Conservative Care for Herniated and Bulging Discs
A herniated or bulging disc can contribute to back or neck pain and, in some cases, symptoms that travel into an arm or leg. At Total Health Chiropractic in Coralville, IA, we evaluate patients with suspected disc-related conditions to better understand the source of their symptoms and determine which conservative treatment options may be appropriate. Dr. Dillon Hammes, Dr. Andrew Donnelly and our team take an individualized approach, considering your symptoms, activity level, health history and examination findings before developing a treatment plan.
What Is a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
The discs located between the vertebrae of your spine provide cushioning and help the spine move and absorb everyday forces. A bulging disc occurs when part of a disc extends beyond its normal boundary, while a herniated disc involves displacement of material from within the disc. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe different changes to the spinal disc. A herniated disc is also sometimes referred to as a “slipped disc,” although that term does not literally mean that the disc has slipped out of place. Disc changes do not always cause symptoms, but when nearby tissues or nerves become irritated, pain and other symptoms can develop.
Symptoms Associated With Disc Problems
The location and severity of symptoms can vary depending on which part of the spine is affected and whether a nearby nerve is involved. A disc problem in the lower back may cause localized low back discomfort or symptoms extending into the buttock or leg. When a lumbar nerve root is irritated, patients may experience sciatica, including pain, tingling or numbness that travels down the leg. A cervical disc problem can cause neck pain and may also produce discomfort, numbness or tingling extending toward the shoulder, arm or hand. Other patients primarily notice stiffness, limited mobility or difficulty performing certain movements and activities.
How We Evaluate Herniated and Bulging Discs
Determining whether a spinal disc may be contributing to your symptoms begins with a thorough evaluation. At Total Health Chiropractic, we review how your symptoms started, where they occur, what activities aggravate them and whether you have experienced previous injuries or similar episodes. Your examination may include an assessment of spinal movement, posture, mobility and relevant orthopedic or neurological findings. We also have digital X-rays available in-house when imaging is clinically appropriate. Not every patient with suspected disc involvement needs X-rays, and additional imaging or referral may be recommended when appropriate based on the clinical findings.
Chiropractic Care for Disc-Related Back and Neck Pain
For appropriately selected patients, chiropractic care may be incorporated into a conservative treatment plan for symptoms associated with a disc condition. Treatment is based on the individual rather than simply the presence of a bulging or herniated disc. Depending on your examination findings, care may focus on improving joint movement, addressing mechanical stress and supporting better overall function. Learn more about our chiropractic care in Coralville and how we approach back, neck and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs
Spinal decompression can be an important treatment option to consider when certain disc conditions are contributing to a patient’s symptoms. Total Health Chiropractic offers IDD Therapy® spinal decompression, a non-surgical treatment used for appropriately selected patients with conditions including herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease and sciatica. Learn more about our spinal decompression therapy for herniated and bulging discs and how your doctor determines whether decompression may be appropriate for your condition.
Disc Injuries After an Accident or Sports Activity
Herniated and bulging disc symptoms may sometimes develop or become more noticeable following an injury. Vehicle collisions can place significant forces on the neck and lower back, while sports, exercise, repetitive lifting and other physical activities can also place stress on the spine. If your symptoms began after a collision, learn more about our auto accident injury treatment in Coralville. Athletes and active adults can also explore our chiropractic care for sports injuries. Identifying how an injury occurred and which structures may be involved helps guide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Additional Conservative Treatment Options
Treatment for a disc-related condition does not necessarily involve a single therapy. Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, your care plan may incorporate rehabilitation, therapeutic exercises, mobility work or other conservative therapies available at Total Health Chiropractic. Cold laser therapy may also be considered for certain patients as part of an individualized treatment plan. The goal is to select treatment options based on your specific condition, symptoms and functional needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Herniated & Bulging Disc Care Near Iowa City
Total Health Chiropractic is conveniently located at 2201 E. Grantview Dr., Suite 202 in Coralville, Iowa. We serve patients from Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, Tiffin, Solon and surrounding communities throughout Johnson County. Whether you are experiencing recurring back or neck discomfort, radiating pain, or symptoms associated with a known disc condition, our team can evaluate your condition and discuss conservative treatment options that may be appropriate. Schedule an appointment online or call (319) 338-7025 to get started.
Herniated & Bulging Discs FAQ
A bulging disc occurs when part of a spinal disc extends beyond its normal boundary. A herniated disc involves displacement of material from within the disc. Both conditions can occur without symptoms, but pain, numbness, tingling or other symptoms may develop when nearby tissues or nerves become irritated.
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the affected disc and whether a nerve is involved. Some people experience localized back or neck pain, while others develop pain, numbness or tingling that travels into an arm or leg. Movement, sitting, bending or certain activities may aggravate symptoms.
Yes. A herniated or bulging disc in the lower spine can sometimes irritate a nerve root associated with the sciatic nerve. This may contribute to pain, tingling, numbness or other symptoms extending from the lower back or buttock into the leg.
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain patients experiencing symptoms associated with a herniated or bulging disc. An examination is necessary to determine what is contributing to your symptoms and which conservative treatment options may be appropriate for your individual condition.
Spinal decompression may be considered for appropriately selected patients with certain disc-related conditions. Total Health Chiropractic offers IDD Therapy® spinal decompression for conditions including herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease and sciatica. Your doctor will evaluate you to determine whether decompression is appropriate.
Not every patient requires X-rays. Total Health Chiropractic has digital X-rays available in-house when imaging is clinically appropriate. Because spinal discs themselves are not directly visualized on standard X-rays, additional imaging or referral may sometimes be recommended based on your symptoms and examination findings.
Forces associated with an auto accident can injure the spine and may contribute to or aggravate disc-related symptoms. If back pain, neck pain, radiating pain, numbness or tingling develops after a collision, an evaluation can help determine which structures may be involved.
Total Health Chiropractic provides evaluation and conservative treatment options for disc-related conditions at its Coralville, IA office, serving patients from Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, Tiffin, Solon and surrounding Johnson County communities.
