Herniated Disc
A disc herniation happens when the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through its outer ring and presses on a nearby nerve root. The result is typically sharp, radiating pain that follows the nerve's path, into the leg for a lumbar herniation, into the arm for a cervical one, along with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected limb.
What happens to the disc
Each disc sits between two vertebrae and acts as a shock absorber. The outer ring is tough fibrous tissue. The inner material is softer and gel-like. When the outer ring cracks under pressure or degenerates over time, the inner material can push through and press on a nerve root. This is distinct from a bulging disc, where the outer ring stays intact but pushes outward, though both can press on nerves and produce similar symptoms.
In the low back, the most commonly affected levels are L4-L5 and L5-S1, which produce the sciatic pain that runs into the buttock and leg. In the neck, C5-C6 and C6-C7 are most common, producing pain and symptoms into the arm and hand.
How we treat it
Spinal decompression.
The most direct treatment for disc herniation available in our office. The decompression table creates a gentle distraction force across the affected disc, generating negative pressure that encourages the herniated material to retract and allows the disc to rehydrate. Over a course of visits, nerve pressure reduces and symptoms ease. Read more about spinal decompression.
Chiropractic adjustment.
We use low-force technique for active herniations rather than manual adjustment, to restore motion to the surrounding joints without adding load to the disc. Reducing restriction in the adjacent segments helps distribute force more evenly across the spine.
Acupuncture.
Reduces the inflammatory component around the affected nerve root and helps quiet the pain sensitization that makes disc pain so persistent. Read more about acupuncture.
Common questions
Does a herniated disc always need surgery?
No. The large majority of herniated discs respond to conservative care without surgery. Surgery is appropriate when there is progressive neurological loss, such as worsening weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control. For pain and sensory symptoms, conservative care is the appropriate first step.
How long does it take to get better?
Disc injuries take longer than joint problems because the disc itself heals slowly. Most patients see meaningful improvement over four to eight weeks of consistent care. The nerve irritation often settles faster than that.
I had an MRI that confirmed a herniation. Can you still help?
Yes. An MRI confirms the diagnosis but does not determine treatment. Decompression is specifically designed for herniated and bulging discs and is what we would use as the primary tool in your case.
Related: Low back pain, sciatica, spinal decompression
If your herniated disc came from a car accident, see our free Accident Injury Recovery and Claim Workbook and our page on disc injury after a car accident.
Schedule an appointment or call 704-663-2010.
