Understanding Herniated Discs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Chiropractic Care
Back and neck pain are some of the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor, and one of the leading causes is a herniated disc. If you’ve been told you have a herniated or “slipped” disc, you might feel uncertain about what that really means, what your options are, and how chiropractic care can help. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of herniated discs, explore common symptoms, and explain how chiropractic treatment provides effective, non-invasive relief.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
The human spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra is a disc, which acts like a cushion or shock absorber. Each disc has two parts:
A tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus)
A soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus)
A herniated disc occurs when the outer ring weakens or tears and some of the soft material pushes out. This displacement can irritate or compress nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the area the nerve serves.
Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, but they are most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and the neck (cervical spine).
Causes of Herniated Discs
Several factors can contribute to a disc herniation:
Age-Related Wear and Tear (Degeneration)
Over time, discs lose some of their water content, making them less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even minor strain.Repetitive Strain
Jobs or activities that require heavy lifting, twisting, or repetitive motions increase risk.Sudden Injury or Trauma
A fall, sports injury, or car accident can cause discs to rupture suddenly.Genetics
Some people inherit a predisposition to disc problems.Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, obesity, and lack of regular exercise weaken the spine’s support structures.
Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
The symptoms depend on where the disc is located and whether it’s pressing on a nerve. Some people experience no symptoms at all, while others may struggle with severe, disabling pain.
Typical symptoms include:
Back or Neck Pain: Localized pain near the affected disc.
Radiating Pain: Sharp or burning pain that travels down the arms (cervical) or legs (lumbar), often called sciatica.
Numbness or Tingling: Affected nerves may cause sensations in arms, hands, legs, or feet.
Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerves may weaken, impacting mobility or grip.
Worsening with Movement: Pain often intensifies with coughing, sneezing, or certain positions.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild cases sometimes improve with rest and conservative care, it’s important to seek help if you experience:
Pain lasting longer than a few weeks
Progressive weakness in arms or legs
Loss of bladder or bowel control (a medical emergency)
Pain that interferes with daily life or sleep
Early evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and faster recovery.
Diagnosing a Herniated Disc
Chiropractors and other healthcare providers use a combination of:
Medical History and Symptoms Review
Physical Examination: Testing reflexes, muscle strength, posture, and range of motion.
Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans may be recommended if severe symptoms are present.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for creating the right treatment plan.
Chiropractic Treatment for Herniated Discs
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive option for many patients with disc problems. Unlike surgery or heavy reliance on pain medication, chiropractic care focuses on helping the body heal naturally while relieving pain and restoring mobility.
1. Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractors use controlled, gentle movements to realign the spine. These adjustments can reduce nerve pressure, improve function, and restore mobility.
2. Flexion-Distraction Technique
This specialized chiropractic technique uses a table that stretches and decompresses the spine. It helps reposition the disc material, relieve pressure, and improve healing without forceful manipulation.
3. Therapeutic Exercises
Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises help stabilize the spine, improve posture, and prevent future injuries. Chiropractors often give patients a customized home exercise plan.
4. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice
From lifting techniques to workstation setups, chiropractors provide guidance to protect the spine in daily activities.
5. Adjunct Therapies
Chiropractors may incorporate ice/heat therapy, electrical stimulation, or soft tissue techniques to relieve muscle tension and inflammation.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs
Pain Relief Without Medications: Reduces reliance on opioids and anti-inflammatories.
Improved Mobility: Restores flexibility and range of motion.
Holistic Healing: Addresses underlying causes, not just symptoms.
Cost-Effective: Conservative care is typically less expensive than surgery or long-term medication use.
Preventive: Supports long-term spine health and helps avoid recurrence.
Preventing Herniated Discs
While not every case can be prevented, adopting healthy habits reduces risk:
Maintain Good Posture: Keep your spine neutral when sitting, standing, and lifting.
Exercise Regularly: Focus on core strengthening and flexibility.
Lift Safely: Bend at the knees, not the waist.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Well: Healthy discs need proper hydration and nutrition.
Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates disc degeneration.
Weight Management: Excess weight adds stress to the spine.
When Surgery Is Needed
In most cases, conservative care—including chiropractic—is effective. However, surgery may be necessary if:
Symptoms persist after several months of conservative treatment.
There’s severe nerve compression leading to significant weakness or loss of function.
Bladder or bowel function is compromised.
Even when surgery is required, chiropractic care often plays a role in pre-surgery symptom management and post-surgery rehabilitation.
Final Thoughts
A herniated disc can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t always mean invasive surgery or a lifetime of pain. Many patients find lasting relief and improved function through chiropractic care. At Murphy Chiropractic and Wellness, our team takes the time to evaluate your condition, create a personalized treatment plan, and guide you toward healing naturally and effectively.
If you’re struggling with back or neck pain and suspect a herniated disc, don’t wait—schedule a consultation to explore safe, proven treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Discs and Chiropractic Care
1. How do I know if I have a herniated disc or just muscle pain?
Muscle pain usually feels sore or stiff and improves with rest or stretching. A herniated disc often causes sharp or radiating pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. A chiropractor can perform an exam and recommend imaging if needed.
2. Can a chiropractor fix a herniated disc?
Chiropractors don’t “fix” discs in the sense of sewing them back together, but they use spinal adjustments, decompression, and other therapies to reduce nerve pressure, relieve pain, and help the disc heal naturally.
3. Is chiropractic care safe for a herniated disc?
Yes, when performed by a licensed chiropractor. Chiropractors use gentle, non-invasive techniques tailored to your condition, avoiding movements that could worsen symptoms.
4. How long does it take to feel better with chiropractic treatment?
Recovery time varies. Some patients notice improvement after just a few sessions, while others may need several weeks of consistent care. Factors include the severity of the herniation, your overall health, and how well you follow exercise and lifestyle recommendations.
5. Will a herniated disc heal on its own?
In some cases, mild herniations improve with rest, proper movement, and conservative care. However, without treatment, pain and nerve compression can linger or worsen. Chiropractic care helps speed up healing and reduces the risk of recurrence.
6. Do I need surgery if I have a herniated disc?
Most people don’t. Surgery is usually only recommended if symptoms persist after months of conservative care or if there are severe issues like loss of bladder or bowel control. Chiropractic treatment often helps patients avoid surgery altogether.
7. Can lifestyle changes prevent future herniated discs?
Yes. Maintaining good posture, strengthening your core, staying active, lifting correctly, and avoiding smoking can significantly lower your risk of another herniated disc.
Sources
Mayo Clinic – Herniated Disk Overview: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk
Cleveland Clinic – Herniated Disc: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12772-herniated-disc
American Chiropractic Association – Chiropractic and Herniated Discs: https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Herniated-Disc
