Herniated Discs
Back or Neck Pain That Travels Into Your Arm or Leg?
A herniated disc can be painful, frustrating, and sometimes intimidating-especially after hearing the diagnosis for the first time. Many people worry they'll need surgery or that their spine has been permanently damaged.The good news is that many people with a herniated disc improve with conservative care. At Bilan Chiropractic, our focus is on understanding how your disc is affecting your movement, nerves, and daily life so we can determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.
Could a Herniated Disc Be Causing Your Symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on which disc is involved and whether nearby nerves are irritated.You may experience:
- Low back or neck pain
- Pain that travels into the arm or leg
- Sciatica
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Pain when sitting, bending, or lifting
- Stiffness and reduced mobility
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Between each bone in your spine is a disc that acts as a cushion and shock absorber.A herniated disc occurs when part of that disc pushes outward and may irritate a nearby nerve. This irritation-not just the disc itself-is often what causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Disc injuries can develop.
Why We Look Beyond the MRI
Many people are surprised to learn that herniated discs are common-even in people who don't have pain.That's why we don't treat MRI findings-we treat people.
Your examination helps us understand whether the disc seen on imaging is actually responsible for your symptoms and whether other joints, muscles, or movement patterns may also be contributing.
This allows us to recommend care that's based on your condition-not just your scan.
Our Approach
Treatment always begins with a thorough evaluation.If chiropractic care is appropriate, your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments when clinically appropriate
- Gentle spinal mobilization
- Flexion-distraction therapy
- Soft tissue therapy
- Therapeutic stretching
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Posture and lifting education
- Activity modification recommendations
Your Evaluation
We'll begin by listening to your story.We'll discuss how your symptoms started, where the pain travels, what movements make it worse, and how it's affecting your work, hobbies, and daily life.
Your examination may include:
- Orthopedic testing
- Neurological testing
- Range of motion assessment
- Muscle strength testing
- Posture and movement analysis
Why Patients Choose Bilan Chiropractic
A herniated disc doesn't automatically mean surgery-and it doesn't automatically mean chiropractic care is the right answer either.Our job is to determine what's causing your symptoms, explain your options, and recommend the most appropriate path forward.
Sometimes that's chiropractic care. Sometimes it's imaging, physical therapy, or referral to another specialist.
Either way, our priority is helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Can chiropractic care heal a herniated disc?
A. Chiropractic care does not repair or regenerate a damaged disc. However, it may help improve spinal movement, reduce mechanical stress, and address musculoskeletal factors contributing to pain for appropriate patients.
Will I need surgery?
A. Many people recover without surgery, but every case is different. Treatment depends on your symptoms, examination findings, and overall health.
Is it safe to see a chiropractor with a herniated disc?
A. For many patients, yes-but not every herniated disc is appropriate for chiropractic treatment. That's why a careful examination comes first.
Do all herniated discs cause sciatica?
A. No. Some cause localized back or neck pain, while others produce numbness, tingling, or pain that travels into the arms or legs.
When should I seek emergency medical care?
A. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin area, severe or worsening weakness, or symptoms following significant trauma.