A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc, which acts as a shock absorber for the spine, pushes through a small tear in its outer layer. When a disc herniates, the gel-like center can break through the outer layer and put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, tingling, or weakness. While this condition is common in the lower back, it can develop anywhere along the spine. If left untreated, it may cause lasting nerve irritation and reduced mobility.
At St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, we emphasize early diagnosis and treatment. Our team provides customized injury care that addresses not just pain but the underlying problem, helping patients return to daily activities with confidence.
Why Herniated Discs Are Easy to Miss
Back and neck pain are some of the most common complaints people bring to a chiropractor. Sometimes the discomfort is the result of a muscle strain or poor posture, but in many cases the real issue is a herniated disc, a medical condition that can have significant clinical implications. Unfortunately, disc problems are often overlooked because their symptoms may mimic other conditions or come on slowly over time.
Sign #1: Radiating Pain in the Legs or Arms
One of the clearest indicators of a herniated disc is radiating pain that extends beyond the spine. In the lower back, this often takes the form of sciatica which can be a sharp or burning pain that begins in the lower back or hip and travels down one leg, commonly referred to as leg pain. This leg pain is a hallmark symptom of sciatica, also known as sciatica pain, and is frequently associated with conditions like spinal stenosis. If the herniated disc is in the neck, the pain may extend into the shoulders or arms.
This radiating pain occurs when disc material presses directly on a nerve root, disrupting its normal function. Sciatica pain can also be accompanied by discomfort in other nerves, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling that may be felt in different areas of the body. Some patients describe it as shooting pain, while others feel a deep ache or electric-like sensation.
Chiropractors use adjustments and sciatica disc therapy to relieve this nerve pressure and restore comfort. In many cases, spinal decompression therapy provides even greater relief by gently stretching the spine, allowing space for the disc to heal.
Sign #2: Tingling or Numbness in Extremities
Another common sign of nerve irritation from a herniated disc is tingling, numbness, or a pins-and-needles feeling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. These sensations often follow the same pathways as radiating pain and are the result of nerve compression. Other symptoms, such as weakness or referred pain affecting different parts of the body, may also occur due to nerve compression and branching.
A disc pain chiropractor can evaluate these symptoms through physical testing and, when needed, imaging. Gentle chiropractic adjustments and decompression therapy help restore proper nerve communication so sensations improve and normal function returns.
Patients are often surprised by how quickly their symptoms change once the source of nerve pressure is corrected.
Sign #3: Weakness in Muscles
Nerve compression doesn’t just cause discomfort, it can also interfere with strength. A herniated disc may prevent signals from reaching certain muscles, leaving them weak or unresponsive. Patients may notice difficulty lifting objects, gripping, or walking with stability.
Chiropractic treatment addresses both the root cause and the secondary effects. Once nerve interference is reduced, rehabilitation exercises can strengthen weakened muscles and restore proper coordination. By combining adjustments with guided therapy, a chiropractor can help patients regain confidence in movement and prevent further injury.
Sign #4: Pain That Flares with Movement
If your pain worsens when you cough, sneeze, bend forward, or twist, it may point to disc involvement. These actions temporarily increase pressure within the spinal canal, making nerve irritation more noticeable.
A chiropractor can help by correcting spinal misalignments and reducing disc pressure. Spinal decompression therapy is especially effective in these cases because it gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure that allows herniated material to retract. This treatment is non-surgical and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for patients who want to avoid invasive procedures.
For more details on the therapies we offer, please see our services page.
Sign #5: Ongoing Neck or Low Back Pain
Unlike muscle strains that resolve within a few days, disc-related pain often lingers for weeks or returns in cycles. Persistent stiffness, soreness, or recurring back and neck pain can signal a herniated disc. Terms like slipped disc and ruptured disc are often used interchangeably with herniated disc to describe these painful and sometimes debilitating conditions.
It’s important not to ignore chronic pain. Effective pain management is crucial for preventing long-term complications. Left untreated, disc problems may worsen and eventually cause permanent changes in nerve or spinal health. Our team provides comprehensive back and neck injury care, ensuring that treatment not only relieves symptoms but also prevents long-term complications.
How Herniated Discs Are Diagnosed
Getting an accurate diagnosis is absolutely essential. It’s your first step toward real pain relief and recovery from a herniated disc.
When you visit a chiropractor, the process starts with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. Understanding when your pain began, what makes it better or worse, and any previous injuries helps your provider pinpoint the likely cause.
This conversation is crucial. Don’t rush through it.
A thorough physical exam follows, and this is where things get hands-on. Your healthcare provider will:
- Check your muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation in the affected area.
- Perform certain movements or positions to see if they trigger sciatica symptoms or nerve pain. For example, the straight leg raise test is often used to assess for lumbar disc herniation and irritation of the sciatic nerve.
These hands-on tests are great for identifying which spinal nerve may be affected and how severe the disc herniation might be.
Clear Imaging for Herniated Discs
To get a clearer picture, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans are often recommended. Right now, these tools are your best bet for allowing your provider to see the spinal discs, vertebral bones, and any disc herniations or bone spurs that could be putting pressure on your nerves. In some cases, additional tests like electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies are used to check for nerve damage or muscle weakness, especially if symptoms are severe or not improving. These tests provide the detailed insight your provider needs.
Pain Management for Herniated Disc Diagnosis
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, not only to confirm a herniated disc but also to rule out other conditions like spinal stenosis or a bulging disc. Prompt treatment can reduce pain, prevents serious nerve damage, and improves mobility. Your provider will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, chiropractic care such as spinal manipulation and massage therapy, pain relievers or epidural steroid injections for significant pain, and, in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The key is finding the right combination for your specific situation.
Strengthen Spinal Discs Through Lifestyle Changes
Alongside medical treatments, making lifestyle changes can play a huge role in your recovery. Focusing on maintaining good posture, avoiding heavy lifting, staying active with gentle exercises, and managing your weight can help reduce the risk of further disc problems. You can find relief from herniated disc symptoms and get back to enjoying your daily life.
How a Chiropractor Treat Herniated Discs
A range of treatment options are available for herniated discs, and the right treatment depends on the severity and location of your herniated disc. Chiropractic care provides multiple safe and effective options. Common approaches include:
- Chiropractic adjustments that restore alignment and reduce nerve irritation.
- Spinal decompression therapy to relieve disc pressure.
- Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and target connective tissue in the spine to relieve tension and support healing.
- Therapeutic exercises to strengthen the core, stabilize the spine, and emphasize the importance of physical activity in recovery.
- Lifestyle guidance for posture, ergonomics, and safe lifting techniques.
Specific treatments are tailored to each patient’s needs and may involve collaboration with physical therapists to customize exercise programs and aid recovery.
This combination not only reduces pain but also improves long-term spinal health. Patients who complete care often report better flexibility, fewer flare-ups, and greater overall well-being.
When to See a Chiropractor in St. Paul
Not every case of back or neck pain means you have a herniated disc, but when symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, weakness, or persistent discomfort, it’s worth being evaluated. Having sciatica diagnosed by a professional is essential for proper care. The sooner care begins, the better the chances of full recovery.
Our team provides individualized herniated disc treatment designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you return to an active life.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Ignore the Signs
Herniated discs can be disruptive, but they don’t have to define your life. By recognizing the early warning signs and seeking chiropractic care, you can avoid surgery, reduce reliance on medication, and experience lasting relief.
If you’ve noticed symptoms such as radiating pain, tingling, weakness, or chronic stiffness, request an appointment with our team today. With gentle, non-surgical care, we can help you take the first step toward healing.