**It's the body's natural resorption process, not nerve damage.**
Josh Brolin's 9mm L5-S1 herniation likely resolved through spontaneous reabsorption—very common with lumbar disc herniations (studies show 66-76% rate with conservative care, especially extruded ones). The herniated material triggers inflammation, immune cells (macrophages), and new blood vessels that break it down and clear it away, often within months.
Movement helped: it boosts circulation, delivers nutrients/oxygen, reduces inflammation, and strengthens supporting muscles so less pressure on the nerve. Pain often worsens initially as you push through, which matches what he described.
Nerve "damage to numb it" is unlikely—true nerve injury usually causes numbness, weakness, or lasting issues, not clean pain resolution with full function. He got real healing. Individual results vary though; this isn't medical advice.