Research has shown that lumbar disc herniations are primarily responsible for chronic low back pain(see chronic back pain page). There are different types of disc herniations that can happen in various locations along the circumference of the disc itself. Most disc herniations can be treated with conservative treatments such as rehabilitation and spinal decompression. This depends greatly on the size of the herniation and whether or not any nerves are showing signs of significant damage. The last resort treatment option is surgery.