In plain terms
Herniated Disc, in plain terms
What it is
Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. Between each bone there is a soft, cushion-like disc. That disc has a tough outer shell and a soft, gel-like center.
A herniated disc happens when the soft center pushes through a weak spot in the outer shell. People sometimes call this a 'slipped disc' or a 'bulging disc.'
When the disc pushes out of place, it can press on the nerves nearby. That pressure is usually what causes pain.
Why it happens
Discs can herniate for many reasons. Lifting something heavy the wrong way is a common cause. Sitting for long periods, repeated bending, or a sudden twist can also put too much stress on a disc.
As we get older, discs naturally lose some of their water content and become less flexible. This makes them more likely to herniate, sometimes even without an obvious injury.
Being overweight, smoking, or having a job that involves a lot of heavy lifting can increase the chances of a disc problem over time.
What it feels like
The feeling depends on where in the spine the disc is and which nerve is being pressed. A herniated disc in the lower back often causes a sharp, shooting pain that travels down one leg — many people know this as sciatica.
A herniated disc in the neck can send pain, tingling, or numbness down one arm. The neck itself may feel stiff or sore.
Some people also notice weakness in a leg or arm. Others feel a dull ache in the back or neck that gets worse when they sit, stand, or sneeze.
How chiropractic care helps
Chiropractic care focuses on how the spine moves and how the nerves are working. Dr. Calloway will carefully examine your spine, listen to your symptoms, and figure out which approach is right for you.
Gentle spinal adjustments can help take pressure off the irritated nerve and improve how well the joints in your spine move. Not every adjustment looks the same — some are very light and soft, especially if you are dealing with a lot of pain or inflammation.
Research has shown that patients with confirmed herniated discs in both the neck and lower back often feel meaningful improvement with chiropractic spinal care. Many patients notice real relief within just a few weeks.
What to expect
Your first visit at Calloway Chiropractic & Wellness starts with a thorough health history and exam. Dr. Calloway will ask about your pain, how it started, and what makes it better or worse. If imaging like an MRI has already been done, please bring those records.
Care is always explained to you before it begins, including what the treatment involves and what the realistic goals are. You are always part of the decision.
Most people start with several visits over the first few weeks. Dr. Calloway re-evaluates your progress regularly and adjusts the plan as needed. Many patients begin to feel better within the first month of care. Give us a call at (352) 555-0187 to schedule your first appointment.
The Science: For Those Who Want to Go Deeper
The mechanism
Intervertebral disc herniation produces symptoms primarily through two pathways: direct mechanical compression of adjacent neural structures and a secondary neuroinflammatory response at the nerve root. When the nucleus pulposus migrates posterolaterally through a defect in the annulus fibrosus, it can impinge on nerve roots at the lateral recess or within the neural foramen, producing radiculopathy — dermatomal pain, paresthesia, and in more significant cases, motor deficit.
Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is thought to act on several of these pathways simultaneously. Joint mobilization and manipulation can alter segmental biomechanics, potentially reducing mechanical load on the affected disc and improving the movement of adjacent spinal segments. There is also evidence from neurophysiological research suggesting that SMT influences sensorimotor integration and pain-processing pathways at a central level. [3]
A clinically important consideration is that chiropractors can select from a range of SMT techniques spanning low-force to high-force and thrust to non-thrust varieties. Flexion-distraction, for example, is a non-thrust mobilization technique involving gentle manual traction that is used with increased frequency specifically in lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy, compared with conditions such as facet syndrome or myofascial pain. [3] This technique selection flexibility allows the treating clinician to match the intervention to the patient's specific presentation and tolerance.
What the evidence shows
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined Swiss adults with MRI-confirmed cervical disc herniation and radiculopathy — a population with neck pain, arm pain, and neurological symptoms — who were treated with SMT by experienced chiropractors. At two weeks, 55% of patients reported improvement; by one month that figure reached 69%; and at three months, 86% reported significant improvement, including 76% of those with chronic presentations. Neck and arm pain scores and disability measures showed marked reductions at both the one- and three-month follow-up points, with no adverse effects reported. [2]
Regarding the safety of lumbar SMT in disc-related conditions, a large epidemiological study found no statistically increased risk of cauda equina syndrome (CES) — a rare but serious neurological emergency — following spinal SMT or physical therapy evaluation, compared to matched controls. The authors note that case reports linking SMT to CES are likely subject to publication bias and lack the epidemiological controls necessary to establish causation; indeed, SMT and physical therapy are common entry points for lumbar spine disorders, meaning CES may have been developing independently of any treatment rendered. [3]
Current clinical guidelines support SMT either as a standalone intervention or as part of a broader multimodal strategy for patients with lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy. The accumulated evidence supports the relative safety of SMT in this population, and guidelines suggest it is a viable option in the absence of clinical features consistent with CES or progressive motor loss. [4] Importantly, safe application requires thorough clinical examination, ongoing reassessment, and a clear referral pathway when red-flag features emerge. [1][4]
When to seek other care
- Go to the emergency room immediately if you lose control of your bladder or bowels, or if you feel numbness in your groin or inner thighs — these can be signs of a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome that requires urgent surgical evaluation.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you develop rapidly worsening weakness in a leg or arm, especially if it is progressing quickly over hours or a day or two.
