Written by Dr. Matthias Wiederholz, MD | Last Updated: July 2025
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As a board-certified interventional pain physician, I've helped numerous patients with persistent back pain understand why a herniated disc still hurts after a year. Chronic pain from disc herniation can be multifactorial and may require a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach for effective relief. For those seeking a thorough evaluation or additional treatment options, our team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine is dedicated to providing personalized care.
Experiencing persistent pain from a herniated disc after a year is not uncommon. While many individuals recover within weeks or months due to the disc material shrinking or inflammation subsiding, some continue to deal with discomfort well beyond the typical healing timeframe.
There are several reasons why herniated disc pain can linger:
For a closer look at the ways spinal discs can cause continued discomfort, read our comprehensive guide to L5-S1 bulging disc.
Sometimes, persistent pain may be related to underlying issues such as degenerative disc disease, which can slow the healing process and prolong symptoms.
While it's more common for people to recover within a few months, studies indicate that about 10% of patients still experience pain after a year, particularly if the herniation is large or located in areas where the nerve compression is severe. For a better understanding of possible anatomical and symptomatic variations, you may find value in this resource on understanding S1 nerve distribution: anatomy, symptoms, and treatment.
If you’ve reached the one-year mark without meaningful improvement, it’s important to speak with a specialist about advanced treatment strategies. At Performance Pain and Sports Medicine, we take a comprehensive approach to back pain for persistent cases.
Before considering surgical options, most specialists recommend:
Many patients also benefit from learning about herniated disc exercises tailored to their symptoms.
For pain that resists conservative therapy, modern minimally invasive treatments may be beneficial:
If standard treatments have not relieved your pain, innovative procedures like the Discseel® procedure could be worth discussing with your provider. This minimally invasive intervention uses a biologic adhesive to seal and repair damaged discs, offering an alternative to traditional surgical approaches.
For more on recent advancements, explore our blog on everything you need to know about new treatments for ruptured discs.
In rare cases where neurological deficits or severe functional impairment are present, surgery may be considered. Common surgical options include:
Surgery is typically considered only after extensive non-surgical treatments have failed.
For patients struggling with symptoms after a year, the Discseel® procedure offers an innovative, non-surgical option that seeks to address discogenic pain and restore function. This procedure is gaining recognition as an alternative for individuals who are seeking to avoid major surgery or have not improved with traditional therapies.
For insights and real patient experiences, check out our blog post on Discseel® reviews: achieving lasting back pain relief.
If you reside in Greater Houston, our Houston location is equipped to help patients navigate persistent herniated disc pain and discuss innovative therapies best suited to your situation.
If your herniated disc still hurts after a year, don't wait to seek expert care. Warning signs that warrant immediate attention include progressively worsening weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe, unmanageable pain. For more on emergency warning symptoms, please review our blog on emergency symptoms of a herniated disc.
Living with persistent pain from a herniated disc after a year can be challenging, but advanced diagnostics and innovative treatments offer hope for long-term relief. See if you are a candidate for the Discseel® procedure to take the next step toward recovery.
If you have questions about personalized treatment options, our specialists are here to guide you. Contact us for a consultation and get expert help from a compassionate team dedicated to your spine health.
