When patients hear they have a “disc problem,” it can sound overwhelming. Disc injuries are actually quite common, but not all are the same—and understanding the differences can help you feel more confident about your care and make the best decisions for your health. As a trusted Prior Lake chiropractor, our team has years of experience helping patients find relief from back and neck pain caused by disc injuries. We specialize in safe, effective chiropractic treatments, including gentle manual adjustments and non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, designed to support natural healing, reduce nerve irritation, and restore mobility without the need for invasive procedures or long-term medication use.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about spinal discs, the most common types of disc injuries, and how chiropractic care can help. From understanding the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc, to learning why spinal decompression is such an effective treatment option, our goal is to give you the knowledge you need to make informed choices and find lasting relief.
What Is a Spinal Disc?
Your spine is composed of a column of vertebrae—those individual bones stacked like building blocks—with each vertebra separated by an intervertebral disc. These discs are more than just spacers; they play a critical mechanical and protective role in spinal health.
A spinal disc has two primary parts:
- A soft, gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus, which is rich in water and proteoglycans that allow it to act like a shock-absorbing cushion.
- A tougher outer ring known as the annulus fibrosus, made of collagen and structured in lamellae to both contain the nucleus and resist twisting and bending motions.
Each disc functions collaboratively with the others to:
- Absorb and distribute pressure across the spine, reducing stress on individual vertebrae—and thereby decreasing risk of injury or degeneration.
- Allow flexibility and motion, enabling you to bend, twist, and move fluidly.
- Provide spacing between vertebrae, which is essential for allowing spinal nerves to exit the spine safely through the intervertebral foramina.
In short, healthy discs help your spine balance both stability and flexibility, keeping your nerves protected and your movement pain-free. Understanding how discs function and what goes wrong when they don’t helps you appreciate why focused, conservative care (like chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression therapy) can be so beneficial.
Types of Disc Injuries
Disc injuries can vary in severity, location, and how much they interfere with your daily life. Some may be mild and cause only occasional discomfort, while others can put significant pressure on spinal nerves and create pain that radiates into the arms or legs. Understanding the type of disc injury you have is the first step toward finding the right treatment.
Our chiropractors carefully assess your condition through physical exams, imaging (if needed), and a thorough history so that we can recommend the most effective, personalized treatment plan. Below are some of the most common disc-related conditions we see in our clinic:
1. Bulging Disc
What it is: A bulging disc happens when the outer layer of the disc weakens and the disc extends outward, but the inner material stays contained.
Symptoms: A bulging disc does not always cause pain, but when it does, it’s usually because the disc presses against nearby nerves. This can create localized back or neck pain, or radiating discomfort, tingling, or numbness in the legs or arms depending on the location.
Common Cause: Poor posture, repetitive stress (such as bending or lifting at work), and natural aging are common factors. Lifestyle habits such as sitting for long periods or lack of exercise can also contribute.
Chiropractic Perspective: Gentle adjustments and spinal decompression therapy can help reduce pressure on the affected disc, improve alignment, and restore mobility before the injury worsens.
2. Herniated Disc
What it is: With a herniated disc (often called a “slipped” disc), the inner gel-like nucleus pushes through a tear in the outer layer. This displacement can irritate or compress nearby nerves.
Symptoms: Herniated discs are typically more painful than bulging discs. They may cause sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the arms or legs (commonly called sciatica when affecting the lower back). Muscle weakness, numbness, and difficulty performing daily activities are also common.
Common Cause: Heavy lifting with poor form, sports injuries, or sudden trauma (like a fall or accident) can trigger a herniation. Over time, natural disc degeneration also makes discs more vulnerable to tearing.
Chiropractic Perspective: Non-surgical decompression therapy can relieve nerve compression, while targeted chiropractic adjustments help restore spinal alignment and reduce muscle tension around the injury.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease
What it is: Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not really a “disease,” but a gradual breakdown of spinal discs over time. Discs lose water content and flexibility, becoming thinner and less effective as shock absorbers.
Symptoms: This condition often causes chronic, aching pain in the neck or lower back, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. In some cases, pain may come and go, flaring up during certain activities or prolonged sitting.
Common Cause: Aging is the primary factor, but repetitive strain, past injuries, smoking, and genetics can all play a role.
Chiropractic Perspective: While degeneration cannot be fully reversed, chiropractic care can slow its progression, relieve discomfort, and help patients maintain mobility. A combination of adjustments, decompression, and lifestyle guidance (such as posture correction and strengthening exercises) can make a big difference in quality of life.
4. Disc Protrusion or Extrusion
What it is: These are more advanced stages of disc injury. In a protrusion, the disc pushes further into the spinal canal, and in an extrusion, part of the inner disc material breaks through the outer layer entirely. Both conditions can create direct nerve compression.
Symptoms: Intense pain, numbness, weakness, or burning sensations are common, often accompanied by significant mobility restrictions. In severe cases, patients may struggle with walking, standing for long periods, or even sleeping comfortably.
Common Cause: A progression of untreated bulging or herniated discs, repetitive strain, or acute injury can lead to protrusion or extrusion.
Chiropractic Perspective: These conditions require careful, individualized management. Non-surgical decompression can help relieve nerve compression, while chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and guided rehab exercises work together to restore function and reduce flare-ups.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Disc Injuries
Many people believe surgery is the only option for disc injuries, but in most cases, conservative care is highly effective. Our chiropractic approach focuses on restoring spinal alignment, reducing nerve pressure, and supporting natural healing.
Manual Chiropractic Adjustments
Gentle, precise adjustments restore proper motion and alignment to the spine. This relieves nerve pressure, reduces inflammation, and allows the disc space to function more normally.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression therapy is a safe, non-invasive option for disc problems. This specialized table gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure inside the disc. This:
- Helps pull herniated or bulging material back into place.
- Increases nutrient-rich fluids to promote healing.
- Reduces pain and pressure on spinal nerves.
To get a better idea of what this looks like here is a demonstration from our office: lumbar spinal decompression
Customized Care Plans
Every patient’s disc injury is unique. We combine chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, and targeted home exercises to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent future flare-ups.
When to See a Chiropractor for a Disc Injury
If you’re experiencing:
- Ongoing back or neck pain
- Pain that radiates into the arms or legs
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
…it’s important to get evaluated right away. Early chiropractic care can prevent disc injuries from worsening and help you recover faster.
The Bottom Line
Disc injuries can be painful and disruptive, but they don’t have to control your life. Whether it’s a bulging disc, herniated disc, or degenerative disc disease, chiropractic care and spinal decompression therapy offer safe, non-invasive options for lasting relief.
Ready to find relief from disc pain? Schedule a consultation today and discover how our chiropractic team can help you heal naturally.