Can A Chiropractor Help With A Herniated Disc?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Each year, about 5 to 20 out of every 1,000 adults develop a herniated disc. It can feel like a bolt of lightning down your back or leg, which can disrupt work, sleep and daily life. For Australians seeking alternatives to surgery or long-term medication, this question arises: Can a chiropractor help with a herniated disc?

Chiropractic care has helped many individuals manage both acute and chronic pain, with noticeable improvements in mobility and overall function. Clinical case studies show significant pain relief and improved function following chiropractic adjustments for cervical and lumbar disc herniations.

Curious about how chiropractic care could help your herniated disc? Read on to explore the real-world evidence, safety considerations and what you can expect from treatment.

Causes of Herniated Disc

A herniated disc happens when the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer, often causing pain and nerve irritation. This condition usually develops over time due to wear and tear, but can also result from sudden strain or injury. Below are the most common causes of a herniated disc:

• Aging causes discs to lose hydration and elasticity, increasing herniation risk.
• Repetitive movements and overuse wear down disc structure over time.
• Lifting heavy objects improperly strains discs, leading to injury.
• Sudden strain or trauma can cause acute disc herniation.
• Poor posture increases pressure on spinal discs.
• Obesity adds extra load on the spine, accelerating disc degeneration.
• Sedentary lifestyle weakens muscles that support the spine.
• Weak core muscles reduce spinal stability, increasing injury risk.
• Smoking decreases oxygen supply to discs, speeding degeneration.
• Genetic factors may predispose individuals to disc degeneration and herniation.

Common Symptoms of Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can cause a range of symptoms depending on where the disc is located and if it presses on nearby nerves. Common signs include:

• Sharp back pain: Localised, intense back pain is one of the most common signs, often triggered by movement or poor posture. It’s caused by inflammation or direct pressure on spinal nerves.
• Pain that radiates to the arms or legs: When the herniated disc compresses a nerve root, pain may travel along the nerve’s path, down the leg (sciatica) for lumbar discs or into the arm for cervical discs.
• Numbness or tingling: Affected nerves may send altered sensory signals, leading to a ‘pins and needles’ sensation or loss of feeling in the limbs or back.
• Muscle weakness: Compression of motor nerves can interfere with signals to the muscles, resulting in noticeable weakness, especially in the legs or arms.
• Stiffness in the back: Inflammation and muscle guarding can cause the back to feel tight or stiff, limiting mobility.
• Difficulty standing or sitting: Prolonged sitting or standing increases pressure on the affected disc, often worsening pain.
• Loss of balance: Nerve root involvement can affect coordination and proprioception, making balance more difficult.
• Pain that worsens with movement: Movements like bending, twisting, coughing or sneezing can further compress the nerve, intensifying the pain.

How Does a Chiropractor Help With A Herniated Disc

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to help manage the symptoms of a herniated disc. Their approach focuses on relieving pain, reducing nerve pressure, improving spinal function, and supporting the body’s natural healing process. Below are some of the key ways chiropractic care can assist with herniated disc recovery.

Performs Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractors use precise spinal adjustments to gently mobilise the joints and restore normal movement. Studies show that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) can significantly reduce leg pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. One study found that for adolescents with chronic low back pain, combining spinal manipulation with exercise reduces pain and disability more than exercise alone over one year.

Uses the Flexion-Distraction Technique

The flexion-distraction technique is a gentle, non-thrust chiropractic method that stretches the spine and opens up the disc spaces. Clinical case series have demonstrated that this technique, combined with other therapies, can reduce disc herniation size and improve pain and mobility. It’s particularly effective for lumbar disc issues, promoting disc rehydration and reducing nerve pressure.

Decreases Muscle Tension

Muscle tension around the spine often increases due to pain and nerve irritation from a herniated disc. Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies help relax these muscles, reducing spasms and improving blood flow. This muscle relaxation supports pain relief and enhances spinal function.

Guides Safe Stretching Exercises

Chiropractors provide personalised stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and core stability. These exercises help support the spine, reduce disc pressure and prevent future injury. Studies show that combining spinal manipulation with home exercise leads to better outcomes than exercise alone.

Supports Posture Correction

Poor posture contributes to disc degeneration and herniation by increasing spinal stress. Chiropractors assess and correct posture, educating patients on ergonomics and daily habits. This ongoing support helps maintain spinal health and reduces the risk of recurrent disc problems.

Recommends Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking and inactivity worsen disc health. Chiropractors often advise on weight management, smoking cessation and activity modification to support recovery and prevent recurrence. These changes are shown to improve outcomes in disc-related back pain.

Offers Non-Invasive Pain Relief

Chiropractic care provides a drug-free, non-surgical approach to managing herniated disc pain. Many patients report significant relief and improved mobility through conservative chiropractic methods, without the risks associated with surgery or long-term medication. This makes it an appealing first-line treatment option for those seeking non-invasive care.

