What is a herniated disc?
An intervertebral disc consists of a gelatinous nucleus and a fibrous ring. After puberty, since the disc is not vascularized and has a limited regenerative capacity, degenerative changes begin to occur. These initially manifest as water loss, followed by a decrease in disc height and the possible formation of fissures in the fibrous ring. Through these fissures, the gelatinous nucleus may protrude and press on a nerve—this is called a herniated disc.
According to Dr. Vengust, a herniated disc typically affects relatively young individuals, most commonly between the ages of 25 and 45. Herniation often occurs in the morning, when the disc is better hydrated and has a greater volume. Simple activities like sneezing or getting out of bed may cause the nucleus to protrude through a fissure. These are microinjuries or micro-pressures that result in the nucleus pressing on a nerve. Overload also contributes to a higher incidence of herniation, though the primary cause lies in genetic factors and the weakness of connective tissue.
What is the incidence of herniated discs?
Between 3 to 4 percent, appearing at all ages—even in 12-year-olds or elderly individuals, if their discs are still intact. 90% of herniations occur in the lumbar spine, 10% in the cervical spine, and a small fraction in the thoracic spine. The lumbar spine bears the greatest load on intervertebral discs.
The AEQ Method as Prevention and Relapse Reduction
A herniated disc causes structural changes best handled by conventional medicine. The pain and limited mobility are due to the nucleus pressing on a nerve, not sensory-motor amnesia (SMA), meaning AEQ is ineffective for direct intervention. However, the AEQ Method is primarily preventive. It reduces the likelihood of herniation—especially if genetically predisposed—and of recurrence post-surgery.
The root cause is the inability to regulate trunk muscle tone, especially in the abdominal and back muscles. In nearly all lumbar disc herniations, the average tone of these muscle groups is too high and sustained, leading to the loss of natural pulsation of spinal pressure (higher under load or stress, lower during rest). Constant pressure on the discs reduces their flexibility and water content—excess pressure squeezes water from the disc. This arises due to SMA and chronic subconscious patterns keeping the muscles tense, even when unnecessary (e.g., during sleep). The person, due to internal disconnection and distorted perception of exertion, doesn’t sense prolonged overload, which alters spinal structure and leads to herniation.
Learning the AEQ Method enables understanding of the relationship between body and awareness. It reveals how we lose our natural ability to consciously manage skeletal muscle tone. This insight shifts our perception of the causes of herniation and offers a different preventive approach. AEQ increases bodily awareness and helps us make better decisions and actions, preventing herniation or reducing relapse probability (over 70%).
AEQ exercises are designed to gradually increase conscious interest in bodily sensations and enhance the flow of proprioception and interoception to the cerebral cortex. This reduces SMA by recognizing when muscle tone is excessive. AEQ exercises improve awareness of what we do and how we do it, allowing us to retain correct actions and change incorrect ones. During exercises, the conditions for accurate sensory feedback are optimal. Perception of the lower back and abdomen is often very poor, as is the ability to differentiate between thigh and trunk muscles.
Important: distinguish between back pain and disc herniation. Chronic back pain increases the risk of herniation.
Similar principles apply to cervical herniations, though circumstances and reactions differ.
AEQ learning gradually resets the relationship between body and awareness, lowering muscle tone and pressure on discs. This removes the cause of herniation or recurrence after surgery.
To understand AEQ’s approach, one must distinguish between increasing muscle tone and improving control over it. Traditional rehabilitation often focuses on strengthening, assuming herniation stems from weak muscles—especially abs. However, the real issue is often chronic tension making the muscles seem weak. What’s needed first is control, not more strength.
People with herniated discs usually breathe incorrectly: shallow inhalation, rigid chest movement, and poor thoracic expansion. This prevents proper rib movement and vertical vertebral movement in the thoracic spine, reducing spinal fluid exchange and increasing herniation risk.
If herniation is caused by physical trauma (e.g., a fall, car accident), the AEQ focus shifts to resolving the trauma reflex that protects the injured spine. This requires AEQ teachers of levels 3, 4, or 5.
To prevent herniation or ease post-surgical issues and reduce recurrence in lumbar or cervical regions, the AEQ Method is best learned via online programs. AEQ helps clients recognize overload, build emotional maturity, and reduce subconscious dependence on overexertion. This transitions chronic overload into an acute state, addressing the root cause of herniation and preventing recurrence.
