A herniated disc — sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc — can cause debilitating back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and even sciatica when adjacent nerves become irritated or compressed. These symptoms can make everyday activities like sitting, bending, lifting, or walking painful and frustrating.
At Awender Chiropractic in Redwood City, CA, we specialize in evidence-based, holistic herniated disc treatment designed to relieve pain, improve spinal function, and promote long-term health — all without drugs or invasive surgery.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
The spine contains soft, gel-like cushions called intervertebral discs between each vertebra. These discs absorb shock and help your spine move smoothly. A herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like core pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer, often due to age-related wear, repetitive strain, sudden trauma, or poor posture.Awender Chiropractic
When the disc material presses on nearby nerves — especially in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions — it can trigger pain, nerve-related symptoms, and muscle dysfunction.
Signs and Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation, but can include:
- Localized pain in the lower back or neck
- Radiating pain into the buttocks, legs, arms, or shoulders
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Pain when bending, lifting, or sitting
- Reduced range of motion
Some herniated discs may produce minimal pain, especially in early stages, but often worsen over time without treatment.
How Herniated Discs Are Diagnosed
At Awender Chiropractic, we begin with a thorough evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis:
- Medical history & symptom review
- Orthopedic and neurological assessment
- Spinal motion and posture analysis
- Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI when clinically indicated
Physical exams help determine which nerve roots or spinal structures are involved, guiding the most effective treatment approach.
Conservative, Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Most people with herniated discs respond well to non-surgical, conservative therapies. According to major medical guidance, surgery is usually reserved for severe cases that don’t respond after about 6 weeks of conservative care — or where significant loss of motor function or neurological deficits occur.Mayo Clinic
At Awender Chiropractic, we offer a comprehensive, multimodal program that may include the following:
1. Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression uses a computer-controlled traction table to gently stretch and release pressure on the spine. This creates a negative pressure inside the disc, which may encourage the herniated material to retract and reduce nerve compression — while improving blood flow and nutrient exchange that supports healing.
Unlike traditional traction, modern decompression therapy is comfortable, relaxing, and adaptable to your condition. Sessions typically last 20–45 minutes each, and a full plan may extend over several weeks depending on severity and goals.
2. Targeted Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments involve precise manual or instrument-assisted techniques to restore proper alignment and motion to spinal joints. Misaligned vertebrae (called subluxations) can place additional stress on affected discs and nerves, slowing healing.Awender Chiropractic
By correcting these imbalances, adjustments help:
- Reduce nerve irritation
- Improve spinal mechanics
- Support muscle balance and joint motion
- Enhance overall function
While chiropractic care doesn’t “fix” the torn disc tissue itself, it can relieve pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of movement, making your body more capable of recovery.
3. Supportive Massage & Soft Tissue Work
Muscle tension often accompanies disc injuries. Targeted therapeutic massage and soft tissue techniques help reduce muscle guarding, improve circulation, and decrease inflammation around the injured area. These therapies also make the spine more receptive to adjustments and decompression.
4. Rehabilitation & Strengthening Exercises
Exercise and movement are essential components of long-term recovery. Your provider will prescribe customized stretches and strengthening exercises that:
- Stabilize the spine
- Improve flexibility
- Promote core strength
- Reduce recurrence of symptoms
This empowers you to take an active role in your recovery and long-term spinal health.
Why Choose Chiropractic First?
Before considering injections or surgery, many patients benefit from starting with conservative care. Chiropractic approaches for herniated discs emphasize:
- Non-invasive treatment
- No medications or side effects
- Low risk when performed by trained professionals
- Pain relief through improved mechanics and reduced nerve tension
Research shows many patients can return to normal activity and see meaningful relief with this kind of structured, conservative care.
Tailoring Care to Your Goals
Everyone’s body and symptoms are unique. At Awender Chiropractic, your treatment plan is personalized based on:
- Severity of your herniation
- Symptom history and daily limitations
- Lifestyle, work demands, and activity goals
- Response to previous treatments
We work collaboratively with you, adjusting your plan as you progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?
A bulging disc generally protrudes outward without tearing the outer layer, while a herniated disc involves a tear allowing inner material to press on nearby nerve roots. Both can cause pain and nerve symptoms, but herniations often cause more significant irritation.
2. Can chiropractic care reverse a herniated disc?
Chiropractic care can’t literally “reverse” the herniation, but it reduces pressure and nerve irritation, improves spinal function, and supports the body’s ability to heal more effectively. Combining adjustments with decompression and rehabilitation can lead to significant long-term relief.
3. How long until I see results?
Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, but optimal results typically emerge over the course of a full treatment plan tailored to the severity of your disc condition.
4. Is surgery necessary?
Most people with herniated discs respond well to conservative care. Surgery is generally considered only when symptoms persist despite weeks of treatment, or when neurological function worsens significantly.
5. Will treatment hurt?
Therapies like decompression and chiropractic adjustments are gentle. You should not experience intense pain during treatment; occasional mild soreness similar to post-exercise discomfort is normal.
6. Can a herniated disc cause leg or arm symptoms?
Yes — when herniated disc material presses on nerve roots, it can cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in corresponding limbs (sciatic symptoms in legs or arm symptoms with neck herniations).
Start Your Journey to Herniated Disc Relief
If herniated disc pain is disrupting your life in Redwood City, CA, don’t wait for it to worsen. At Awender Chiropractic, we combine modern chiropractic principles with personalized care to help you reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life without drugs or surgery.
???? Call (650) 366-1273 or visit us in Redwood City to schedule your hernitated disc evaluation and personalized treatment plan today.