The spinal discs are flexible, cushion-like structures located between the bones of the spine. Each disc has a firm outer layer and a softer, gel-like center. These discs help absorb shock, support movement, and provide space between the vertebrae.

A herniated disc occurs when part of the softer inner material pushes through a weakened or torn area in the outer disc layer. The displaced disc material may irritate or place pressure on a nearby spinal nerve.

A herniated disc may occur in any part of the spine but most commonly affects the:

  • Cervical spine, or neck
  • Lumbar spine, or lower back

Thoracic disc herniations in the middle back are less common.

Not every herniated disc causes symptoms. Pain and neurological symptoms are more likely when the disc affects a nearby nerve or contributes to inflammation around the surrounding tissues.

A herniated disc is sometimes called a slipped disc or ruptured disc, although the disc does not actually slip out of place.

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What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Disc herniation may result from an injury, repetitive stress, age-related disc changes, or a combination of factors.

Common causes and risk factors include:

  • Improper lifting
  • Lifting while twisting
  • Sudden bending or rotation
  • Repetitive physical activity
  • Auto accident injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Slips and falls
  • Heavy manual labor
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Poor posture
  • Previous spinal injuries
  • Reduced core stability
  • Age-related disc degeneration
  • Excessive strain on the spine
  • Genetic factors

As discs age, they may lose flexibility and become more vulnerable to tearing. A relatively ordinary movement, such as bending or lifting, may then aggravate an already weakened disc.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Symptoms depend on the location of the herniated disc, the degree of nerve irritation, and the individual patient.

Common symptoms include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Back or neck stiffness
  • Pain traveling into an arm or leg
  • Sciatica
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Burning discomfort
  • Muscle weakness
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Muscle spasms
  • Pain with bending or lifting
  • Pain aggravated by sitting
  • Pain that worsens with coughing or sneezing
  • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

A herniated disc in the neck may cause symptoms in the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.

A herniated disc in the lower back may cause pain or other symptoms in the buttock, hip, thigh, calf, foot, or toes.

Seek immediate medical care for loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around the groin, rapidly worsening weakness, severe difficulty walking, or loss of coordination.

Cervical Disc Herniation

A cervical disc herniation affects one of the discs in the neck. It may cause localized neck pain or irritate a nerve that travels into the shoulder and arm.

Common cervical disc herniation symptoms include:

  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Pain between the shoulder blades
  • Arm pain
  • Hand or finger numbness
  • Tingling in the arm or hand
  • Arm or hand weakness
  • Reduced neck movement
  • Pain aggravated by looking down or turning the head

Symptoms may become worse during computer work, phone use, driving, or certain sleeping positions.

Lumbar Disc Herniation

A lumbar disc herniation affects one of the discs in the lower back. It may cause localized back pain or irritation of a nerve that travels into the buttock and leg.

Common lumbar disc herniation symptoms include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Back stiffness
  • Buttock pain
  • Hip discomfort
  • Shooting leg pain
  • Sciatica
  • Numbness or tingling in the leg
  • Burning discomfort
  • Leg or foot weakness
  • Pain with sitting
  • Pain while bending or lifting
  • Difficulty standing after prolonged sitting

Symptoms may affect one or both sides, although one-sided symptoms are more common.

Herniated Disc Versus Disc Bulge

A disc herniation and disc bulge are related but different spinal conditions.

A disc bulge generally involves a broader portion of the disc extending beyond its normal boundary while the outer disc layer remains intact.

A disc herniation occurs when the softer inner disc material moves through a tear or weakened area in the outer layer.

Both conditions may cause localized pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating discomfort. However, the severity of symptoms depends more on nerve involvement than on the size of the disc change alone.

A clinical examination and, when appropriate, diagnostic imaging can help determine which condition may be contributing to your symptoms.

How Is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?

Your evaluation begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, activities, health history, and any recent injuries.

Dr. Kline may ask:

When did your symptoms begin?

Did the pain start after lifting, twisting, or an accident?

Where is the pain located?

Does it travel into an arm or leg?

Do you have numbness or tingling?

Have you noticed muscle weakness?

Does sitting make the pain worse?

Does coughing or sneezing increase the pain?

Have you had a previous disc injury?

Have you received imaging or prior treatment?

A physical examination may assess:

  • Posture
  • Spinal movement
  • Range of motion
  • Muscle strength
  • Reflexes
  • Sensation
  • Joint mobility
  • Muscle tenderness
  • Functional movement
  • Balance and coordination
  • Signs of nerve irritation

Not every patient requires imaging. An MRI may provide detailed information about the spinal discs, nerves, and surrounding tissues when clinically appropriate.

X-rays do not directly show a herniated disc, but they may be used to evaluate spinal alignment, degeneration, or other structural concerns.

If your symptoms require advanced imaging, medical management, or evaluation by another healthcare professional, an appropriate referral may be recommended.

Chiropractic Treatment for a Herniated Disc

Treatment depends on the location of the disc herniation, severity of symptoms, examination findings, neurological status, health history, and individual comfort level.

