Are you struggling with back or neck pain and wondering if a bulging or herniated disc to blame?
You’re not alone. Disc herniations are a common issue that can cause pain, numbness, and reduced mobility—but the good news is that most herniated discs can heal without surgery. At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we offer safe, evidence-based chiropractic care that helps your body heal naturally while reducing pain and improving your strength and mobility.
Chiropractic care has been proven to be a safe and effective alternative to traditional medical treatments for back and neck pain. According to the American Chiropractic Association, research shows that spinal adjustments are both effective and cost-efficient for treating disc-related pain. Studies have also found that patients who seek chiropractic care are less likely to need surgery or opioid medications.
Let’s explore what a disc herniation is, how it can cause pain (or not), and the best non-surgical treatment options to help you get back to living pain-free.
One of the most common misconceptions about back and neck pain is that a herniated disc is always the source of the problem. While disc herniations can cause pain in some cases, research shows that many people with disc herniations have no pain at all.
A herniated disc in the neck (cervical spine) can cause pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the arm, but it is not always the primary cause of neck pain. In fact, studies show that herniated discs are often found in people without any symptoms. Age-related changes in the discs, known as degenerative disc disease, are common and do not always result in pain.
In cases of neck pain, other factors such as poor muscle strength and tone, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction are often more significant contributors. Addressing these factors through chiropractic care can help relieve neck pain more effectively than focusing solely on the disc.
Similarly, in the lower back (lumbar spine), herniated discs can cause sciatica—pain that radiates down the leg—but they are not always the main source of low back pain. Many people with disc herniations on imaging tests report no back pain at all. Conversely, some people with severe back pain have no significant disc issues on imaging.
Low back pain is often multifactorial, meaning it results from a combination of issues, including muscle imbalances, joint stiffness, poor movement patterns, and inflammation. A thorough assessment is essential to determine the actual cause of your pain.
Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, which are cushioned by discs. These discs act like shock absorbers and help you move freely. When a disc is damaged, usually due to wear and tear or injury, its soft inner material can push through the tough outer layer, creating a disc herniation (also called a slipped or ruptured disc). This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms, depending on where the herniation occurs.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a herniated disc could be the cause. However, not all disc herniations cause pain—and not all pain is caused by a herniated disc.
The good news is that most disc herniations heal on their own over time, without the need for surgery. Your body has an amazing ability to repair itself, and with the right conservative treatment, many people experience significant relief.
Here’s how disc herniations can heal naturally:
At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we focus on conservative treatments for disc herniation. Chiropractic care is a safe, effective way to relieve pain, improve mobility, and address the root cause of your condition without the need for medication or surgery.
Research from the American Chiropractic Association shows that chiropractic care reduces the risk of surgery and opioid dependence in patients with back pain. Additionally, a study published in the journal Spine found that patients who received chiropractic care for back pain had better long-term outcomes compared to those who received medical care alone.
5301 Buckeystown Pike #210 Frederick, MD 21704
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