Our Treatment for Disc Herniations - City Integrative Rehabilitation

CONDITIONS WE TREAT:

Disc herniations are a condition where the soft “jellylike” center of a spinal disc known as the nucleus pulposus impedes on the spinal cord. The role of the disc is to support the spine by acting as a “shock-absorbing” cushion. Disc herniations are categorized into four types based on the severity of the actual herniation: Bulging, protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration.

Categorization:

Bulging: Extension of the disc margin beyond the margins of the adjacent vertebral endplates.

Protrusion: The posterior longitudinal ligament remains intact, but the nucleus pulposus impinges on the annulus fibrosus.

Extrusion: The nuclear material emerges through the annular fibers, but the posterior longitudinal ligament remains intact.

Sequestration: The nuclear material emerges through the annular fibers, and the posterior longitudinal ligament is disrupted. A portion of the nucleus pulposus has protruded into the epidural space.

SYMPTOMS:

Spinal column demonstrating normal and herniated disc. The contents of the disc are being pushed into the spinal canal, where the spinal cord is found.

OUR TREATMENT DIFFERENCE:

Disc herniations can happen in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. They can produce very severe pain, radiation, and/or weakness in a local extremity. Faulty movement patterns, lack of segmental stability, and improper muscle engagement are mostly responsible for these injuries. Disc Herniations have many different origins and presentations and should always be evaluated by a medical professional.

Traditional treatment includes medication, rest, and surgery. While they are necessary for some instances, research has shown better long-term outcomes with conservative care, such as chiropractic rehabilitation.

Our care includes taking a detailed history and performing a comprehensive physical examination to identify faulty movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and other causes of your condition. We utilize the most up-to-date rehabilitation techniques to provide you with the highest quality care. We believe addressing the cause of your condition is the only way to improve and restore your quality of life.

*If we feel that medication, injections, or surgery are necessary, we will work with our network of integrative medical doctors to best assist your care.

MRI of lumbar spine demonstrating a disc herniation of the L4/L5 disc.

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Disc Herniation FAQs

What is a disc herniation?

A disc herniation occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer ring. This can compress nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that may radiate into the arms or legs. Disc herniations most commonly occur in the lumbar and cervical spine and can result from injury, repetitive stress, or degenerative changes.

Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?

Yes. Research shows that many herniated discs can be successfully treated without surgery. Our non-surgical approach includes VAX-D spinal decompression therapy, chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation, and corrective exercise programs. Spinal decompression creates negative pressure within the disc, helping retract herniated material and promoting nutrient flow for healing.

What is the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

A bulging disc extends beyond its normal boundary but the outer layer remains intact. A herniated disc involves an actual tear in the outer layer, allowing the inner material to push through. Herniations are generally more likely to cause nerve compression and radiating symptoms such as sciatica. Both conditions are treatable with conservative care.

What does sciatica feel like and how is it treated?

Sciatica typically presents as sharp, shooting, or burning pain that travels from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg. It may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis compressing the sciatic nerve. Treatment includes spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustments, targeted exercises, and shockwave therapy.