Treatment of Spinal Disc Herniation: The Resorption Method Explained
Date of publication: 22.12.2025
Content:
Treatment of spinal disc herniation has evolved significantly over the past decades. One of the most promising non-surgical approaches today is the resorption method, a natural process in which the body gradually reduces the size of a herniated disc. This method has gained increasing attention as an effective alternative to surgery for many patients suffering from back and neck pain.
This article explains what disc herniation is, how the resorption method works, who it is suitable for, and what results patients can expect.
This article explains what disc herniation is, how the resorption method works, who it is suitable for, and what results patients can expect.
What is spinal disc herniation
A spinal disc herniation occurs when the soft inner core of an intervertebral disc protrudes through a weakened or damaged outer layer. This protrusion can compress nearby nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
Disc herniation most commonly affects:
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of nerve compression.
Disc herniation most commonly affects:
- The lumbar spine (lower back)
- The cervical spine (neck)
- Less frequently, the thoracic spine
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of nerve compression.
Conventional treatment options include:
While surgery may be necessary in certain situations, many patients can recover without it. This is where the resorption method plays a key role.
- Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises
- Epidural injections
- Manual therapy
- Surgical intervention in severe cases
While surgery may be necessary in certain situations, many patients can recover without it. This is where the resorption method plays a key role.
What Is the Resorption Method
The resorption method is a natural biological process in which the body gradually breaks down and absorbs the herniated disc material. Over time, this reduces pressure on the affected nerve and leads to symptom relief.
Scientific studies and clinical imaging have confirmed that disc herniations can decrease in size or even disappear completely without surgery through this mechanism.
How Disc Resorption Works
Disc resorption occurs due to several physiological processes:
Scientific studies and clinical imaging have confirmed that disc herniations can decrease in size or even disappear completely without surgery through this mechanism.
How Disc Resorption Works
Disc resorption occurs due to several physiological processes:
- The immune system recognizes the herniated disc material as foreign
- Inflammatory cells migrate to the affected area
- Enzymes break down the protruding disc tissue
- Blood vessels grow into the herniated fragment
- The disc material is gradually absorbed by the body
This process leads to a reduction in disc volume and nerve compression.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Resorption Method
The resorption method is most effective for patients who:
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Resorption Method
The resorption method is most effective for patients who:
- Have confirmed disc herniation on MRI
- Experience nerve-related symptoms such as radiating pain
- Do not have progressive neurological deficits
- Do not require urgent surgical intervention
- Are willing to follow a structured conservative treatment plan
Larger disc herniations, especially sequestrated discs, often show a higher rate of resorption.
Treatment Strategy Supporting Disc Resorption
While resorption is a natural process, it can be supported and accelerated through proper conservative care:
Medical Management
Physical Therapy
Lifestyle Modifications
Manual and Supportive Therapies
These approaches help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and create optimal conditions for disc resorption.
Treatment Strategy Supporting Disc Resorption
While resorption is a natural process, it can be supported and accelerated through proper conservative care:
Medical Management
- Anti-inflammatory medications (when appropriate)
- Pain management under medical supervision
Physical Therapy
- Targeted therapeutic exercises
- Spine stabilization training
- Posture correction
Lifestyle Modifications
- Activity modification during acute phases
- Gradual return to movement
- Weight management
Manual and Supportive Therapies
- Gentle therapeutic massage
- Soft tissue techniques
- Neuromuscular re-education
These approaches help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and create optimal conditions for disc resorption.
How Long Does Disc Resorption Take
The timeline for disc resorption varies between individuals. In many cases:
Patience and adherence to treatment recommendations are crucial.
Benefits of the Resorption Method
Key advantages of treating disc herniation through resorption include:
For many patients, this approach provides lasting relief without invasive procedures.
- Symptom improvement begins within weeks to months
- MRI-confirmed disc size reduction may occur over 3 to 12 months
- Continued improvement is possible beyond one year
Patience and adherence to treatment recommendations are crucial.
Benefits of the Resorption Method
Key advantages of treating disc herniation through resorption include:
- Avoidance of surgery
- Lower risk of complications
- Preservation of spinal structures
- Natural healing process
- Long-term symptom improvement
- Reduced recovery time compared to surgery
For many patients, this approach provides lasting relief without invasive procedures.
When Surgery May Still Be Necessary
Although the resorption method is effective for many cases, surgery may be required if:
A medical specialist should always evaluate each case individually.
- There is progressive muscle weakness
- Severe neurological impairment develops
- Pain is uncontrollable despite treatment
- Cauda equina syndrome is present
A medical specialist should always evaluate each case individually.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Disc Resorption
Modern imaging studies have demonstrated that spontaneous disc resorption is a well-documented phenomenon. Larger herniations often show faster and more significant reduction due to stronger inflammatory and immune responses.
This evidence has changed the way spinal disc herniation is treated worldwide.
This evidence has changed the way spinal disc herniation is treated worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a herniated disc really disappear without surgery?Yes. In many cases, MRI scans show partial or complete resorption over time.
- Is the resorption method safe?Yes, when properly monitored and combined with conservative treatment.
- Does resorption work for cervical disc herniation?Yes, resorption can occur in both cervical and lumbar discs.
- Do exercises help disc resorption?Yes, proper exercises improve circulation and spinal mechanics, supporting recovery.
Conclusion
Treatment of spinal disc herniation using the resorption method is a scientifically supported, non-surgical approach that allows the body to heal naturally. With proper medical guidance, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, many patients can avoid surgery and achieve significant pain relief.
This method represents a modern, patient-centered approach to spinal care, focusing on long-term recovery rather than invasive intervention.
This method represents a modern, patient-centered approach to spinal care, focusing on long-term recovery rather than invasive intervention.