How do i know if i am getting better from a herniated disk injury?

Symptoms are better: If you are better, there should be less pain, numbness or weakness, and less limitations on daily activities. Your MRI scan may or may not be better, but as long as symptoms are being reduced, you are getting better.

You feel better: Resolution of pain especially if the pain decreases in your arm or leg as it moves back up that extremity with an occasional temporary increase of the neck or back pain (centralization) is a good sign followed by any decrease of neurologic symptoms like numbness or tingling which do not always fully resolve even if all the pain does. 90% of disc herniations get better without surgery.