Herniated Discs and Chiropractic Care: Can Spinal Adjustments Help?

Chiropractors provide non-surgical treatments to help manage herniated or “slipped” spinal discs. A herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spine; however, most occur in the lumbar or cervical regions, also known as the lower back and neck. The chiropractors of Atlantic County Family Spine – serving South New Jersey with locations in Galloway, Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic City, and Hammonton – provide gentle spinal adjustments that can help relieve spinal pressure, improve alignment, and reduce pain, especially for back, neck, and extremity discomfort.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Intervertebral discs are located between the bones (a.k.a., vertebrae) that constitute the spine. These discs, consisting of a gel-like substance surrounded by a ring of cartilage, cushion the vertebrae. A herniated/slipped disc occurs when a portion of (or the entire) disc moves out of place, sometimes leading to spinal cord or nerve compression.

How do Spinal Adjustments Help?

“Spinal adjustment” refers to a gentle chiropractic treatment that can be used to manage herniated disc symptoms and put the body in a good position to heal. This technique involves using the hands or an instrument to manipulate the spine and release pressure on the disc. The following are potential benefits –

• A herniated disc often causes surrounding muscles to contract defensively, intensifying discomfort. Therapeutic spinal adjustments and complementary treatments may help loosen tense muscles.
• Herniated discs often compress nerves, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness down the arms or legs. Chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve pressure, removing the source of the symptoms.
• Chiropractors can help manage a herniated disc without the need for surgery, which typically requires significant downtime.

Chiropractic care can also contribute to one’s overall well-being by reducing stress and allowing the body to balance itself, which is essential when managing chronic conditions.  

Typical Chiropractic Approaches to Herniated Discs

Chiropractors will likely avoid forceful adjustments for herniated discs. Instead, they may employ gentle adjustments combined with non-invasive treatments such as therapeutic exercise that improve joint support, helping the components of the spine to stay in place.

Get Chiropractic Care in Southern New Jersey

To get evaluated and treated for herniated discs and related symptoms, contact an Atlantic County Family Spine staff associate at (609) 748-0222 (Galloway), (609) 677-5760 (Egg Harbor Township), (609) 428-6499 (Atlantic City), or (609) 704-3103 (Hammonton).