Conditions we treat
Disc injuries: usually far less alarming than they sound
Terms like “bulging” and “herniated” disc sound serious, but most disc injuries improve well without surgery, with the right approach.
The discs of the spine act as cushions between the vertebrae, and like any tissue, they can become irritated, bulge, or occasionally herniate under load. The language used to describe this, “slipped”, “bulging”, “herniated”, often sounds far more alarming than the typical outcome, which for most people is a good recovery without surgery.
It’s also worth knowing that disc changes show up on scans in a large proportion of people with no pain at all, particularly as we get older. A scan finding a disc bulge doesn’t automatically explain your symptoms, which is why we correlate any imaging with a proper clinical assessment rather than treating the scan in isolation.
Disc-related pain, including sciatica when a nearby nerve is irritated, generally responds well to a structured, graded approach that respects the tissue while keeping you appropriately active.
Common signs & symptoms
- Lower back pain that worsens with sitting, bending or lifting
- Pain that radiates into the buttock, thigh or leg
- Numbness, tingling or weakness following a nerve pathway
- Difficulty finding a comfortable position, especially sitting for long periods
- Pain that increases with coughing or sneezing
- Muscle spasm or guarding in the lower back
- Stiffness that’s worse first thing in the morning
What causes disc injuries?
Repetitive flexion load — repeated bending
especially under load
Sudden heavy lifting — particularly with poor technique or an unexpectedly heavy load
Prolonged sitting — sustained flexed postures increase disc pressure and are linked to disc-related pain
Age-related change — discs naturally lose some hydration and height over time
which can make them more prone to irritation
Deconditioning — reduced core and back strength lowers the load a disc can comfortably tolerate
How we help at IA Chiropractic
We start with a thorough neurological and movement assessment to gauge severity and confirm whether a disc is the likely source of your symptoms, screening carefully for anything requiring urgent referral.
Most disc-related pain responds well to a graded exercise programme that gradually restores tolerance to bending and loading, often alongside Chiropractic adjustments or soft tissue therapy for symptom relief along the way.
We’ll track your progress with clear markers, leg symptoms, movement tolerance, function, and refer for imaging or specialist opinion if you’re not progressing as expected.