Disc Herniations

Slipped disc. Bulging disc. Disc protrusion. Disc prolapse. Herniated disc.

These are the most common terms you hear associated with this condition. 

Disc herniations might sound intimidating, but they’re actually a pretty common spinal issue that can happen to just about anyone. Think of your spine as a stack of cushioned discs between each vertebra, acting as shock absorbers and helping you move comfortably. 

When one of these discs “herniates,” the soft center pushes out through a tear in the tougher outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can lead to anything from mild, nagging discomfort to more intense, radiating pain that can make everyday movements challenging. Whether it’s from an injury, normal wear and tear, or just a part of getting older, disc herniations can really impact your life.

MYo Lab employee showing a model of a spine to a patient

Causes of Disc Herniations

Disc herniations can arise from a mix of lifestyle factors, genetics, and natural aging. Here’s what typically contributes to this condition:

  • Aging and degeneration (as we age, our spinal discs lose flexibility and hydration, making them more vulnerable to tears.) 
  • Injury or trauma (sudden movements, falls, accidents, twisting awkwardly to lift something heavy)
  • Repetitive strain (bending, lifting)
  • Genetics
  • Poor posture
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Sign and Symptoms 

The symptoms of a disc herniation can vary depending on where the herniation occurs and how severely it’s affecting nearby nerves. Common signs may include:

  • Pain in the lower back or neck
  • Radiating pain (because herniated discs can press on spinal nerves, a herniation in the lower back may cause pain to travel down the leg, a condition known as sciatica)
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Muscle weakness
  • Increased pain when bending, lifting, or twisting

Keep in mind that you can have a herniated disc even without any of these symptoms. In this case, an MRI is the gold standard image method to determine this diagnosis.

That being said, if you do experience any or all of these symptoms, it may help to get timely care and take steps toward managing pain, restoring mobility, and protecting your spine.

 

 

How Chiropractors Treat Disc Herniations

Chiropractic care has proven to be a highly effective treatment option for managing disc herniations; one, because it focuses on improving mobility; two, it supports your spine’s health without the need for surgery; and when it does one and two, it also helps with the third aspect (the biggest ‘pain’ point): reducing pain. 

Here’s how we approach treating this condition:

1. Spinal Adjustments: One of the main ways our Chiropractors treat disc herniations is through spinal adjustments. These are gentle, targeted movements to realign your spine and reduce pressure on the herniated disc and nearby nerves. Each adjustment is personalized to make sure it’s safe and effective, aiming to reduce inflammation and help you feel more comfortable.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy: To help relieve tension and reduce inflammation, we use soft tissue therapies like Massage or Myofascial release. These techniques focus on relaxing the muscles around the affected area, improving circulation, and supporting your body’s natural healing.

3. Flexion-Distraction Technique: If you’re experiencing a disc issue in your lower back, we may use a technique called flexion-distraction. This involves a specialized table that gently stretches your spine, creating more space between the vertebrae and relieving pressure on the disc. It’s a gentle, non-invasive approach that many of our patients find effective, especially for lumbar disc herniations.

4. Pelvic Blocking: For certain types of disc herniations, we may use a technique called pelvic blocking. Here, we place cushioned wedges under specific parts of your pelvis to encourage the herniated disc to move away from the affected nerve, easing nerve irritation and helping to reduce pain.

5. Personalized Exercise Programs: Once we’ve established a treatment plan, we want to continue strengthening the muscles that support your spine. This is key to preventing further issues. We guide you through specific exercises that target your core stability and flexibility, helping improve posture, reduce pain, and support your spine’s long-term health.

6. Lifestyle Changes: It’s not just about treatments; it’s also about everyday habits that inadvertently cause issues and can make a big difference in your recovery. We walk you through aspects like posture, ergonomics, and safe lifting techniques to keep you moving pain-free!

With a combination of hands-on techniques, customized exercises, and practical lifestyle advice, Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to managing disc herniations. It’s all about helping you feel better and keeping your spine in top shape!

Patient Success Stories/Testimonials 

“Evan is knowledgeable and professional with a great bedside manner. He has helped me successfully manage some longstanding low back issues. As someone in the medical field, I can strongly recommend Evan and the MYo Lab team.”

James A.

“After 10yrs of chronic back pain I have finally found relief and more importantly answers as to the why, after only a few treatments. Plus they have given manageable tools for home to continue improvement. I cannot express what a relief it has been to finally be pain free after so long.”

Cody E.

“I came to MYo Lab with a lower back / pelvis injury and chronic back muscle tightness from work. After only two weeks of seeing Shelly for chiro and physio work the pinching nerve had stopped giving me pain and muscle tightness is easing all the time. She uses multiple techniques that surpass most chiropractors work I have seen previously, Shelly also referred me for massages with Zack who was able to release more muscle tightness from postural issues and I will continue to see them both to maintain the new movement I have unlocked. I’m Super happy with MYo Lab and the friendly staff, I highly recommend you come here if you have had an injury or have chronic movement issues.”

Nathan C.

FAQs for Disc Herniations

What is a disc herniation?

A disc herniation occurs when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the tougher exterior (annulus fibrosus). This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain and other symptoms.

What are the symptoms of a disc herniation?

A herniated disc can bring a range of symptoms. You might experience back or neck pain, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs. Sometimes, the pain even radiates down your arms or legs—sciatica is a good example of this. Muscle weakness and stiffness can also be common, depending on where the disc herniation is located.

What causes disc herniations?

Several factors can lead to a herniated disc. Age is a big one—our discs naturally wear down over time (that’s called degenerative disc disease). Repetitive movements, heavy lifting, sudden strains, or accidents can also cause a disc to herniate. Genetics, lifestyle choices like smoking, and even lack of exercise can play a role, too, since they all affect spine health.

Is Chiropractic care safe for disc herniations?

Yes! Chiropractic care can be safe and effective for many people with disc herniations. But before starting treatment, we’ll do a full assessment to ensure the right techniques are used for your specific case. This way, they can avoid anything that might make the condition worse.

What techniques do Chiropractors use to treat disc herniations?

Chiropractors have many tools in their toolkit for disc herniations. Spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction therapy, pelvic blocking, and guided therapeutic exercises are common approaches. The exact technique depends on how you’re responding to treatment and what feels best for your body.

How many Chiropractic sessions are typically needed for disc herniation treatment?

The number of sessions really varies based on how severe the herniation is, how well your body responds, and your overall health. 

Some people feel better after just 2–4 sessions over the course of 1–3 weeks, while others benefit from ongoing care. Severe cases that would otherwise be in consideration for surgical intervention may require up to a few months of focused conservative care but have been well-shown to keep you off the surgical table in many cases. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop a plan that fits your needs.

Can Chiropractic care completely heal a disc herniation?

Chiropractic care mainly aims to reduce the symptoms of a herniated disc and support the body’s natural healing process. While it may not “heal” the disc entirely, it can certainly help you feel better, regain mobility, and manage pain. In some cases, the body can naturally heal over time with the right support.

Can Chiropractic care be combined with other treatments for disc herniations?

Absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend it. Chiropractic care is often part of a larger care plan. It can be combined with physical therapy, massage therapy, pain management, and sometimes external referrals for medications or injections. Working with a team of healthcare providers can provide the most comprehensive approach, helping you get the best possible outcome.

How MYo Lab Can Help

If you’ve been experiencing disc herniations, you can book an appointment with one of our Chiropractors. Alternatively, you can call us at (403)930-8686. We’re currently accepting new patients.

Book an Appointment
Accepting New Patients; No Referral Necessary!
Call: 403-930-8686