How physical therapy is beneficial for herniated disc The nucleus pulpous, the gel-like inside a disc, can herniate through a tear in the outer disc layer, a precise diagnosis (called the annulus). The lower lumbar spine is the most commonly affected; however, it can occur in any of the three spinal regions (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar). It is possible to have a herniation of the discs in the spine, making daily life difficult and unpleasant. Therapy can help ease some …