Lumbar Disc Herniation Resorption: When and How Does It Occur?

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with intervertebral disc herniation contributing substantially to its burden. Most patients improve with conservative care, often associated with disc resorption. Although increasingly recognized as a major determinant of recovery, the mechanisms underlying resorption remain poorly understood. Herniated disc tissue induces immune cell infiltration and release of cytokines and proteolytic enzymes, yet standard anti-inflammatory treatments may paradoxically impede this process. Outcomes are also influenced by physical therapy, lifestyle, herniation characteristics, and immunological background, but predictive biomarkers are lacking. This review summarizes the current knowledge gap and explores strategies to harness intrinsic healing for personalized management.