition of the surrounding muscles plays a crucial role.
Where Leverage Creates Concentrated Stress
Your spine is designed to move fluidly, distributing forces naturally throughout its structure. However, when muscles become tight and rigid, the spine begins to function more like a single stiff rod, causing forces to concentrate at specific points.
The areas most vulnerable to this concentrated stress are:
- Lumbar spine: L4/5 and L5/S1
- Cervical spine: C5/6 and C6/7
This isn't just about body weight. It's about how leverage amplifies forces when the spine can't move naturally.
Imagine bending forward when your entire back is stiff like a board. Instead of the spine curving smoothly along its length, only a few segments—such as L4/5 or L5/S1—bear most of the movement, acting like hinges. Because of basic leverage principles, these joints can experience forces many times greater than normal.
If the muscles were soft and flexible, this concentrated stress wouldn't occur to such an extreme degree.
The areas most vulnerable to this concentrated stress are:
- Lumbar spine: L4/5 and L5/S1
- Cervical spine: C5/6 and C6/7
This isn't just about body weight. It's about how leverage amplifies forces when the spine can't move naturally.
Imagine bending forward when your entire back is stiff like a board. Instead of the spine curving smoothly along its length, only a few segments—such as L4/5 or L5/S1—bear most of the movement, acting like hinges. Because of basic leverage principles, these joints can experience forces many times greater than normal.
If the muscles were soft and flexible, this concentrated stress wouldn't occur to such an extreme degree.
Why a Herniated Disc Doesn't Always Equal Pain
Numerous research studies have confirmed that the presence of a disc herniation doesn't necessarily correlate with pain.
"Abnormal" Findings Are Common in Pain-Free Individuals
MRI studies of people without pain frequently reveal disc degeneration, bulging, or even protrusions.
Nerve Compression Alone Rarely Tells the Whole Story
Recent research shows that pain usually involves multiple factors beyond simple compression—including inflammation and reduced blood flow (ischemia).
In other words:
So where does the pain actually come from?
In other words:
The true source of pain often lies not in the herniation itself, but in the condition of the surrounding tissues.
So where does the pain actually come from?
The Real Culprit: Muscle Tension and Reduced Blood Flow
Muscles are densely woven with tiny blood vessels forming an intricate network. When muscles become chronically tight, these vessels are compressed, restricting blood flow.
This condition is called ischemia.
When ischemia occurs, you may experience:
- Dull, aching pain
- Numbness or tingling
- A sensation of coldness
- Heavy, tired feeling
- Sharp pain with movement
Chronic pain, in particular, is often deeply connected to the mechanisms that create and maintain muscle tension.
But why do muscles become tight in the first place?
This condition is called ischemia.
When ischemia occurs, you may experience:
- Dull, aching pain
- Numbness or tingling
- A sensation of coldness
- Heavy, tired feeling
- Sharp pain with movement
Chronic pain, in particular, is often deeply connected to the mechanisms that create and maintain muscle tension.
But why do muscles become tight in the first place?
Three Reasons Muscles Become Tight — and Why All Three Must Be Addressed
Muscle tension doesn't have a single cause. The most stubborn tightness usually results from three overlapping factors:
① Accumulation of Metabolic Waste (Swollen Tightness)
When metabolic byproducts aren't efficiently cleared, muscles can become congested and puffy, creating a swollen, pressurized type of tightness.
② Energy Depletion (ATP Deficiency and "Locked" Tension)
Muscles require energy (ATP, adenosine triphosphate) to return to a relaxed state. Without sufficient energy, they remain contracted—a state we call locked tension.
③ Muscle Lock (Reflexive Guarding)
When the body perceives danger or potential injury, muscles reflexively contract to protect the area. This protective mechanism can persist long after the initial threat has passed—a phenomenon we call "muscle lock": a protective reflex that keeps muscles contracted even when the original threat is gone.
Why Addressing All Three Simultaneously Is Essential
Single-approach methods rarely produce lasting results:
- Stretching alone
- Heat therapy alone
- Massage alone
Each tends to address only one aspect, leaving the other causes intact—which is why tightness often returns quickly.
- Stretching alone
- Heat therapy alone
- Massage alone
Each tends to address only one aspect, leaving the other causes intact—which is why tightness often returns quickly.
Only by addressing all three factors simultaneously can you aim for deeper, more lasting improvement.
What Happens When Muscle Lock Is Released
As muscle lock gradually releases, your body often begins to experience the following changes:
① Deep Tension Dissolves, Breathing Deepens
As deep tension around the spine eases, stability and flexibility return, and many people notice that breathing feels more comfortable and expansive.
② Blood Flow Returns, the Quality of Pain Changes
As circulation improves, heavy, dull pain may soften or change in quality. Sensations can shift from "stuck and heavy" to "warm and flowing."
③ Spinal Movement Expands, Leverage Stress Decreases
As flexibility returns, forces distribute more evenly across the spine. This helps reduce the concentrated leverage stress on individual discs.
④ Movement Shifts from "Pain When I Move" to "Relief When I Move"
As muscles begin to work cooperatively again, movement is no longer something to fear. Instead, gentle movement can feel like support and relief.
⑤ More Moments Throughout the Day When You're Not Thinking About Pain
You may notice longer stretches of time when pain fades into the background. This is a sign that your body is quietly reclaiming its natural capacity for recovery.
Common Questions and Concerns
If you've read this far, you may have some questions or concerns. Here are answers to some of the most common ones:
Q: Can herniated discs naturally heal on their own?
Yes. Many research studies have documented cases in which disc material gradually reabsorbed over time, with symptoms improving as a result.