A personalized care plan may include:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments may be used to improve movement in restricted spinal joints and reduce mechanical stress on surrounding tissues. Techniques are selected according to your symptoms and clinical findings.

Gentle and Low-Force Techniques

Gentle, low-force, or instrument-assisted chiropractic techniques may be recommended for patients with disc-related pain, sensitivity, or limited mobility.

Flexion-Distraction

Flexion-distraction is a gentle, table-assisted chiropractic technique that may be appropriate for certain lumbar disc conditions. It uses controlled movement without forceful twisting.

Dry Needling

Dry needling may be used to address muscle spasms, tightness, trigger points, or compensatory muscle tension around the affected area.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension, support circulation, and improve flexibility in the tissues surrounding the spine.

Therapeutic Exercises

Exercises may be recommended to improve mobility, core stability, posture, spinal support, and confidence with movement.

Posture and Ergonomic Guidance

Patients may receive guidance on sitting posture, workstation setup, lifting technique, sleep position, and activities that may aggravate symptoms.

Treatment recommendations may be modified as symptoms, mobility, and neurological findings change.

Benefits of Conservative Chiropractic Care

Depending on the condition and individual response, chiropractic care may help:

  • Improve spinal mobility
  • Reduce muscle tension
  • Improve range of motion
  • Support better posture
  • Reduce stiffness
  • Improve comfort during daily activities
  • Support recovery from certain injuries
  • Reduce compensatory movement patterns
  • Improve confidence with bending and walking
  • Support a gradual return to normal activity

Chiropractic treatment does not physically push a herniated disc back into place. Conservative care focuses on improving movement, reducing mechanical stress, and supporting function when chiropractic care is clinically appropriate.

Results vary, and no treatment can guarantee complete or permanent symptom relief.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for a Herniated Disc?

Consider scheduling an evaluation when:

  • Back or neck pain continues for more than a few days
  • Pain travels into an arm or leg
  • You experience numbness or tingling
  • You notice changes in muscle strength
  • Sitting makes the pain worse
  • Pain interferes with sleep or work
  • Symptoms began after lifting or twisting
  • Pain developed after an auto accident
  • Your movement feels restricted
  • Home care has not improved your symptoms
  • Pain repeatedly returns

An evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms may be related to a herniated disc, disc bulge, muscle strain, joint restriction, or another condition.

Schedule a Herniated Disc Evaluation in Woodbridge, VA

A herniated disc can affect your ability to sit, stand, work, drive, exercise, and sleep. A personalized evaluation can help identify the possible source of your symptoms and determine whether conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate.

Kline Chiropractic & Wellness provides chiropractic care for herniated discs, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, and radiating arm or leg pain in Woodbridge, VA.

Call Kline Chiropractic & Wellness at (703) 680-4344 or request an appointment online today.

Kline Chiropractic & Wellness
4004 Genesee Place, Suite 213
Woodbridge, VA 22192

Chiropractic care is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. Treatment recommendations and individual results vary. Patients with severe or progressive neurological symptoms should seek immediate medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor help with a herniated disc?

Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some patients with herniated disc symptoms. Care may focus on improving joint movement, reducing muscle tension, supporting mobility, and minimizing mechanical stress around the affected area.

Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?

Many herniated discs are managed conservatively without surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, nerve involvement, neurological findings, and the patient’s overall health.

What does a herniated disc feel like?

A herniated disc may cause sharp or aching back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, muscle weakness, or pain traveling into an arm or leg.

Is a herniated disc the same as a slipped disc?

The term slipped disc is commonly used to describe a herniated disc, but a spinal disc does not actually slip out of position.

Is a herniated disc worse than a bulging disc?

Not necessarily. A herniated disc involves a tear or weakened area in the outer disc layer, while a bulging disc generally extends outward more broadly. The severity of symptoms depends on whether a nearby nerve is affected.

Can a herniated disc cause sciatica?

Yes. A lumbar herniated disc may irritate a nerve that contributes to the sciatic nerve, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels into the buttock or leg.

Can a herniated disc cause arm pain?

Yes. A cervical herniated disc may irritate a nerve in the neck, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.

Does a herniated disc always require an MRI?

No. An MRI is not necessary for every patient. Imaging may be recommended when symptoms are severe, neurological changes are present, treatment is not helping, or additional diagnostic information is needed.

Is walking good for a herniated disc?

Gentle walking may help some patients maintain mobility and reduce stiffness. Activity should be adjusted according to symptoms and professional recommendations.

What activities should I avoid with a herniated disc?

Movements involving heavy lifting, repeated bending, twisting, or prolonged sitting may aggravate symptoms in some patients. Activity recommendations should be personalized after an evaluation.

How long does treatment for a herniated disc take?

Treatment length varies based on the severity and duration of symptoms, the location of the disc herniation, nerve involvement, daily activities, and individual response to care.

When is a herniated disc an emergency?

Seek immediate medical attention for loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around the groin, progressive muscle weakness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination, or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms.