Living With Disc Pain: A Portage Chiropractor's Perspective

The pain woke you up again last night. Sharp. Shooting down your right leg like an electrical current. You shifted positions, tried to find some relief, and eventually gave up and got out of bed early. Again.

Living with a herniated or bulging disc isn’t just physically painful. It’s emotionally exhausting—and it’s something the team at Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic understands well. The constant worry about when the next flare-up will hit.

Understanding What’s Actually Happening

Your spinal discs are remarkable structures. They act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae, allowing your spine to flex, extend, and twist while protecting your spinal cord. Each disc has a tough outer layer (the annulus) and a gel-like center (the nucleus).

When a disc bulges, the outer layer weakens and the disc protrudes outward. When it herniates, the outer layer tears and some of that inner gel material leaks out. Both conditions can put pressure on nearby nerves, and that’s when the real problems begin.

The location matters tremendously. A cervical disc pressing on a nerve can cause pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down your arm. A lumbar disc typically affects the legs. Some patients describe it as a burning sensation. Others feel sharp, stabbing pain. Many experience numbness or tingling that just won’t go away.

Why Discs Get Damaged

“People often think disc problems happen suddenly, but they usually develop over time,” explains Dr. Joe Alfieri. “Poor lifting mechanics, repetitive stress, prolonged sitting, and previous injuries all contribute. By the time you feel that first shooting pain, the disc has likely been degenerating for months or even years.”

Modern life doesn’t help. Those long commutes on I-94? They’re hard on your discs. Sitting at a desk all day at one of Portage’s many office complexes? Also problematic. Even the way most of us sleep can add stress to our spinal discs.

The Non-Surgical Solution

Here’s where things get interesting (and hopeful). Many disc problems respond exceptionally well to conservative chiropractic care, particularly a technique called Cox Flexion Distraction.

This specialized approach uses a specially designed table that gently stretches and decompresses your spine. The gentle pumping action reduces pressure within the disc, creating a vacuum effect that can help reduce bulges and herniations. It also improves circulation to the area, bringing in nutrients needed for healing while removing inflammatory waste products.

The technique is remarkably gentle. There’s no forceful twisting or popping. Instead, it’s a slow, controlled movement that most patients find quite comfortable.

Beyond flexion distraction, we incorporate targeted adjustments to address any spinal misalignments that may be contributing to the problem. We also work on the surrounding soft tissues, as muscles often compensate for disc issues.

What to Expect

Disc issues require patience. Unlike a simple muscle strain that might improve in a few days, discs heal slowly. Most patients need a series of visits to achieve optimal results, and we’re upfront about that from the beginning.
That said, many patients notice some improvement fairly quickly. The sharp, shooting pain often diminishes first, followed by gradual reduction in numbness and tingling. Strength returns as nerve pressure decreases.

We monitor your progress closely throughout your care. If you’re not improving as expected, we’ll have an honest conversation about your options, including referral to a specialist if needed.