How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Herniated Discs

If you’ve ever dealt with a herniated disc, you already know how quickly the pain can take over your life. A disc herniates when one of the cushions between your spinal bones becomes damaged or shifts out of place. If that disc presses on a nerve, it can cause pain ranging from mild and annoying to severe and disabling.

The good news is that there are safe ways to ease symptoms and support healing. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective option and is often a great first step before thinking about more invasive treatments.

What Exactly Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is incredibly common. It is estimated that roughly 2 percent of people will experience one each year, which makes it a major source of neck, back, and leg pain.

Your spine is made up of a series of vertebrae stacked on top of each other. Between each vertebra sits a soft disc that works like a shock absorber. When the outer part of the disc weakens or tears, the inner material can push outward, irritating nearby nerves.

Some of the most common reasons this happens include:

• Wear and tear from everyday life
• A sudden injury
• A combination of aging and stress on the spine

A disc can herniate anywhere along the spine, including the neck (cervical), mid-back (thoracic), or lower back (lumbar).

Herniation also tends to happen in stages:

• Disc degeneration
• Prolapse
• Extrusion
• Sequestration

A disc injury can also arise from something as simple as twisting awkwardly, lifting something heavy with poor mechanics, or even getting in and out of bed the wrong way. At first, it may feel like a minor ache, but if nerve pressure worsens, the pain can become severe enough to interfere with work, sleep, and basic daily tasks.

Ignoring it rarely pays off. Early treatment prevents the problem from settling in and makes it harder to manage.

What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?

Most people expect a herniated disc to cause only back pain, but the symptoms often spread into other areas of the body. That is because the nerves affected by the disc travel down the arms or legs.

Here’s how symptoms typically show up depending on the area of the spine involved.

Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)

This is the most common spot for a disc to herniate. Pain often shoots from the lower back into the buttock or leg. You might also notice weakness, difficulty walking, or a change in how your leg feels when you stand or sit.

Thoracic Spine (Mid-Back)

This is a less common area, but when it occurs, pain can radiate around the rib cage towards the chest and abdomen.

Cervical Spine (Neck)

Neck disc herniations typically cause pain that radiates into the shoulders or arms. Some people experience numbness in the hands, reduced grip strength, or a heavy, weak feeling in one arm.

Some only experience tingling, numbness, or weakness. Others experience no symptoms until an MRI reveals the disc problem. This is why proper assessment matters.

Chiropractic Techniques for a Herniated Disc

Once it is clear that chiropractic care is safe for your situation, your chiropractor will create a treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals.

Here are four of the most common techniques used.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Adjustments restore proper spinal motion, creating a healthier environment for a healing disc. Depending on your comfort level and the severity of your symptoms, your chiropractor may use light manual pressure or a handheld instrument that delivers precise, gentle impulses.

Both approaches improve joint movement, ease muscle tension, and help the injured disc heal naturally.

Flexion Destraction

This gentle technique is helpful for people with moderate or severe pain. You lie on a special table that moves the spine in a controlled way. This can help stretch the spine, reducing pressure on the disc and nerve.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Tight muscles often surround a herniated disc because the body tries to protect the injured area. Soft tissue therapy targets these tight or overworked muscles to reduce tension and improve circulation. Releasing these muscles can take pressure off the spine, decrease pain, and help restore normal movement.

Rehab Exercises

Exercise strengthens the muscles that support the spine. As strength improves, the spine becomes more stable, helping support the disc as it heals. These exercises also improve mobility and flexibility, which lowers the risk of re-injury.

Final Thoughts

Most herniated discs do not require surgery. The majority (90% +) can be managed successfully with non-invasive care, especially when treated early. Chiropractic addresses both the pain and the underlying mechanics that caused the issue, giving your spine the best chance to heal.

If you are dealing with a herniated disc, we can help. At ActiveEdge Spine & Sport, we create personalized treatment plans to help your body heal optimally.

Reach out and book an appointment today at our Ottawa location.