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A disc injury can be painful, frustrating, and sometimes confusing. You may have been told that you have a herniated disc, bulging disc, disc degeneration, or a pinched nerve and be unsure what that actually means—or what you should do next.

Disc-related problems can cause pain in the lower back or neck and, when a nearby nerve is irritated, may produce symptoms that travel into the leg or arm.

At O'Leary Chiropractic, we provide comprehensive evaluations and conservative chiropractic care for appropriately selected patients with disc-related injuries and conditions of the spine.

Our approach is focused on understanding your symptoms, identifying factors that may be contributing to your condition, and determining the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

If you are experiencing back or neck pain, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or other symptoms that may be related to a disc injury, schedule an evaluation to determine whether conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate.

Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the disc problem and whether a nearby nerve is involved.

Disc-related symptoms may include:

• Localized neck or low back pain
• Pain extending into an arm or leg
• Shooting or electric-like pain
• Numbness
• Tingling or “pins and needles”
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle spasms
• Difficulty sitting or standing comfortably
• Pain aggravated by certain movements or positions

Some people with disc abnormalities have no symptoms at all. This is why an MRI report by itself does not determine the appropriate treatment.

What Causes Disc Injuries?

Disc problems can develop for a number of reasons.

Normal Aging

Discs naturally change as we get older. These changes can occur even in people who have no pain.

Lifting and Physical Stress

Lifting, bending, twisting, and repetitive physical activities can place substantial loads on the spine.

Trauma

Motor vehicle collisions, falls, sports injuries, and other traumatic events can contribute to disc injury.

Repetitive Loading

Repeated physical stress over time may contribute to changes in spinal discs.

Individual Factors

Disc health and the risk of developing symptomatic disc problems can also be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, occupation, physical activity, and overall health.

A disc injury is therefore not necessarily caused by one specific movement or event.

Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some patients with disc-related conditions, particularly when the clinical presentation is consistent with a condition that can be safely managed conservatively.

Your treatment plan is based on your examination rather than simply the name of the condition or findings on an MRI.

Depending on your individual presentation, care may include:

Chiropractic Manual Therapy

When clinically appropriate, chiropractic treatment may include spinal manipulation or mobilization to address restricted movement and musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Treatment is individualized based on the patient's symptoms, examination findings, and tolerance.

Therapeutic Exercise

Exercise can be an important component of conservative spine care.

Depending on your condition, exercises may focus on:

• Spinal mobility
• Core and trunk strength
• Hip strength
• Movement control
• Flexibility
• Functional tolerance

Soft Tissue Treatment

Muscular tension or tenderness surrounding the spine may contribute to discomfort and movement limitations. Appropriate soft tissue techniques may be incorporated when indicated.

Activity and Movement Guidance

You may receive recommendations regarding:

• Lifting
• Bending
• Sitting
• Sleeping positions
• Exercise
• Work activities
• Gradual return to normal activity

The goal is generally not prolonged inactivity. Clinical guidelines for low back pain and sciatica emphasize self-management, remaining active when appropriate, and exercise-based care.

Education

Understanding your diagnosis can reduce unnecessary fear and help you make informed decisions about your recovery.

We can explain your examination findings, discuss your options, and help you understand when additional evaluation may be appropriate.

Most disc-related conditions do not require emergency treatment.

However, certain symptoms can indicate significant nerve compression or another serious condition.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop:

• New or rapidly worsening leg or arm weakness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness in the groin or saddle region
• Severe or rapidly progressive neurological symptoms
• Difficulty walking that is new or rapidly worsening
• Severe symptoms following significant trauma

These symptoms can be associated with serious neurological conditions, including cauda equina syndrome, and require urgent medical evaluation.

Patient safety always comes first. If your symptoms indicate that chiropractic care is not appropriate or that immediate medical attention is necessary, you should seek the appropriate level of care.

Being told that you have a “herniated disc” or “bulging disc” can be concerning.

The good news is that a disc abnormality does not automatically mean you need surgery or that you will have chronic pain.

Many patients can be managed conservatively, depending on their symptoms and examination findings.

At O'Leary Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to disc-related conditions, focusing on appropriate evaluation, conservative treatment, rehabilitation, education, and referral when necessary.

Schedule a Disc Injury Evaluation

If you are experiencing back or neck pain, sciatica, arm or leg symptoms, numbness, tingling, or weakness and believe a disc problem may be involved, contact O'Leary Chiropractic for an evaluation.

Call (518) 793-1205 or request an appointment online.

Serving patients in Queensbury, Glens Falls, Lake George, Hudson Falls, and the surrounding Adirondack region.