All You Need to Know About a Herniated Disc

Disc herniations sound serious and are a scary concept for many. However, the truth is, if caught early enough, a herniated disc can be safely treated with highly effective results. 

Whether you’ve been in a car accident or have been utilizing poor posture for years, your spine deserves noninvasive care that doesn’t put your body through further trauma. 

But how do you know if you have a disc herniation? 

This post discusses:

  • What a herniated disc is

  • The symptoms of a herniated disc

  • Causes of disc herniation 

  • How a chiropractor treats disc herniations

  • And more


If you're in discomfort and suspect a herniated disc, let your local chiropractor conduct a thorough examination to provide the relief you want. Continue reading to understand disc herniations better and learn strategies to protect your spine.


What is a Herniated Disc?

The human spine comprises numerous bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other. Each vertebra is separated by a disc that absorbs shock. The discs have a hard outer shell and a soft, gel-like center. 

Spinal discs are vital to the body; they provide the spine with flexibility, support several everyday movements, and keep the vertebrae from grinding together. 

Disc herniation occurs when the gel-like center of the disc ruptures through the hard outer coating, typically caused by undue pressure on the disc. 


Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:

  • Back pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion and flexibility

  • Neck pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion and flexibility

  • Hip pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion

  • Radiating pain, such as from the lower back into the hips or the neck into the shoulders 

  • Headaches 

  • Inability to stand, sit, bend, and twist comfortably 

  • Interrupted sleep 


You may have a disc herniation and not realize it, as it sometimes takes time to show symptoms. Getting the proper treatment at the first signs of discomfort will discourage further pain and injuries. 


Common conditions and events related to disc herniation include:

  • Sciatica  

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Inflammation, sprains, and strains of tissues surrounding the spine

  • Whiplash

  • Arthritis 

  • Auto accidents  

  • Sports injuries or accidents

  • Slip and fall accidents


A comprehensive chiropractic exam is the optimal way to learn what’s happening in your body. 


Common Causes of Disc Herniation 

Since herniations can result from accidents, vulnerability affects people of all ages, lifestyles, habits, and abilities. Whether you lead an active lifestyle or a sedentary one, you’re at risk of experiencing the injury.

Chiropractic is safe and gentle, making it a great first line of defense for anyone with a herniated disc.

Common reasons for herniated discs include:

  • A traumatic event that affects the back or neck

  • Overuse of targeted areas that apply pressure to the spine, such as with regular sports, exercise, or occupation 

  • Habitual poor posture, improper ergonomics, or incorrect workstation setup

  • Poor lifting technique

  • Improper habitual movement patterns

  • A chronic injury, condition, or imbalance  

  • And others 


Understanding the best way to support your spine, back, and body as a whole is fundamental to chiropractic care. 


Get a Strong, Healthy Spine with Chiropractic Care in Elkhorn

Our Elkhorn chiropractic clinic addresses various conditions and symptoms linked to disc herniation. Our comprehensive, full-body assessment precisely pinpoints the areas affected, enabling us to effectively and safely restore the spine's integrity.

Implementing a chiropractic strategy based on your needs means we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to your care. Our plans are patient-centric, considering numerous factors about your unique body, goals, injury, lifestyle, and more. 


The chiropractic solutions we use to manage disc herniations include:


When you collaborate with us for disc herniation treatment, you not only benefit from our in-clinic chiropractic techniques but also gain access to tools that promote a strong, fully functioning, and healthy spine for the long term.

If you’re ready to return to an active, fulfilling life, contact our clinic, and let’s get you booked. 

Darcy Sullivan