Herniated Disc Pain Relief in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Chiropractic care for a herniated disc is a non-surgical approach that aims to ease pressure on irritated nerves and help you move more comfortably. At Life Chiropractic’s Phoenix–Ahwatukee and North Scottsdale offices, we start with a thorough exam, plus X-rays when appropriate, to see whether chiropractic care is a good fit for your disc problem. If it is, your plan may include gentle adjustments, spinal decompression, massage therapy and home exercises. If your symptoms point to something that needs a medical doctor first, we’ll tell you and refer you. See our overview of chiropractic care for pain for other conditions we help with.
Is this you?
- Pain shoots into your leg or arm when you sit, bend or cough.
- You’ve noticed tingling or numbness in a hand or foot.
- You’ve been told you have a bulging or herniated disc and want to know your non-surgical options.
- Getting out of the car or bed takes a few careful steps.
A free consultation is the easiest way to find out whether chiropractic care fits your disc problem. Book your free consult or tap to call: Call Ahwatukee: 480-460-1399 | Call Scottsdale: 480-563-5000
Understanding Herniated Discs:
Common Causes of Herniated Discs:
- Age-related wear and tear: Discs naturally degenerate as we age, making them more susceptible to herniation.
- Arthritis: This condition can weaken the disc structure.
- Osteoporosis: Weakened bones can increase the risk of disc herniation.
- Sudden injury: A heavy lift or forceful impact can herniate a disc.
- Improper posture: Slouching or poor lifting technique can put undue stress on the spine.
Symptoms of Herniated Discs:
- Pain in the back, neck, legs, or arms (depending on the location of the herniation)
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area
- Weakness in the legs, arms, feet, or hands
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs. These are emergency signs, so get medical care right away.
What Is a Spinal Disc?
Your spine is made up of 24 separate vertebrae with a spinal disc between each one. These rubbery pads act as shock absorbers, so the bones don’t rub against each other. Each disc has a tough outer ring and a soft, jelly-like center. A bulging disc pushes out from its normal position. A herniated disc happens when that soft center pushes through a tear in the outer ring, and it can pinch nearby nerves, causing back or neck pain, numbness, tingling, or pain that travels down one leg (sciatica).
Finding Relief at Life Chiropractic:
Some herniated discs need medical or surgical care. When chiropractic care is a good fit, your plan may include:
- Comprehensive evaluation: We’ll thoroughly assess your condition to determine the severity of the herniation and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Spinal adjustments: Gentle adjustments may help improve mobility and ease pressure on irritated nerves.
- Therapeutic exercises: Targeted exercises help strengthen the core muscles that support your spine and improve flexibility.
- Pelvis-blocking techniques: These treatments may be used to improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve irritation.
- Lifestyle modifications: We’ll provide guidance on posture, ergonomics and exercises to support your recovery and reduce strain on your discs.
Hurt on the job? See how we help with work-related injuries.
When to See a Medical Doctor First
Some disc symptoms need medical care before chiropractic care. Go to an emergency room or call your doctor right away if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or trouble starting or stopping urination
- Numbness in the groin, genitals or inner thighs
- Weakness in a leg or arm that is getting worse, or a foot that slaps or drags when you walk
- Symptoms that started after a major trauma, such as a car crash or a hard fall
- Back pain with a fever or chills, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer
If any of these show up during your exam, we’ll refer you for medical care first.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
- History. When the pain started, where it travels, what makes it better or worse, and any past injuries.
- Exam. Range of motion, posture analysis, and orthopedic and neurologic tests of your reflexes, strength and sensation, which help show whether a nerve is irritated.
- X-rays when appropriate. Low-dose spinal X-rays help rule out other causes. X-rays don’t show the discs themselves, so if your exam suggests you need an MRI or a specialist’s opinion, we’ll refer you.
- Your plan. We explain what we found, whether chiropractic care can help, how long we expect care to take, how often we recommend visits, and the cost.
Ready for answers about your disc? Start with a free consultation. We’ll listen, answer your questions and explain your options.
Book your free consult | Call Ahwatukee: 480-460-1399 | Call Scottsdale: 480-563-5000
How Chiropractic Care for a Herniated Disc Works
Disc care is usually gradual. Your plan is built around your exam and adjusted as you respond:
- Ease irritation. Gentle adjustments, with spinal decompression or massage therapy when appropriate, aim to take pressure off irritated tissues and nerves.
- Protect the disc day to day. We show you how to sit, lift, bend and sleep in ways that put less strain on the disc.
- Build support. Home exercises help strengthen the muscles that support your spine as symptoms settle.
- Measure progress. We re-examine you and, when appropriate, take follow-up X-rays. If you aren’t improving as expected, we’ll talk through next steps, including a referral.
Herniated Disc, Sciatica or Something Else?
A herniated disc in the low back is one common cause of sciatica, the pain, tingling or numbness that travels down one leg. A disc in the neck can send symptoms into the shoulder, arm or hand instead. Joint irritation, muscle strain and posture problems can feel similar, which is why the exam matters more than the label. Learn more about back pain treatment and neck pain treatment.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs:
- Non-invasive care: Care doesn’t involve injections or surgery. If you need a surgical opinion, we’ll refer you.
- Pain relief: Many patients report less pain as care progresses. Results vary.
- Improved mobility: Care may help you regain flexibility and range of motion in your spine.
- Healthier habits: Posture, lifting and exercise habits may help lower the strain on your discs over time.
Don’t Let Herniated Disc Pain Hold You Back!
Contact Life Chiropractic to schedule a consultation at our Phoenix–Ahwatukee or North Scottsdale office. We’ll examine you, explain what we find and, if chiropractic care is a good fit, build a personalized plan to help you get back to your normal activities.
- Schedule Your Appointment Today: Call Phoenix–Ahwatukee at 480-460-1399 or North Scottsdale at 480-563-5000.
- Free Consultation: Get a free consultation to discuss your herniated disc pain and treatment options.
Herniated Disc FAQs
Can a chiropractor help a herniated disc?
Chiropractic care may help ease pain and improve movement for many people with a herniated disc. It doesn’t repair the disc itself, and not every case is a good fit. Your exam tells us whether yours is.
Does spinal decompression help a herniated disc?
Spinal decompression is one of the supportive therapies we may use for disc-related pain. Whether it’s right for you depends on your exam, and results vary from person to person.
How long does herniated disc pain last?
It varies with the size and location of the disc problem, your activity level and your overall health. After your exam, we’ll give you an expected timeline and re-check your progress along the way.
Do I need an MRI first?
Not always. If your symptoms or exam findings suggest you need an MRI or a medical opinion, we’ll refer you before or alongside chiropractic care.
Will I need surgery?
That’s a decision for you and a medical doctor, and chiropractic care isn’t a replacement for surgery when surgery is needed. If your exam shows signs that call for a surgical opinion, we’ll refer you. You can request an appointment at either office.
LOCATIONS
Phoenix - Ahwatukee
4722 E. Ray Rd. Ste 5
Phoenix AZ, 85044
Phone: 480-460-1399
Hours
Mon-Thu: 8:00AM – 12:00PM, 2:30PM – 6:00PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
North Scottsdale
8900 E Pinnacle Peak Rd Ste E-5
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: 480-563-5000
Hours
Mon-Thu: 8:00AM – 12:00PM, 2:30PM – 6:00PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM