Diagnosed with disc bulge and told you need surgery?
Before you decide, know this: thousands of patients with L4-L5, L5-S1 disc bulge and prolapse have avoided surgery through our treatment. At Kerala's NABH-certified Agasthya Ayurvedic Medical Centre, our specialized Marma Chikitsa approach has treated over 10,000 cases across 35+ years — with patients traveling from UAE, Canada, Delhi, and beyond for non-surgical disc treatment.
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One of our patients consulted multiple hospitals in Delhi for his L4, L5, and S1 disc bulge — all recommended disc replacement surgery, and even that was described as temporary. After 18 days of Ayurvedic treatment at Agasthya, he was able to walk, sit, and work without pain. Stories like his are why patients travel from across India and abroad to explore our non-surgical approach first.
Your spine is made up of vertebrae (bones) separated by intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers, cushioning the vertebrae during movement. Each disc has a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus).
A disc bulge occurs when the outer layer weakens — often due to age, repetitive strain, or injury — and the disc extends beyond its normal boundary. When this bulging disc presses on nearby nerves, it causes pain that can radiate down the legs (sciatica) or arms, depending on which part of the spine is affected.
The L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs in the lower lumbar spine bear the most weight and experience the most movement. This makes them the most common sites for disc bulge and herniation. These discs lie in close proximity to the sciatic nerve roots, which is why disc problems here cause the characteristic shooting pain down the leg.
L4-L5 disc bulge typically causes pain radiating to the back of the thigh and may cause weakness when lifting the big toe. L5-S1 disc problems often cause pain extending to the calf and outer foot, with possible weakness in the ankle.
In Ayurveda, disc problems are understood as a manifestation of aggravated Vata dosha affecting the Asthi (bone) and Majja (marrow/nerve) dhatus. The condition is referred to as Gridhrasi when sciatica is present. Ayurvedic treatment aims to pacify Vata, strengthen the supporting tissues, and restore proper alignment — addressing the root cause rather than just masking symptoms with painkillers.
Our specialized protocols address the full spectrum of disc problems. Many patients come to us after being advised surgery and leave without needing it.
Bulging of discs in the lower back (L1-L5 region), causing localized pain, stiffness, and sometimes radiating pain to the buttocks and thighs.
One of the most common disc problems, affecting the disc between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. Often causes sciatica with pain radiating down the back of the leg.
Herniation at the lumbosacral junction, causing pain that radiates to the foot and may cause numbness in the outer foot and weakness in the calf.
Disc problems in the neck (C4-C7) causing neck pain, stiffness, and radiating pain or numbness in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Conditions where more than one disc is affected, requiring comprehensive treatment addressing all affected levels systematically.
Complete herniation where disc material has extruded through the outer layer, often compressing nerve roots and causing significant symptoms.
At Agasthya, our approach to disc problems is led by Dr. T.D. Bose, who trained under the legendary Marmacharya Shri Sudheer Vaidhyar. Over 30+ years, he has refined a treatment protocol specifically effective for disc conditions.
Dr. T.D. Bose during consultationMarma Chikitsa works on vital energy points along the spine. For disc problems, specific marma points are stimulated to:
Marma Chikitsa is enhanced with specialized Ayurvedic therapies that work synergistically:
For single-level disc bulge with moderate symptoms. Most patients experience significant pain relief.
For disc prolapse, multiple disc involvement, or long-standing conditions. Recommended for lasting results.
Some severe cases benefit from a second course after 3-6 months for complete recovery and prevention.
The treatment at Agasthya is just the beginning. Based on feedback from hundreds of recovered disc patients, the post-treatment phase is critical for lasting results:
Ayurvedic medicines and therapeutic oils for 2-3 months to continue the healing process and strengthen spinal tissues.
2-3 months of rest is essential — bones are softened during treatment and need time to strengthen. No heavy lifting, stair climbing, or long travel.
Regular phone and online follow-ups with our doctors. Medicines are couriered to you as needed during recovery.
Most disc patients report significant improvement within weeks and complete recovery by 3-6 months with proper rest and medicine compliance.
Spinal surgery carries significant risks including infection, nerve damage, failed back surgery syndrome, and the need for repeat procedures. Many patients who undergo discectomy or spinal fusion continue to experience pain or develop problems at adjacent levels.
At Agasthya, we have treated thousands of patients who were advised surgery. While surgery is sometimes necessary, our experience shows that many disc problems — even those with significant nerve compression — respond well to our Ayurvedic approach when given adequate time and proper treatment.
We recommend trying conservative Ayurvedic treatment for 14-21 days before making a decision about surgery. If you don't see improvement, you can always proceed with surgery later. But surgery cannot be undone.
Disc problems are often associated with other back pain conditions. Learn more about our comprehensive approach:
Ayurvedic Treatment for Back Pain →These are real stories from patients who came to Agasthya with disc bulge, disc prolapse, and IVDP — many after being told surgery was their only option.
“I have had disc bulge in L4, L5 & S1. I consulted many hospitals in Delhi — all told me it would need disc replacement surgery, and even that was temporary, lasting only 4-6 years. I also tried Ayurveda in Delhi with medicines and oils — it didn't help. Until I was referred to Agasthya. In 18 days I was able to walk, sit and even work without pain. Post treatment there is a bed rest for 2 months post which you would be perfectly alright. As if there was no disc problem you ever had.”
I underwent 17 days of treatment for disc bulge, severe pain and shoulder pain. The treatment was carefully guided by Dr. T.D. Bose, Dr. Sreeju Bose, Dr. Nishad, and Dr. Tessy. I was diagnosed with Kasheru Sthana Bramsham. Gradually my back pain and shoulder pain improved. I left feeling lighter, relieved, and highly satisfied.
I had disc problem and pain in 2 legs for the last 8 years. Dr. T.D. Bose immediately noticed what I had and gave me the special treatment. He is very professional and very honest, explaining everything about what you need and how the treatment works. After 17 days I can tell that it was perfect.
I was admitted in Agasthya because of my disc bulging disease. It was the second time I'm visiting here, so far they treated around 6 members from my family. They were all well. And now I'm super well. I never felt there as a hospital — they let me feel like a family.
My husband was recommended by surgeons to undergo surgery ASAP as his symptoms like twitching, radiating pain and numbness had aggravated to his hand, leg & face. After 21 days at Agasthya, it was amazing to witness the relief. The doctors gave instruction on DOs and Don'ts, take-home tablets and oils for 3 months. He felt much better back home with proper rest.
I took 21 days of treatment for my back pain due to disc bulge. My stay was truly transformative. The doctors were highly knowledgeable, taking time to understand my health concerns. My back pain and shoulder pain improved significantly, and I left feeling lighter and more energized. This experience has given me tools to maintain wellness for the long term.
Came to the hospital with severe disc pain for my wife. After one week of treatment slowly the pain reduced. Now able to sleep without pain. Doctors are really superb in answering all our questions patiently and a very good hospitality with the therapists and staff who work in the hospital.
Usha, Kannur
Before you decide on disc surgery, speak to our specialists. Share your MRI scan and get a personalized assessment. Whether it's L4-L5 disc bulge, L5-S1 prolapse, or multiple disc involvement — thousands of patients have found lasting relief through our non-surgical approach.
Call us: +91 93884 77762
Online consultations available — We treat patients from UAE, Canada, Delhi, and across India