Herniated Disc Treatment

Spinal disc problems can be painful and limiting, affecting everything from sitting and standing to walking, lifting, or sleeping. Understanding what’s happening in your spine is the first step toward finding relief.

What Is a Disc Bulge?

A disc bulge happens when the tough outer layer of a spinal disc becomes weak or stretched. This allows the soft, gel-like center to push outward in all directions. A bulging disc is often part of the natural aging or degenerative process, but it can still irritate nearby nerves and cause pain or discomfort.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when the soft center actually breaks through the disc’s outer fibers. This can happen after an injury—such as a car accident, a hard fall, or a sports-related impact. When the inner material pushes out, it may inflame or compress the spinal nerves, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness.

Common Symptoms

Most symptoms come from irritation of the spinal nerves. These nerves travel through small openings beside each disc, so when disc material presses on them, a range of uncomfortable symptoms can appear.

Disc Bulge or Herniation in the Low Back (Lumbar Spine)

  • Low back pain
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the legs or feet
  • Sharp, shooting pain down the leg (commonly known as sciatica)
  • Leg weakness or difficulty standing or walking comfortably

Disc Bulge or Herniation in the Neck (Cervical Spine)

  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Tingling, burning, or numbness in the arms or hands
  • Sharp pain radiating down the arm
  • Weakness in the arm, hand, or grip

Thoracic Disc Herniation

Disc problems in the mid-back (thoracic spine) are less common due to limited movement in this area, but when they occur, they can cause significant pain and restriction.

Surgical treatment in the thoracic spine is complex and sometimes involves removing part of a rib to reach the disc—an invasive option with potential risks. For this reason, conservative care is usually recommended first whenever appropriate.

How Chiropractic Care and Decompression Can Help

Many people find relief through non-surgical treatments such as chiropractic care and spinal decompression. Techniques like the Hill DT non-surgical disc decompression system are designed to gently stretch the spine, reduce pressure on the discs, and help improve mobility and comfort.

Chiropractic care may help:

  • Reduce pressure on irritated nerves
  • Improve spinal alignment and movement
  • Decrease muscle tension around the affected area
  • Support the body’s natural healing processes

Take Control of Your Spine Health

If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, numbness, or sciatica, you don’t have to keep struggling. A careful evaluation can determine whether a disc problem is at the root of your symptoms and what treatment options may help.

Call Dr. Brandt Adams today to schedule an appointment and explore safe, non-surgical solutions for lasting relief.