Monitors Progress Through Follow-Ups

Regular follow-up visits allow chiropractors to track symptom improvement and adjust treatment plans accordingly. A prospective study of 27 patients with MRI-confirmed cervical or lumbar disc herniations has shown that many patients receiving chiropractic care experience disc size reduction and symptom resolution over time. Ongoing monitoring ensures safe and effective recovery.

Chiropractic Techniques Used for Herniated Discs

Chiropractic care for herniated discs involves a variety of specialised methods designed to ease discomfort and restore mobility. In the same prospective study above, it has been shown that a combination of chiropractic treatments, including spinal manipulative therapy, traction, flexion-distraction, physiotherapy and rehabilitative exercises, led to significant pain relief and clinical improvement in 80% of cases.

Here are some of the key chiropractic techniques commonly used for herniated disc treatment.

Spinal adjustments

Spinal adjustments, or spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), involve applying controlled force to specific spinal joints to improve mobility and reduce nerve irritation. However, while many benefit, spinal manipulation carries some risks and should be performed carefully by trained professionals.

Flexion-distraction technique

The flexion-distraction technique is a gentle, non-thrust chiropractic method that uses a specialised table to stretch and decompress the spine. Research indicates that this technique can help improve spinal alignment and reduce symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation, which may help with pain and mobility.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy includes hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue manipulation aimed at restoring movement and reducing pain. Studies show that manual therapy can improve spinal function and decrease muscle tension associated with herniated discs, contributing to pain relief and enhanced mobility. When combined with exercise and other conservative treatments, manual therapy supports recovery by addressing both joint and muscular components of disc-related pain.

Low-force techniques

Low-force chiropractic techniques use gentle pressure and minimal force, making them suitable for patients who may not tolerate traditional spinal adjustments. Methods like Activator or other instrument-assisted techniques aim to improve spinal function without discomfort. Some studies suggest these approaches offer comparable benefits to manual manipulation in managing spinal pain and trigger points, though more rigorous research is needed.

Soft tissue work

Soft tissue therapies target the muscles, ligaments, and fascia surrounding the spine to help reduce tension and improve circulation. Techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy can help relax muscles that tighten in response to disc-related pain, easing spasms and supporting spinal stability. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that soft tissue therapy may improve functional outcomes when used alongside other conservative treatments

Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor

Seeing a chiropractor for a herniated disc can provide effective pain relief without relying on medications, which many patients prefer to avoid due to side effects. In fact, research indicates that around 90% of patients with lumbar disc herniations experience meaningful pain reduction and functional gains after chiropractic treatment, helping many avoid surgery altogether. Below are the potential benefits of seeing a chiropractor for herniated disc:

• Pain relief without medication
• Improved mobility
• Faster recovery
• Avoid surgery in some cases

When Chiropractic Care Isn’t the Best Option

While chiropractic care is beneficial for many, it is not suitable for everyone. Research underscores the importance of careful patient assessment, as individuals with developing disc herniations may already be in the early stages of acute lumbar disc injury when they seek care. This highlights the need for clinical vigilance, particularly before spinal manipulation is considered. Chiropractic care might not be suitable for the following cases:

• Severe disc damage
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Progressive neurological symptoms

Exercises To Do With A Herniated Disc

Incorporating gentle, targeted exercises can support chiropractic care by improving spinal flexibility and strengthening core muscles. Clinical guidelines recommend these low-impact movements to enhance recovery and reduce pain without aggravating the herniation. These exercises may help reduce pressure on the discs and promote healing:

• Pelvic tilts
• Knee-to-chest stretch
• Cat-cow stretch
• Bird-dog exercise
• Partial crunches
• Wall sits
• Standing hamstring stretch
• Cobra stretch
• Bridge exercise
• Walking on a flat surface

Exercises To Avoid With A Herniated Disc

Certain activities and exercises can worsen symptoms or delay healing in herniated disc patients. These movements should be avoided to prevent further disc stress:

• Toe touches
• Sit-ups
• Leg lifts while lying flat
• Twisting motions
• Heavy weightlifting
• High-impact running
• Squats with a heavy load
• Deadlifts
• Jumping exercises
• Back bends or deep spinal extensions

Wrapping Up

Herniated discs can cause significant discomfort and impact your daily life, but with the right care, including chiropractic treatment and appropriate exercises, many people experience substantial relief and improved function. Understanding when chiropractic care is suitable and which exercises to perform or avoid is essential for a safe and effective recovery.

Take Action with Goto Health

If you’re struggling with a herniated disc, Goto Health can connect you with experienced chiropractors who specialise in personalised, evidence-based care. Don’t let pain hold you back. Book a consultation today and take the first step towards a healthier, more mobile spine.