Walking is one of the simplest and most effective exercises, especially for people with lower back disc problems like disc bulges, protrusions, or disc herniations. These conditions occur when the discs between the vertebrae in the spine become damaged, pressing on surrounding nerves and causing pain or discomfort. While staying active when dealing with back pain may seem counterintuitive, walking can be highly beneficial. It offers low-impact movement that promotes healing, improves circulation, and strengthens muscles that support the spine. Additionally, walking helps to decompress the lumbar discs in a way that sitting or other passive activities do not.

How Walking Decompresses the Lumbar Discs

One of the key reasons why walking is excellent for people with back problems is that it helps to relieve pressure on the spinal discs, particularly in the lumbar (lower back) region. When you walk, you maintain an upright posture, which naturally stretches and lengthens the spine. This upright position allows the spine to properly align, reducing the pressure that builds up on the discs when sitting or lying down for long periods.

Sitting, on the other hand, tends to put significant stress on the lumbar discs. The lower back curves forward in a seated position, compressing the discs and possibly worsening conditions like herniations or bulges. The discs are like shock absorbers between the vertebrae, and when you sit, the weight of the upper body pushes down on these discs, increasing the risk of further injury or discomfort. Walking reduces this compression by allowing the spine to extend fully, improving the space between the vertebrae and giving the discs a chance to heal or rest.

Walking also improves blood flow to the spine, which is essential for disc health. Discs rely on nutrients from nearby blood vessels to repair themselves, and the gentle movement from walking encourages better circulation. This can help reduce inflammation around the affected disc, relieving pain and supporting recovery.

Recommended Daily Steps for Good Health

For overall health, it is recommended that adults aim for 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day. This range ensures that you are staying active enough to maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen muscles, including those that support the spine. While this is a general guideline, it can also be applied to individuals with low back disc problems.

If you are dealing with disc abnormalities, it’s important to start slow and listen to your body. You might begin with shorter walks, gradually increasing your steps as your pain improves and your body adapts to the activity. Walking for just 30 minutes a day, even if split into shorter sessions, can make a noticeable difference in your back health. Over time, as your condition improves, you can aim for closer to the 7,000-10,000 step range.

Discseel: A New Treatment for Low Back Disc Abnormalities

For those suffering from disc bulges, protrusions, or herniations, there is a new non-surgical treatment option called Discseel. Discseel is a minimally invasive procedure designed to help heal damaged spinal discs. During this procedure, a special biological glue called fibrin is injected into the injured disc. The fibrin helps seal the disc’s tear, promoting regeneration and restoring disc function over time. Discseel offers a promising alternative to more invasive surgeries like spinal fusion, which can be risky and require lengthy recovery periods.

After undergoing the Discseel procedure, patients are encouraged to start a walking program the very next day. Walking soon after the procedure helps to keep the spine moving gently and prevents stiffness and deconditioning from developing. Since walking helps decompress the discs, it can complement the healing process initiated by the Discseel treatment. Moreover, walking helps to strengthen the muscles around the spine, providing additional support as the disc heals.

How Walking Complements Discseel

The combination of walking and Discseel is a powerful tool for those recovering from low back disc abnormalities. Walking helps maintain spinal mobility, increases circulation, and strengthens the muscles that stabilize the spine—all of which are important for a successful recovery after Discseel.

Walking also helps promote proper spinal alignment and prevents the discs from becoming compressed again, which is especially important during the healing process. Most importantly, walking encourages the body to heal itself naturally by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Walking is an excellent form of exercise for people with low back disc problems. It helps decompress the lumbar discs by promoting an upright posture, reduces pressure on the spine, and increases circulation, all of which support recovery and long-term spinal health. For individuals undergoing the Discseel procedure, starting a walking program soon after treatment can help accelerate healing, improve outcomes, and keep the spine healthy in the long term. Whether you’re recovering from a disc issue or simply trying to maintain overall health, walking is a simple but powerful way to keep your body moving and your back feeling better.