Herniated discs affect between 5 and 20 out of every 1,000 adults annually, with the highest prevalence in those aged 30 to 50 and about 95% of those herniations occur at the L4–L5 or L5–S1 levels, basically your lower back.
At my clinic, The Disc Chiropractic, we see cases like this every day, patients dealing with back pain that has disrupted their daily lives. Many have lived with it for years or have been told that surgery is their only option.
We offer a different approach: natural, clinically proven, and safe. Our reputation is built on real results and the trust of the Wheat Ridge, CO community.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Your spine is made up of a column of bones called vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs that act like shock absorbers. Each disc has two main parts. A tough, fibrous outer ring called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like core called the nucleus pulposus.
A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pushes through a tear or weak spot in the annulus, which often leads to compression of nearby spinal nerves.
That causes the symptoms, you may often feel:
Radiating pain down the leg or arm
Tingling or numbness in the extremities
Weakness in the legs, feet, hands, or grip
Limited range of motion and discomfort with prolonged sitting or standing
What Can Cause a Herniated Disc?
In most cases, a herniated disc is the result of aging but there are a number of medical conditions as well. Here are the most common causes we see in our clinic:
Disc Degeneration
As we age, the discs between our vertebrae begin to lose hydration and elasticity. This drying out called disc desiccation makes the disc more brittle and less able to absorb shock. Over time, this degeneration weakens the outer layer (the annulus fibrosus), increasing the risk of the inner gel (the nucleus pulposus) pushing through and irritating nearby nerves.
Spinal Stenosis
This condition refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can crowd the space around your spinal cord and nerve roots. When a herniated disc occurs in someone with stenosis, even a small bulge can put significant pressure on nerves, amplifying symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness.
Scoliosis
Abnormal spinal curvature causes uneven wear and stress on your discs. Over time, this imbalance can lead to asymmetric disc degeneration, increasing the chance of disc herniation—especially on the side of the spine bearing more weight.
Improper Lifting Mechanics
Bending forward with a rounded back and twisting while lifting puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the lower spine—particularly at L4–L5 and L5–S1. These movements increase intradiscal pressure and can tear the disc’s outer ring, allowing the inner material to herniate.
Sudden Trauma or Impact
A fall, car accident, or sports-related injury can cause enough force to rupture a disc—especially if the spine is already compromised by degeneration or poor posture. These acute herniations often result in immediate pain and nerve symptoms.
Excess Body Weight
Carrying extra weight, especially around the midsection, increases the load on the lumbar spine. This constant compression speeds up disc wear and raises the risk of the nucleus pushing through weakened tissue.
Genetics
Some people are born with structural traits—like thinner discs or less durable connective tissue—that make them more prone to disc injuries. Family history of disc problems is often a contributing factor, even in younger patients.
Proven Treatments for Herniated Discs
At The Disc Chiropractic, we focus on relieving the mechanical and neurological stress caused by a herniated disc—without surgery or long-term medication. Our treatment protocols are designed to reduce nerve compression, stabilize the spine, and restore normal function.
Chiropractic adjustments
We use the Gonstead technique to correct misalignments that are contributing to disc herniation. These precise adjustments help offload pressure from the herniated segment, improving joint mechanics and relieving nerve irritation caused by disc protrusion.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
For patients with herniated discs, spinal decompression using the Triton DTS system gently stretches the spine to reduce intradiscal pressure. This helps retract the herniated portion of the disc and increases space around the affected nerve root.
Shockwave Therapy
When a herniated disc causes inflammation in nearby soft tissues or chronic nerve sensitivity, we use radial pressure wave therapy (Intelect RPW 2) to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and promote circulation in the affected region.
Therapeutic Exercises and Posture Correction
Once we’ve relieved pressure from the herniated disc, we implement a customized rehab plan to rebuild spinal support, correct faulty movement patterns, and prevent recurrence. Our approach focuses on core stability and spinal resilience.
How Much Does Chiropractic Care for a Herniated Disc Cost?
The cost of treating a herniated disc can vary depending on a number of factors such as the difficulty of the treatment itself. Surgical options like microdiscectomy or spinal fusion often range from $15,000 to over $50,000, not including imaging, hospital fees, or time lost from work during recovery.
At The Disc Chiropractic, we offer a significantly more affordable and less invasive path to relief.
Here’s a comparison of average costs:
|
Treatment Type |
Average Cost |
|
Spinal Surgery |
$15,000 – $50,000+ |
|
Chiropractic Adjustments |
$65 – $125 per visit |
|
Spinal Decompression Therapy |
$40 – $120 per session |
|
Shockwave Therapy |
$75 – $150 per session |
FAQs About Herniated Discs
Can a Chiropractor Fix a Herniated Disc?
Chiropractic care is proven to reduce nerve pressure, improve spinal alignment, and support natural healing. For many herniated disc cases, treatments like spinal decompression can relieve symptoms and help patients avoid surgery.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for a Herniated Disc?
Yes, when performed by a board certified and well experienced provider, chiropractic care is clinically recognized as a safe and effective treatment for many cases of herniated discs.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Herniated Disc?
Most patients begin noticing relief within 2 to 4 weeks, with full recovery often occurring over 8 to 12 weeks as nerve inflammation subsides and spinal stability improves.
What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc vs Pulled Muscle?
A herniated disc typically causes radiating pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down the leg or arm often following a specific nerve pattern. Muscle pain is usually localized, dull, and responds well to rest or stretching.
Can I Go Back to Work or Exercise While Being Treated
Yes, you can however for best results, we may recommend avoiding high-impact or flexion-heavy movements early on but will progressively reintroduce movement through customized rehab.
Are Spinal Adjustments Safe if My Disc Is Herniated?
Yes, when the adjustment is specific and controlled, like with the Gonstead method we use. We avoid aggressive or generalized manipulation and focus only on correcting segments contributing to disc stress.
Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care for Herniated Disc?
Most major insurance plans cover chiropractic care when it’s deemed medically necessary. We verify your insurance policy and provide clear estimates up front, so there are no surprises.
Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse
Our $97 New Patient Special is the starting point. We are trusted by patients across Wheat Ridge and Denver because we deliver clear answers, we are confident that you’ll walk away understanding what’s causing your herniated disc. And know exactly what it takes to fix it, naturally.
If you’re ready to stop managing back pain and start solving it
Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910