A herniated disc, sometimes called a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to persistent back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. For many, the discomfort can disrupt sleep, hinder work productivity, and reduce enjoyment of daily life. Traditional treatments often revolve around pain medications, injections, or even surgery, which can carry significant risks and fail to address the underlying dysfunction.
This is where chiropractic care shines.
Chiropractors focus on identifying the root cause of your pain, restoring alignment, and improving your body’s ability to heal naturally. By using non-invasive, drug-free methods, chiropractors can provide effective relief and long-term improvements in function for those suffering from herniated discs.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Your spine is made up of 24 small bones called vertebrae, stacked on top of each other. Between each vertebra is a soft, rubbery cushion called an intervertebral disc. These discs act as shock absorbers, allowing your spine to move freely while protecting the bones from grinding against each other.
A disc has two main parts:
- Nucleus pulposus: The soft, jelly-like center.
- Annulus fibrosus: The tough outer layer that keeps the nucleus in place.
A herniated disc—sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc—occurs when the inner nucleus pushes out through a tear or weakness in the outer layer. This bulge can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, often in the back, buttocks, legs, or arms depending on the location of the herniation.
Common Causes of Herniated Discs in San Leandro
- Age-related degeneration: As we age, discs lose hydration and flexibility, making them prone to tearing.
- Repetitive movements: Jobs requiring frequent bending, twisting, or heavy lifting increase disc stress.
- Trauma or injury: Falls, accidents, or sudden movements can lead to disc herniation.
- Poor posture: Sitting for long periods with poor posture can increase disc pressure.
- Genetics: Some individuals are predisposed to disc degeneration.
Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) but can also affect the neck (cervical spine).
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Symptoms vary depending on the disc’s location and whether it’s pressing on a nerve.
Common symptoms include:
- Localized back or neck pain that may worsen with movement
- Radiating pain into the legs (sciatica) or arms
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Loss of reflexes in the knees or ankles
- Worsening pain after sitting, standing, or sneezing
Pain from a herniated disc in San Leandro can range from mild discomfort to severe, disabling pain that limits daily activities.
How Chiropractors Diagnose Herniated Discs
Before starting treatment, chiropractors at Resilience Chiropractic conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm whether a herniated disc is present and determine if chiropractic care is appropriate.
The diagnostic process typically includes:
- Health History: The chiropractor will ask about your symptoms, when they began, what worsens or relieves them, previous injuries, and overall health status.
- Physical Examination: This includes:
- Range of motion testing
- Posture analysis
- Neurological tests (reflexes, muscle strength, sensory testing)
- Orthopedic tests (such as the Straight Leg Raise test for lumbar herniation)
- Range of motion testing
- Imaging: If needed, the chiropractor may recommend X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to confirm the presence and severity of the herniation.
If a herniated disc is severe, or if there are signs of progressive neurological deficits, chiropractors will refer patients to an appropriate medical specialist to ensure patient safety while supporting their recovery.
Chiropractic Treatment Methods for Herniated Discs
Chiropractors use non-invasive, conservative treatments to reduce pain, improve function, and promote healing.
1. Spinal Adjustments (Chiropractic Manipulation)
Using gentle, controlled force, chiropractors can adjust the spine to improve alignment and mobility, helping to reduce nerve irritation. For herniated discs, chiropractors typically use low-force techniques such as:
- Flexion-Distraction Technique: A gentle, non-thrusting spinal manipulation often used for lumbar disc herniations. It involves a special table that stretches and flexes the spine, helping to reduce disc pressure.
- Pelvic Blocking: Using padded wedges under the pelvis to help draw the disc away from the nerve root, reducing pressure and pain.
- Instrument-Assisted Adjustments: Using handheld instruments to deliver precise, low-force adjustments.
2. Spinal Decompression Therapy
Many chiropractors utilize non-surgical spinal decompression to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure within the disc to encourage retraction of the herniated portion, reducing nerve compression and promoting nutrient flow for healing.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy
Chiropractors may use:
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point therapy
- Therapeutic massage
to reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and support spinal stability.
4. Therapeutic Exercises and Rehabilitation
Customized stretches and strengthening exercises help:
- Improve core stability
- Enhance spinal support
- Increase flexibility
- Prevent future injuries
5. Posture and Ergonomic Coaching
Poor posture contributes significantly to spinal stress. Chiropractors will guide you on sitting, standing, and lifting safely to reduce strain on your discs.
Additional Therapies
Some chiropractors may also use complementary therapies, such as:
- Heat and cold therapy: To reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Electrical muscle stimulation: To relax tight muscles.
- Ultrasound therapy: To promote healing of soft tissues.
- Lifestyle advice: Tips on posture, workstation setup, lifting techniques, and sleep positions.
Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for a Herniated Disc
Here are some reasons people choose chiropractic care:
- Non-invasive: No incisions, no hospital stays, and minimal downtime.
- Drug-free: Focuses on natural healing without heavy painkillers that may cause side effects or dependency.
- Personalized care: Each plan is tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals.
- Focuses on the root cause: Rather than just masking pain, chiropractic aims to correct spinal misalignments and relieve pressure.
- Whole-body approach: Many chiropractors offer lifestyle advice to help you avoid future injuries.
Who Shouldn’t Get Chiropractic Care for a Herniated Disc?
Chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some situations require different treatment approaches or medical intervention.
You may not be a good candidate for spinal adjustments if you have:
- Severe, advanced disc herniation with progressive neurological symptoms
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (cauda equina syndrome—requires emergency care)
- Spinal infections, tumors, or fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Certain inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis
Your chiropractor will carefully evaluate your health history to ensure care is appropriate and safe.
Chiropractic Care in San Leandro Helps Herniated Disc
Chiropractic care in San Leandro offers a safe, non-invasive, and effective path to relief for those suffering from herniated disc pain. With a focus on spinal alignment, mobility, and long-term wellness, chiropractic treatment can help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life without relying heavily on medication or surgery.
If you’re struggling with a herniated disc, trust the experienced team at Resilience Chiropractic in San Leandro to provide personalized care that addresses your unique needs. Call us today at (510) 969-4048 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