Q: I was told I have nerve compression. Can I still recover?
Nerve compression alone does not necessarily cause pain. Inflammation and ischemia often play major roles. When these factors are properly addressed, symptoms frequently improve.
Q: I've been advised to have surgery. How should I think about this?
Your first priority should always be to listen carefully to your physician's medical opinion and recommendations.
At the same time, some cases do have potential for natural recovery when the underlying factors—such as muscle tension and blood flow—are appropriately addressed. It can be helpful to discuss all available options, including conservative approaches, with your healthcare provider.
At the same time, some cases do have potential for natural recovery when the underlying factors—such as muscle tension and blood flow—are appropriately addressed. It can be helpful to discuss all available options, including conservative approaches, with your healthcare provider.
Q: Should I be stretching?
During periods of acute, severe pain, aggressive stretching can sometimes worsen symptoms. It is often more effective to first release muscle lock and restore proper blood flow before gradually introducing stretching or exercise, under appropriate guidance.
Related Articles
For a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed here, you may find these English articles helpful:
Unlocking the Mystery of Muscle Lock: A Revolutionary Approach to Pain
How Deep Muscle Tension Causes Pain — Beyond Bones and Nerves
How Muscle Tension Influences Pain: A Systematic Explanation
For Those Who Want to Learn More
If you'd like to explore these concepts in greater depth, we've organized our knowledge by topic in a comprehensive symptom and theory guide:
https://myonpathy.world/en/2025/12/07/english-index/
(Note: This resource is currently available in Japanese.)
Please feel free to explore at your own pace.
https://myonpathy.world/en/2025/12/07/english-index/
(Note: This resource is currently available in Japanese.)
Please feel free to explore at your own pace.
Conclusion
When you hear the words "herniated disc," it's understandable to feel anxious or to wonder if you will ever feel normal again.
Yet your body is remarkably intelligent. It possesses an innate ability to heal when the right conditions are in place.
When pain persists, it often means that this natural healing capacity is temporarily blocked—your body is quietly asking for help.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the herniation itself, it can be helpful to look at the bigger picture: the condition of the surrounding muscles, blood flow, and overall spinal balance. This shift in perspective may reveal possibilities you hadn't considered.
Before concluding that "because it's a herniation, nothing can be done," it may be worth examining your situation through the lens of muscle condition, circulation, and whole-spine mechanics. This broader view often opens new pathways forward.
As muscle lock releases, blood flow returns, and the spine regains its natural flexibility, your body begins to change—quietly but unmistakably.
If this article has offered even a small step toward understanding your own body more deeply, I'm grateful.
May you move forward with patience, kindness toward yourself, and gentle awareness of what your body is telling you.
Yet your body is remarkably intelligent. It possesses an innate ability to heal when the right conditions are in place.
When pain persists, it often means that this natural healing capacity is temporarily blocked—your body is quietly asking for help.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the herniation itself, it can be helpful to look at the bigger picture: the condition of the surrounding muscles, blood flow, and overall spinal balance. This shift in perspective may reveal possibilities you hadn't considered.
Before concluding that "because it's a herniation, nothing can be done," it may be worth examining your situation through the lens of muscle condition, circulation, and whole-spine mechanics. This broader view often opens new pathways forward.
As muscle lock releases, blood flow returns, and the spine regains its natural flexibility, your body begins to change—quietly but unmistakably.
The power to change your pain already exists within your body.
If this article has offered even a small step toward understanding your own body more deeply, I'm grateful.
May you move forward with patience, kindness toward yourself, and gentle awareness of what your body is telling you.
References
This article draws on findings from the following key medical research:
Brinjikji W, et al. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(4):811–816.
https://www.ajnr.org/content/36/4/811
Brinjikji W, et al. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(12):2394–2399.
https://www.ajnr.org/content/36/12/2394
Jensen MC, et al. N Engl J Med. 1994;331:69–73.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199407143310201
Sekiguchi M, et al. Eur Spine J. 2009;18:1971–1977.
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00586-009-1064-z.pdf
Risbud MV, Shapiro IM. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2014;10(1):44–56.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151534/
Brinjikji W, et al. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(4):811–816.
https://www.ajnr.org/content/36/4/811
Brinjikji W, et al. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(12):2394–2399.
https://www.ajnr.org/content/36/12/2394
Jensen MC, et al. N Engl J Med. 1994;331:69–73.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199407143310201
Sekiguchi M, et al. Eur Spine J. 2009;18:1971–1977.
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00586-009-1064-z.pdf
Risbud MV, Shapiro IM. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2014;10(1):44–56.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151534/
About This Approach
The perspective shared in this article is based on over 15 years of research into chronic pain mechanisms and clinical experience with more than 20,000 individuals. It integrates principles from traditional Japanese martial arts with therapeutic bodywork, examining how muscle tension, blood flow, and spinal mechanics interact to influence pain.
This approach emphasizes understanding the body's natural healing capacity and addressing root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. The goal is to help individuals understand their own bodies more deeply and make informed decisions about their health.
For those in Tokyo interested in exploring specialized consultations regarding chronic pain and muscle lock release, services are available in the Harajuku/Omotesando area, with sessions offered in both Japanese and English.
This approach emphasizes understanding the body's natural healing capacity and addressing root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. The goal is to help individuals understand their own bodies more deeply and make informed decisions about their health.
For those in Tokyo interested in exploring specialized consultations regarding chronic pain and muscle lock release, services are available in the Harajuku/Omotesando area, with sessions offered in both Japanese and English.