Dr. Belinda Eddy and Dr. Ewen Macaulay DC

Chiropractor For Herniated disc

Herniated disc results in significant pain in the body and progressively becomes worse if it is not treated. Once the damage is permanent, it is not possible to get back to the natural spine even with surgery.

Our spines are made up of a stack of individual bones called vertebrae.  Between the vertebrae are rubbery shock absorbers called discs. Each disc consists of a tough outer ring (annulus) with a soft gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. A disc herniates when cracks occur in the outer rings and the soft gel-like material leaks through.

Chiropractic care can help diagnose the root cause of herniated discs and natural ways to treat them. This page provides information on herniated discs like causes, symptoms, and treatment. 

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Types of herniated disc

Herniation – This is when the soft gelatinous material leaks through the cracks in the outer rings. 

Disc Protrusion – This is a condition in which the outer layers of the disc remain intact but the disc changes shape or bulges when under pressure. 

Disc Prolapse – This is commonly referred to as a slipped disc, even though the disc does not slip. What happens is the soft gel-like material in the center leaks through a weakness in the outer rings of the disc. This is sometimes referred to as a herniated disc.

Causes of herniated disc

Here are some of the main causes of herniated discs which include:

  • Discs need blood for health
  • Stiff joints reduce disc blood flow
  • This weakens the disc structure
  • Cracks can result from repetitive or sudden force
  • Prolonged reduced blood supply damages discs over time
  • Poor posture and lack of movement contribute to stiff spinal joints
  • Aging can naturally reduce the efficiency of the disc’s blood supply

Symptoms of herniated disc

Symptoms of a herniated disc depend upon where the disc is located in the stack of spinal bones and also whether the disc is pressing on a nerve. A herniated disc will usually only affect one side of the body. Most commonly herniated discs occur in the lower back but can occur in the neck. Many people have herniated discs with no symptoms at all. When discs are symptomatic, below are the common symptoms:

  • Leg and arm pain: Lower back herniated discs typically cause pain in the buttocks, thigh, and calf and less frequently in the foot. Herniated discs in the neck frequently cause pain in the arm and shoulder. Shooting pain may occur when you sneeze, cough, or move into certain positions. Patients often describe the pain as burning or sharp. 

  • Numbness and/or tingling: Patients often describe radiating numbness or tingling in the part of the body that is controlled by the affected nerve.

  • Muscle weakness and atrophy: Muscles controlled by the affected nerves tend to weaken. This can cause changes to the way we walk and to our ability to lift or hold things. In our experience symptoms of muscle weakness and atrophy are rare and tend to be more severe.

How We Can Help With herniated disc in Mill Creek

At Mill Creek Chiropractic Clinic, we’re here to help ease the discomfort caused by a herniated disc. Our team takes the time to understand your unique situation through a careful assessment. Using gentle chiropractic adjustments, we work to relieve pressure on the affected disc, helping your spine align better. We may also include exercises and therapies to improve flexibility and strengthen supporting structures. We believe in keeping communication open, ensuring you’re actively part of your care plan.

Our goal is not just to address your symptoms but also to give you strategies for long-term spine health. At Vital Chiropractic Center, we’re dedicated to providing kind and effective care, guiding you toward recovery and improved well-being.

Book an appointment

Request an appointment online by calling us on (425) 742-7772 or by using booking tool below

Let Us Help to treat your herniated disc/slipped disc

Do not ignore your Herniated Disc/Slipped Disc, it can become worse overtime. It’s important to consult with the doctor and understand the root cause of Herniated Disc/Slipped Disc.

Frequently asked questions

Temporary pain relief for herniated disc

Sometimes heat can be helpful as a muscle relaxant. Pay close attention to posture and body mechanics. Finding a position to alleviate nerve root pinching sometimes relaxes the involved muscles.

I didn’t do anything so how cab a disc be involved?

Sometimes heat can be helpful as a muscle relaxant. Pay close attention to posture and body mechanics. Finding a position to alleviate nerve root pinching sometimes relaxes the involved muscles.

Does medical insurance cover herniated disc treatment?

Yes most medical insurances cover our treatments.

Aren’t disc problems simply the normal aging process?

The frequency of disc problems definitely increase with age. This is because accidents and repetitive motion injuries tend to be cumulative.

Content Reviewed by
Dr. Belinda Eddy
Doctor Of Chiropractic
Author