Herniated and Bulging Disc Treatment in Portage

lady on couch with low back pain Living with a herniated or bulging disc can be overwhelming. Sharp, shooting pain down your leg or arm, persistent numbness, and the fear that you might need surgery are common concerns for those dealing with this discomfort. The good news? Many people in Portage who have disc issues respond exceptionally well to conservative chiropractic care.

At Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic, we specialize in helping patients find relief through gentle, effective techniques that support your body’s natural healing process without invasive procedures or heavy reliance on medication.

Understanding Herniated and Bulging Discs

Your spinal discs act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae, allowing flexibility while protecting your spinal cord. When a disc becomes damaged, it can bulge outward or herniate, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This nerve compression is what causes the radiating pain, tingling, and weakness many patients experience.

Disc issues often develop gradually from:

Repetitive stress or poor lifting mechanics
Degenerative changes from aging
Sudden injury or trauma
Prolonged sitting or poor posture
Previous spinal injuries that weren’t fully addressed

The location of your disc problem determines where you feel symptoms. Cervical disc issues affect the neck and arms, while lumbar disc problems typically cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs.

Our Specialized Approach to Disc Care

We utilize Cox Flexion Distraction, a proven technique specifically designed for disc-related conditions. This gentle, non-force procedure uses a specialized table to create a pumping action that reduces pressure within the disc, allowing nutrients to flow in and waste products to flow out. This promotes natural healing while reducing nerve irritation.

In addition to flexion distraction, your care plan may include targeted spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy to address muscle compensation patterns, and specific exercises to support long-term spinal stability. We also provide guidance on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future flare-ups.

What to Expect During Your Care

Dr. Joe or Dr. Nick will begin with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity and location of your disc issue. If needed, we’ll refer you for imaging to ensure we have a complete picture of your condition. From there, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce your pain, restore mobility, and support lasting spinal health.

Most patients with disc issues require a series of visits to achieve optimal results. While some notice improvement quickly, disc healing takes time. We’ll monitor your progress closely and adjust your care plan as needed to ensure you’re moving in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a herniated disc or just regular back pain?

Herniated discs typically cause radiating pain down your arm or leg, numbness or tingling in your extremities, and sometimes weakness. During your evaluation, your chiropractor will perform orthopedic tests to determine if a disc issue is present. If needed, we’ll refer you for imaging to confirm the diagnosis.

Can chiropractic care actually heal a herniated disc, or does it just manage pain?

Cox Flexion Distraction and other techniques can help reduce disc bulges and support the healing process. Many patients experience significant improvement as pressure on the disc reduces and the body’s natural healing mechanisms engage. Our goal is actual improvement in disc function, not just pain management.

How is your approach different from surgery?

Our approach is conservative and non-invasive, giving your body the opportunity to heal naturally. Many patients who were told they needed surgery have avoided it through consistent chiropractic care. We’ll always be honest about what we can help with and will refer you to a specialist if surgery becomes necessary.

Start Your Path to Recovery