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Herniated & Bulging Disc Chiropractor

Sharp back pain that radiates into your leg, numbness that follows a specific path down your hip or thigh, or pain that gets worse when you sit: these are classic signs of a herniated or bulging disc. Before considering surgery, many people find real relief through non-surgical, conservative care. At Knight Family Chiropractic, disc-related pain is one of the conditions we treat most often.

What's the Difference Between a Bulging and Herniated Disc?

The discs between your spinal vertebrae act as cushions. A bulging disc extends slightly beyond its normal space but the outer layer stays intact. A herniated disc happens when the outer layer cracks and the inner material pushes out, which is more likely to irritate a nearby nerve. Both can cause similar symptoms, and both often respond well to conservative, non-surgical care, especially when caught before symptoms become severe. Common symptoms include:
  • Lower back pain that radiates into the buttock, thigh, or leg (sometimes called sciatica)
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness following a specific nerve pattern
  • Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
  • Muscle spasm or stiffness in the low back
  • In the neck, similar symptoms radiating into the shoulder or arm

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Our approach to disc-related pain focuses on reducing pressure on the affected nerve and restoring normal motion to the spine, which for many patients means less pain and better function without surgery. Depending on your evaluation, care may include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments targeted to the affected spinal segments
  • Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy to reduce pressure on the disc and nerve
  • Shockwave therapy for related muscle and connective tissue tension
  • Pulsed EMF therapy to support tissue healing and reduce inflammation
  • Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle guarding and spasm around the injury
  • Dry needling for related muscle tension and nerve irritation
  • Activity modification guidance so you’re not aggravating the injury between visits

If your exam or history suggests you need imaging or a specialist referral, we’ll tell you directly and help you take that next step rather than delaying appropriate care.

When Disc Pain Needs More Than Chiropractic Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive leg weakness, or numbness in the groin or inner thigh area. These are signs of a more serious condition called cauda equina syndrome, and it requires emergency evaluation, not chiropractic care.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

We’ll review your pain history, how it started, and what makes it better or worse, then perform an orthopedic and neurological exam to identify which nerve level is involved. You’ll leave your first visit with a clear picture of what we found and a realistic, personalized plan.

Disc Injury Care at All Four Knight Family Locations

Not always. Many disc-related symptoms can be evaluated clinically first. We’ll recommend imaging if your exam suggests it’s needed, but it isn’t always the first step.

It depends on how long you’ve had symptoms and how they respond to initial care. We’ll give you a realistic estimate after your first evaluation rather than promising a fixed number up front.

Coverage varies by plan. Our front desk team can help you understand your options, including our payment plans if needed.

No, you can book an appointment directly at any of our four locations. Book an Appointment

Request an Appointment

Tell us how to reach you and which office works best. Our team will follow up to help schedule your visit.