Locations:
Search IconSearch

Why Does My Herniated Disk Pain Come & Go?

The short answer from a spine specialist

Woman suffering from back pain while gardening

A: Sometimes the pain from my herniated disk is very severe, while other times it’s not. Why does the pain vary?

Herniated disk pain can sometimes be intermittent. People can have minor pain that’s always there or stronger pain that comes and goes depending on the activity they’re doing.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Varying pain typically has to do with movement and the position of the body.

Usually we find that in certain situations – like when people walk upstairs or if they bend down to pick something up – that the movement stretches the body and the nerve that’s causing the pain.

Often times the pain doesn’t wax and wane too much until the disk starts to get better. So the silver lining with varying pain could mean that you’re on the pathway to healing.

The bottom line? Be mindful of your movement as your herniated disk is healing. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about when you notice your pain getting worse and try to pinpoint the activities that might be causing it.

Spine surgeon, Dominic Pelle, MD.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

man with back pain looking out window
February 14, 2020/Brain & Nervous System
Why Does a Herniated Disk Happen & Will It Go Away?

Although painful, herniated disks are extremely common

Alt text here
Heena New Post

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Et odio Quis vel ipsam omnis eum alias deleniti et placeat impedit non voluptas galisum hic autem enim et cupiditate aliquid. Est beatae quidem non facilis autem ut commodi nisi aut tempore rerum et dolores voluptatem cum enim optio id sapiente quasi. Ad laboriosam officiis 33 cupiditate sequi ea voluptatum consectetur qui necessitatibus voluptate et quasi doloremque et facere explicabo quo explicabo officia

Patient at doctor office with physician checking their back
Is It Time To See a Doctor for My Aching Back?

It’s always a good idea to let a healthcare provider know about any back pain you’re experiencing, especially if it results from trauma or persists longer than three months

Hand trying to write on paper, with hand shaking, tremoring
March 12, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Seizure Warning Signs and Symptoms May Not Be What You Expect

Seizure symptoms can go far beyond convulsions and may include feelings of déjà vu, temporary confusion and unusual movements

Person experiencing COVID headache, with calendar months floating in background
March 11, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
What To Know About COVID Headaches

They can feel like a typical headache or a migraine headache, but the pain can last for weeks to months

Close up of person pouring a cup of coffee
February 23, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Does Caffeine Help Headaches?

It’s all about the amount — try to stick to 100 to 150 milligrams a day to reduce and prevent a pounding, throbbing head

blurred person looking out window in background with glass of wine and bottle in foreground
February 21, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Brain?

Even one drink can have an impact on your cognitive function leading to slurred speech, blurred vision and impaired memory

Trending Topics

person leaning over sink brushing teeth
What Do Your Hormones Have To Do With Your Oral Health?

Estrogen and progesterone changes throughout the month — and throughout your life — can make you more prone to dental health concerns

Overhead view, female and male in kitchen preparing food, christmas tree and baking pans
How To Avoid Hometown Anxiety and Holiday Regression

Stay merry and bright by knowing your triggers and journaling throughout your visit

Older woman awake in bed in the middle of the night looking a smartphone
Does Menopause Cause Insomnia and Sleeplessness?

Hormone changes can definitely leave you tossing and turning at night, but help is available

Ad