Can a Chiropractor Fix a Herniated Disc?

Neck and back pain is nothing to be taken lightly.

But can a chiropractor fix a herniated disc?

 

They’re a common car accident injury, but if you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc, it doesn’t help to know you’re in good company. You only have one thing on your mind: How do you get the pain to stop?

And if you’ve ever experienced the relief of a spinal adjustment, you might even have asked yourself, “Can a chiropractor fix a herniated disc?”

Chiropractors are experts in the spine and other joints, so it’s only natural that they would understand how to treat a disc protrusion or herniated disc. In this article, we’ll go over what exactly a herniated disc is, what causes them, common symptoms, and how chiropractic care can help.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Slipped disc. Bulging disc. Disc protrusion. Disc prolapse. Herniated disc.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but none of them present an accurate description of what is happening inside your body.

Between each of the vertebrae in your spine, you have a disc made of a soft, spongy material (the nucleus pulposus) inside a membrane (the annulus fibrosus), much like a stress ball.

Normally, your intervertebral discs are designed to act as a shock absorber and allow your spine to bend, twist, and move without friction. But if there is enough force or pressure, the nucleus pulposus can push against the membrane, causing a disc protrusion (also known as a prolapse or bulging disc).

If there is enough pressure or force, the annulus fibrosus may rupture. This break in the membrane is a true “disc herniation.”

 

Symptoms of Disc Protrusion or Herniation

If a disc herniates or protrudes, it puts pressure on the nerves that run through your spinal column. This is what causes your pain and other symptoms.

The specific symptoms you experience will depend on the location of your disc protrusion, but some of the most common symptoms are weakness, pain, numbness, or tingling.

However, because your nerves branch throughout your body, these symptoms may not be felt in the spine at all. For example, a herniated disc in the neck may cause numbness and tingling in your arm or wrist (this is known as referred pain).

Thus, even though your spinal nerve is being compressed, it is sending signals through the nerve root to other nerves throughout the body.

 

How Do You Know If You Have a Herniated Disc?

It is not always easy to tell the difference between general back pain and a herniated disc. While symptoms like pain, numbness, or tingling are common clues, the only way to confirm the condition is through a professional evaluation. Chiropractors and medical doctors often rely on a combination of:

• Physical exam: Testing reflexes, strength, range of motion, and nerve responses.
  
  
• Medical history: Reviewing past injuries, lifestyle habits, and any recent accidents.
  
  
• Imaging tests: X-rays can rule out other issues, but MRIs or CT scans are often needed to confirm a true herniation.
  
  

Because many patients mistake a muscle strain or arthritis for a disc issue, getting a clear diagnosis is important. Knowing exactly what you are dealing with helps your chiropractor create a safer and more effective treatment plan.

 

What Causes a Disc Protrusion?

Disc protrusions are part of a degenerative condition and there are three primary ways they can occur: stress, injury, or a combination of the two.

As you age, your discs can naturally start to thin and break down. As gravity pulls on your spinal column, this can cause the disc to protrude or rupture. Overexertion, bad posture, or being overweight can speed this process up.

A 2021 study found an increase in disc protrusion among fairly young individuals (around 25 years of age). Out of 33 patients with disc protrusions, 61% were smokers, the average Body Mass Index was in the “overweight” category, and all had sedentary lifestyles.

Sudden, extreme force (such as a car accident) can also cause—or exacerbate—a disc protrusion. If you have been in a recent accident, you may be able to pinpoint the cause of your herniated disc, but many people are unaware of the exact moment the damage occurred.

 

Chiropractic Treatment Can Help

At your first visit to Oviedo Chiropractic, you will receive an X-ray to help our doctors rule out other conditions. From there, your treatment plan may include a combination of techniques tailored to your needs.

Core Chiropractic Techniques

• Manual adjustments: Gentle, precise spinal adjustments relieve pressure and improve alignment.
  
  
• Flexion-distraction therapy: A specialized table stretches your spine to ease disc pressure and encourage hydration within the discs.
  
  
• Medical massage therapy: Soothing soft tissue work helps reduce muscle tension and improve circulation.
  
  

Advanced Therapies

• Spinal decompression therapy: Gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves. This helps improve circulation, increase disc hydration, and promote long-term healing without surgery.
  
  
• High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT): Uses focused light energy to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural repair process. HILT can ease nerve irritation and pain caused by herniated or bulging discs while accelerating recovery.
  
  

Supportive Care and Lifestyle Guidance

• Posture and movement training: Learning how to sit, stand, and move correctly reduces strain on your spine.
  
  
• Rehabilitation exercises: Targeted stretches and strengthening routines improve stability and protect your back from future injuries.
  
  
• Lifestyle recommendations: Healthy habits such as staying active, managing weight, and avoiding smoking all support disc health.
  
  

By combining these approaches, chiropractic care addresses both immediate pain and long-term spinal wellness. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic and Herniated Discs

Can a chiropractor make a herniated disc worse?
No. Skilled chiropractors use safe, gentle techniques designed to relieve pressure without aggravating the injury. A thorough exam ensures that the right method is chosen for your specific condition.

How long does it take to feel relief?
Some patients experience improvement within a few sessions, while others require ongoing care. Consistency and following your chiropractor’s recommendations play a big role in recovery speed.

Is chiropractic safe for all herniated discs?
Most herniated discs can be safely managed with chiropractic care. In severe cases, your chiropractor may refer you to another specialist if surgery or advanced medical treatment is necessary.

Do adjustments actually fix the disc itself?
Chiropractic care does not “repair” the torn disc, but it reduces nerve pressure, decreases inflammation, and improves function so you can live without constant pain.

 

Finding Relief with Chiropractic Care

Whether you have a disc protrusion or a herniated disc, your first visit should be to a chiropractor.

Chiropractors specialize in non-invasive, drug-free treatment that focuses on the root of your pain and discomfort rather than simply masking the symptoms. Through a combination of spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction, and massage therapy, you can experience pain relief, not just at the source of the disc protrusion, but throughout your entire body.

Chiropractic care is holistic in nature, meaning it treats the body as a whole unit rather than a collection of systems. Visiting a chiropractor provides you with the opportunity to address pain that may have been bothering you for years.

Schedule an appointment with one of our friendly, knowledgeable doctors and come feel the difference for yourself!