Over some time, a herniation tends to shrink, and a patient may eventually experience partial or even complete pain relief, possibly in around three to five weeks. During this time, be sure to avoid activities and movements that cause pain and other difficulties. Plenty of icing and rest can help speed up recovery, as well as medication. Prescription medication can help too. Physical therapy can help in many cases and may be necessary. It’s best to have a herniated lumbar disc addressed by a professional, as the issue may not resolve easily on its own. Sometimes surgery may be necessary, but this is rare. In most cases, conservative professional treatment will work just fine!