A herniated disc can sound alarming, but it’s common, and many people improve without surgery. We’ll help you understand what yours may mean and whether care like spinal decompression could fit your plan.
Not sure yet? Start with a complimentary consultation.
Does this sound familiar?
- Low back or neck pain that came on after lifting, bending or twisting
- Pain, tingling or numbness that travels into your leg or arm
- Pain that’s worse when you sit, bend, cough or sneeze
- Weakness in your leg, foot, arm or hand
- An MRI report that mentions a bulge, protrusion or herniation
What may be going on
Each disc has a tough outer ring and a softer center. A bulge is when the disc pushes outward evenly, and a herniation is when part of the softer center pushes through the outer ring. When that happens near a nerve root, the nerve can become irritated, which is why symptoms often travel into an arm or leg.
Disc changes are common on MRIs, even in people without pain, so the images are only part of the picture. What matters most is how your findings match your symptoms and your exam.
3D spine tourSee inside a disc and how a herniation can irritate a nerve.Take the tourWhen to get help right away
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Numbness in your groin, buttocks or inner thighs
- New trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
- Sudden or worsening weakness in an arm or leg
- Weakness or clumsiness in both hands, or new trouble with balance or walking
- Severe pain after a serious fall or accident
How we approach it
- 01
We listen first
Dr. Gentry starts with your story: when it began, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried.
- 02
A thorough evaluation
We review your MRI or imaging report if you have one, and test movement, strength, reflexes and sensation to see how your findings match your symptoms. If you don’t have imaging and it would help, we’ll coordinate a referral.
- 03
A plan built around you
Your plan may combine several types of care, adapted to your disc. If your herniation needs a surgeon’s opinion, we’ll tell you honestly and help coordinate it.
Care that may help
Not everyone needs every option. Your plan is based on your evaluation.
- Spinal decompressionGentle, controlled traction designed to ease pressure on the disc and the nerves around it, in the low back or neck.Learn more
- Chiropractic careHands-on care, adapted to your disc and your exam, to help restore comfortable movement.Learn more
- Neuromuscular stimulationTeslaMax helps activate the deep muscles that support your spine.Learn more
- Therapeutic massageEases the muscle guarding and tension that often come with disc pain.Learn more
Clear pricing, memberships for ongoing care and most PPO plans accepted, usually out of network. See pricing and payment →
Questions
Book online, or call or text us at (949) 888-0404. A complimentary consultation is always a good first step.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Your care is based on an individual evaluation, and results vary.