- See a doctor right away if your back or neck pain followed a significant trauma such as a fall, car accident, or direct blow to the spine.
- Contact a healthcare provider if you have unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, fever alongside your back pain, or pain that is constant and not relieved by any position — these may indicate a cause other than a disc herniation.
- If your pain has not improved at all after a reasonable course of conservative care, or if it is getting noticeably worse, speak with Dr. Calloway or your primary care physician about whether additional imaging or a specialist referral is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a chiropractor actually help a herniated disc, or will I need surgery?
- Many people with confirmed herniated discs do very well with chiropractic care and do not end up needing surgery. Research involving patients with MRI-confirmed herniated discs in both the neck and lower back has shown meaningful improvement with spinal manipulative therapy. Surgery is typically considered only when conservative care has not worked or when serious neurological warning signs are present. Dr. Calloway will be straightforward with you about whether chiropractic is a good fit for your situation.
- Is it safe to get a chiropractic adjustment if I have a herniated disc?
- Yes, for most people with herniated discs it is safe. Epidemiological research has found no increased risk of serious neurological complications from spinal manipulative therapy in patients with disc problems. Chiropractors are also trained to modify their techniques — using lighter, non-thrust approaches when needed — to match what is safest for each patient. Dr. Calloway conducts a thorough examination before any treatment begins and continuously re-evaluates your progress.
- How many visits will it take before I feel better?
- There is no single answer that fits everyone. Clinical research has shown that many patients with cervical disc herniation begin to notice improvement within two weeks, with the majority reporting significant improvement by three months. Your progress depends on factors like how long you have had symptoms, your overall health, and how your body responds to care. Dr. Calloway will set realistic expectations at your first visit and adjust your care plan based on how you are responding.
- What does a chiropractic adjustment for a herniated disc actually feel like?
- It varies. Some adjustments involve a quick, controlled movement that may produce a brief popping or clicking sound — that is simply gas releasing from the joint. Other techniques are much gentler with no popping at all. For disc-related conditions, Dr. Calloway often starts with softer approaches and adapts as your comfort and progress allow. Most patients describe the treatment as relieving rather than painful.
- Will chiropractic care fix the disc permanently?
- Chiropractic care aims to reduce pain, improve function, and help you move better — it is not a guarantee of permanent structural repair of the disc itself. The good news is that the body has a natural ability to heal, and many herniated discs improve on their own over time. Chiropractic care, combined with guidance on posture, movement, and lifestyle, helps support that healing process and can reduce the likelihood of the problem recurring.
- Do I need an MRI before I can be seen at Calloway Chiropractic & Wellness?
- No, you do not need an MRI before your first visit. Dr. Calloway will take a detailed health history and perform a physical examination to get a clear picture of your condition. If you have had imaging done already, bring those records — they are helpful. If imaging is needed to guide your care or rule out other causes, Dr. Calloway will let you know and can help coordinate a referral. Call us at (352) 555-0187 to get started.
Sources & Research
This page was written from the following passages in our chiropractic research library.
- 1.goertz 31257002 pmc
or greater joint stiffness. modifications recommended include non - hvla techniques, increased surface area contact, alternate positioning for adjustments, and using drop piecesmodifications can be made to increase patient safety when…
- 2.SD0 og6IbaQ
a chairo secure research update. a recent study published in the journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics examined the effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy for patients with cervical ridiculopathy caused by a…
- 3.goertz 41482869 pmc
], suggesting that smt likely does not acutely worsen disc herniations. our study helps contextualize the medicolegal and case reports documenting ces following spinal smt [ 17, 18 ], suggesting caution in their interpretation due to…
- 4.goertz 41482869 pmc
variety of approaches, combined with the lack of observed risk for ces, may indicate proficiency in managing lumbar spine disorders. nevertheless, it remains essential for chiropractors to conduct thorough examinations and remain vigilant…
- 5.xjErWWfq7Ag
hi, i'm dr. dorman with dorman chiropractic. the video you're about to watch is in regards to the drx 9000 spinal disc decompression system and how it may benefit you and just overall how the system works. welcome to excite medical's video…