Herniated disc: non-surgical care with spinal decompression

What is a herniated disc?

Each disc in your spine has a gel-like center and a firmer outer layer. With age or injury, the outer layer can weaken or tear, and some of the inner material pushes out. That material can press on or irritate a nearby nerve. Herniated discs are most common in the lower back and neck (Cleveland Clinic). You may also hear it called a slipped, ruptured or bulging disc.

Common symptoms

• Lower back: back pain, and often sharp pain that travels through the buttock into a leg (sciatica), with tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg or foot.
• Neck: neck pain, pain near the shoulder blades, and pain, numbness or tingling into a shoulder, arm or hand.

Some people with a herniated disc on an MRI have no symptoms at all (Mayo Clinic).

How spinal decompression may help

Decompression gently stretches the spine in slow cycles to try to reduce pressure on the disc and the irritated nerve. Some people with a herniated disc feel better with it; others don't, and research is still limited. A typical plan is about 20 visits over 6 weeks, set after your exam. How decompression works.

Other options

Herniated discs are often treated first with activity changes, pain relievers, physical therapy and, sometimes, steroid injections. Surgery may be considered for severe or worsening symptoms or pain that doesn't improve (Mayo Clinic). You're welcome to ask about any of these at your consultation.

This website is operated for Stapel Family Chiropractic (Springville Disc Center) in Springville, Utah. Care is provided by Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC, a licensed chiropractic physician. About this site.