Spinal disc injuries are more common than many people realize, affecting up to 20 out of every 1,000 adults annually. Though most disc issues occur in the lumbar spine (lower back), they can develop at any level of the spine. Seeking effective care early is key to finding long-term relief and preventing further complications.
Spinal discs, or intervertebral discs, act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. These slightly flexible structures help maintain spinal mobility and provide openings for nerves to exit the spinal cord and support the body. When a disc is damaged or herniated, it can interfere with nerve function and cause significant discomfort.
The 4 Stages of Disc Herniation:
1. Disc Compression:
Degeneration, trauma, or excessive strain can compress a spinal disc. Although the inner material (nucleus) remains in place at this stage, irritation and small tears may begin to form in the disc’s outer fibers.
2. Bulging Disc:
Continued stress causes the disc to bulge outward, putting pressure on nearby spinal nerves. While the nucleus is still contained within the disc, symptoms such as inflammation and nerve sensitivity may begin to develop.
3. Disc Protrusion:
The tears in the outer disc layers deepen, allowing the inner nucleus to begin pushing through. As it encroaches on nearby nerves, symptoms like radiating pain, tingling, and numbness intensify.
4. Herniated Disc:
At this advanced stage, the disc material escapes into the epidural space, compressing spinal nerves. Although some cases may require surgery, many patients find success with non-invasive chiropractic care to relieve symptoms and restore disc function.
Book Your First Disc Injury Consultation Today
Why wait to begin feeling relief? Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.
How Our Disc Injury Care Plan Works
1. Get The Truth
Stop searching for answers. Finally, get the truth about what’s causing your health problems so that you can create a plan to get your life back.
2. Get Real Solutions
Based on your health goals and your doctor’s findings, we’ll customize a plan of attack that will give you the solutions you’ve been desperately searching for.
3. Live A Life Without Limitations
Unleash your full potential and have the impact and purpose God intended for you.
How We Treat Disc Injuries in West Des Moines, IA
At TRUTH Family Chiropractic, we use a comprehensive, individualized approach to address disc injuries with natural, non-invasive techniques designed to correct alignment, reduce pain, and support healing.
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
We begin with a full consultation, reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. This exam helps us pinpoint the source of the injury and develop a customized treatment plan.
Specific Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic care restores spinal alignment and improves nerve communication. We use precise, non-invasive adjustments to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, reduce inflammation, and help the disc return to its proper position. Our approach avoids medications and instead focuses on healing the root cause.
Spinal Corrective Exercises
Rebuilding strength around the spine is critical for long-term stability. We create personalized exercise plans to support your recovery and prevent future injuries. These exercises target core, back, and postural muscles.
Flexion Distraction Therapy
Flexion distraction is a gentle chiropractic technique that stretches and decompresses the spine. This helps herniated discs retract and relieves pressure on affected nerves. It also increases joint space and promotes proper spinal movement without surgery.
Common Causes of Disc Injury in West Des Moines, IA
Understanding what causes disc injuries can help prevent them:
Repetitive Motion and Stress
Jobs or activities that require frequent bending, twisting, or lifting can wear down spinal discs over time.
Respiratory Strain
Forceful coughing or sneezing increases intra-abdominal and spinal pressure, which may contribute to disc damage in already weakened areas.
Heavy Lifting
Incorrect lifting techniques or lifting objects that are too heavy can compress the spine and damage discs.
Auto Accidents
Sudden trauma from car accidents can tear disc fibers, leading to bulging or herniated discs.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As discs naturally lose hydration and elasticity with age or overuse, they become more susceptible to injury.
Common Symptoms of a Disc Injury
Symptoms depend on the disc’s location and the extent of nerve involvement. They typically affect one side of the body and worsen over time without care.
Pain
Pain can present in the back, neck, arms, or legs. It may feel sharp, dull, radiating, or tingling. Increased activity can worsen symptoms. Notably, pain is often the last symptom to appear and the first to fade, meaning damage may exist long before discomfort is felt.
Muscle Spasms
Disc injuries often irritate surrounding spinal nerves, leading to muscle tightness or spasms. If the injury involves the sciatic nerve, symptoms may radiate down the leg or hip.
Numbness and Tingling
Compressed nerves may result in burning, pins-and-needles sensations, or numbness in the affected area. Neck injuries may cause stiffness or tingling in the arms.
Check Out Our Locations Near You
West Des Moines
1905 EP True Pkwy #207, West Des Moines, IA 50265
St. Charles
133 W Main Street St. Charles, IA 50240
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a herniated disc take to heal?
Recovery time varies depending on severity and lifestyle. Most people improve within 4–6 weeks, though full healing can take up to 22 weeks, especially without proper care. Chiropractic care often shortens recovery time by promoting natural healing.
What should I avoid with a herniated disc?
Limit prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or bending. Avoid exercises like sit-ups, twisting motions, or high-impact sports. Sleep in a spine-supportive position and stay cautiously active under your chiropractor’s guidance.
Can a chiropractor help with a pinched nerve?
Yes. Adjustments help relieve pressure on compressed nerves, restore motion, and reduce pain. Your chiropractor may also offer ergonomic advice and stretching routines to support healing.
What does a slipped disc feel like?
A slipped disc typically causes localized pain, which may radiate to the arms or legs. The pain often worsens with movement, prolonged sitting or standing, or at night.
Book Your First Disc Injury Consultation Today
Why wait to begin feeling relief? Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.