What is disc injuries?
The intervertebral discs are shock absorbers between the vertebrae, made of a tough outer ring and a gel-like center. The compression and torsion forces of a collision can push that center outward, bulging or herniating the disc.
When a bulged or herniated disc presses on a nearby spinal nerve, you can feel pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness traveling down the arm or leg, depending on the level of the spine involved.
Most disc injuries can be resolved without surgery when they are addressed with the right combination of decompression, chiropractic care, and progressive rehab.
Common symptoms
- Sharp or burning pain radiating down the arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling in the hand or foot
- Muscle weakness in the affected limb
- Pain that worsens with sitting or bending forward
- Difficulty standing up straight after sitting
- Pain triggered by coughing or sneezing
- Localized back or neck pain at the involved level
How we treat it
We use a careful exam, orthopedic testing, and imaging review when needed to confirm the level and severity of the disc injury before designing your plan.
Non-surgical spinal decompression gently separates the affected vertebrae, reducing pressure on the disc and creating a negative pressure environment that helps the disc retract and rehydrate.
Chiropractic adjustments at adjacent levels restore normal motion so the injured segment is not being overloaded with every movement.
Corrective exercise rebuilds the deep stabilizers around the spine so the disc has the muscular support it needs to stay healthy long-term.
When to seek care
Disc injuries that go untreated can progress, and progressive nerve symptoms like weakness or loss of function need prompt evaluation. The earlier care begins, the better the chance of a full non-surgical recovery.
Remember that pain from an auto accident is often delayed by 24 to 72 hours. Adrenaline can mask the injury at the scene, so even mild symptoms after a collision are worth a same-day evaluation.