Disc Herniation Care In Calgary

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.

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

Chiropractor performing a leg mobility test to assess disc herniation symptoms at MYo Lab Health & Wellness in Calgary.

Signs 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 (herniated discs can press on spinal nerves; a herniation in the lower back may cause pain to travel down the leg, 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:

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.

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.

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 members find effective, especially for lumbar disc herniations.

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.

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.

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!

Member 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 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