A herniated disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc cracks or tears, allowing the inner gel to protrude into the spinal canal where your nerves are located. When this disc material compresses a nerve, you experience pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness — often radiating into the arms or legs. At Vitality Chiropractic in San Jose, we help most herniated disc patients avoid surgery by addressing the root cause through conservative chiropractic care.
Nerve Compression Symptoms
A herniated disc in the lower back typically causes lower back pain and symptoms radiating down the legs — often recognized as sciatica. A herniated disc in the neck causes neck pain and symptoms radiating down the arms. Radiating pain, numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness are hallmark symptoms. The pain may worsen with sitting, bending forward, or other positions that increase disc pressure, and may improve with lying down or changing positions.
How Chiropractic Reduces Nerve Pressure
The goal of chiropractic treatment for herniated discs is to reduce pressure on the nerve and allow the herniated material to reabsorb back into the disc. Proper spinal alignment reduces abnormal pressure on the affected disc. We use specialized adjusting techniques that are gentle and precise, particularly important when dealing with herniated discs. Mobilization and distraction techniques gently separate the vertebrae, creating more space in the spinal canal for the nerve. This reduced pressure often brings immediate relief of symptoms.
Patient Expectations and Timeline
Recovery from a herniated disc varies depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Some patients experience dramatic improvement within days of starting treatment. Most patients respond well to conservative chiropractic care. We typically recommend starting with 2 to 3 visits per week for the first 2 to 4 weeks to reduce acute nerve compression and inflammation. As you improve, we gradually reduce frequency while ensuring your recovery continues. We will monitor your progress carefully, and if we are not seeing appropriate improvement, we will refer you for further evaluation.
Schedule Your Evaluation
If you are dealing with herniated disc pain in San Jose, call Vitality Chiropractic today at (408) 363-1991. Located at 6940 Santa Teresa Blvd, Suite 2, San Jose, CA 95119. New patient exam $142. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30am to 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 3:30 to 6pm.
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