Herniated Disc
our services
Reasons to Choose Our Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Expertise
Herniated Disc
A herniated disk which also may be called a slipped, ruptured, bulging, or protruding disk develops when the soft inner core of a spinal disk pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer. Such displacement can impinge on adjacent spinal nerves or even the spinal cord itself, causing symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness.
Your spine consists of a tower of vertebrae stretching from the base of your skull down to your tailbone. In between each of these bones are intervertebral disks, gel-like cushions that serve as shock absorbers to allow for flexibility and movement of the spine while cushioning the vertebrae against impact. With time, these disks may degenerate because they are simply old and have been used again and again, or they have re-injured themselves. When a disk- the soft, cushioned disks that act as pads between the individual bones in the spine- is damaged, its gelatinous centre slips out and pushes against spinal nerves, usually causing pain and stiffness.
Herniated disks most often develop in the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck), though they can also form in the thoracic spine (upper and mid-back), but that’s a much rarer event.
What does a bulging disk feel like?
The symptoms of disc herniation can be very different and depend on where in the spine the herniated disc is located and how severe the herniation is. The fact is that the type of patient experiences specific neurological symptoms that can be reflected in back pain, but there are specific areas of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine that can cause specific neurological symptoms experienced as numbness, tingling, weakness or pain along the nerve pathways.
Symptoms of a herniated disk in your lower back (herniated lumbar disk)
A herniated disk in your lower back may produce “sciatic nerve” pain (sciatica). This searing pain typically radiates down one side of your buttocks into your leg and occasionally your foot. You may also experience other symptoms of a slipped disk in your lower back, such as:
- Lower back pain.
- A tingling or numb feeling in your legs and/or feet.
- Muscle weakness.
Symptoms of a herniated disk in your neck (herniated cervical disk)
Common Symptoms of a Bulging Disc in the Neck:
- Persistent neck pain, often felt at the back or sides.
- Tingling or numbness in one or both arms.
- Discomfort or aching between the shoulder blades.
- Radiating pain that extends to the shoulder, arm, hand, or even fingers.
- Increased pain when you bend or twist your neck.
What causes a bulging disk?
Your spine consists of disks that function as a cushion between the bones. Each disk contains a soft, gel-like centre, encased by a tougher outer layer — like a jelly doughnut. The outer layer can weaken over time and develop tiny cracks. When this occurs, the inner gel can bulge through the crack and push against the spinal cord or nearby nerves, resulting in a herniated disk.
There are a number of reasons a disk can herniate, among them:
- Energy loss because of ageing and natural wear and tear
- Acute injuries, like a fall or trauma
- Frequent bending, twisting, or other actions that put strain on the body
- Bad lifting of heavy objects
What are the risk factors for a slipped disk?
Herniated disks most often affect people 30 to 50 years of age, and men are twice as likely as women to have this problem. Genetics play a role as well, as herniated disks run in families.
Other risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Sitting for long periods of time or staying in a position for a long time
- Excess body weight or obesity
- Diabetes
- Connective tissue disorders
How is a herniated disk diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will begin with a comprehensive physical exam. During this exam, they’ll evaluate your level of pain, test your muscle reflexes, check your sensation, and assess your muscle strength.
One common test they might use is the straight leg raise test. For this, you’ll lie flat on your back while they gently lift one leg straight up. If this causes pain that travels down your leg, it may be a sign of a herniated (ruptured) disk.
In addition, your provider may conduct a neurological exam and recommend further imaging tests, such as:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- X-rays
- CT (Computed Tomography) scan
- Myelogram
- EMG (Electromyogram)
- Nerve conduction study
Care at Weierstahl Clinic
Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or long-term discomfort, the orthopaedic specialists at Weierstahl Clinic are here to support you through every step, from diagnosis to recovery and ongoing care.
frequently asked questions
the most question we had so far
- Sharp or shooting pain in the neck, back, arms, or legs
- Numbness or tingling in limbs
- Muscle weakness
- Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing
- Natural ageing and disk degeneration
- Improper lifting techniques
- Sudden strain or trauma
- Repetitive movements or poor posture
- Genetic predisposition
- A chiropractor may perform a physical exam and review your medical history. Diagnostic tools like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be recommended to confirm the condition and locate the affected area.
Yes, chiropractic care can be an effective, non-invasive treatment option. Techniques may include spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, decompression therapy, and lifestyle advice to reduce pain and improve mobility.
- When done by a licensed chiropractor, adjustments are generally safe. At Weierstahl Chiropractic Clinic, we tailor each treatment to your condition, ensuring safety and comfort throughout your recovery.