Treatment for Disc Herniations (Cervical and Lumbar)
A herniated disc happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer. This can irritate or compress nerves, causing neck or low back pain that may travel into the arm or leg. If sitting, driving, lifting, or sleeping are getting harder, natural help is available at Lifeway Chiropractic and Wellness.
Understanding the Causes and Risk Factors
Most herniated discs develop from several contributing factors that build up over time. Some of the most common include:
- Natural age-related disc wear
- Heavy lifting, twisting, or repetitive strain
- Long hours of sitting or poor posture
- Previous spine injuries, smoking, or carrying excess weight
- Genetic predisposition
When these factors overlap, they create the perfect storm for disc herniations, especially in people who spend long hours driving, working at a desk, or staying active despite past injuries.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of a herniated disc often vary from person to person. You might experience neck or low back pain with stiffness that seems to come and go. The telltale sign is often radiating pain—shooting into your arm if it’s a cervical disc, or down your leg (sciatica) if it’s lumbar. Many people also notice numbness, tingling, or weakness in their hand, foot, or leg, along with pain that worsens when bending, coughing, or sitting for extended periods.
Traditional Approaches to Care
Most people start with rest, ice or heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain relief. Physical therapy and home exercises are commonly recommended next steps. In more severe cases, doctors might suggest injections or, rarely, surgery. While these approaches can help, relief may be limited if the underlying spinal mechanics and nerve irritation aren’t fully addressed.
How We Can Help
We focus on natural, targeted care to reduce your pain and improve function without invasive procedures. Dr. Pam takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to each case, understanding that every herniated disc situation is unique.
Our gentle chiropractic adjustments use precise, low-force techniques to help improve joint motion and alignment, easing pressure on irritated nerves. We also offer spinal decompression with our Chattanooga Triton DTS system—computer-guided sessions that create gentle negative pressure in the discs. This may help retract bulging material, improve nutrient exchange, and reduce nerve compression, all while keeping you comfortable.
To support long-term results, we also provide customized rehabilitation and education programs. Core strengthening and mobility exercises are tailored to your specific needs, while posture coaching and activity guidance help reduce the risk of future problems.
Self-Care Tips for Daily Relief
Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in managing disc herniation symptoms. When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor with hips slightly above your knees, and position your screen at eye level. Adding a small lumbar roll can provide extra support.
Movement matters too: short, frequent walks are much better than long periods of sitting or bed rest. When lifting anything, protect your back by hinging at the hips, bracing your core, and keeping loads close to your body. Try gentle mobility exercises like pain-free chin tucks, pelvic tilts, or single-knee-to-chest stretches, but stop immediately if pain radiates.
Get on the Path to Natural Relief
Book your consultation with Lifeway Chiropractic and Wellness today and start your path to natural relief and more confident movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a herniated disc heal on its own?
Is chiropractic and decompression therapy safe?
When should I seek urgent help?
Go to urgent care immediately if you develop new or worsening weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or numbness in the groin or saddle area.
