Herniated Disc Treatment in San Antonio, TX

A herniated disc occurs when material from the softer inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through or into a weakened area of its tougher outer layer. It may or may not cause symptoms.

A bulging disc generally extends outward over a broader area, while a herniation involves inner disc material pushing through or into a weakened portion of the outer disc. Either finding can exist without symptoms.

Symptoms can include localized back or neck pain, radiating arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or discomfort with certain positions and movements.

Yes. A lumbar herniated disc can irritate or compress nerve structures that contribute to sciatic symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness traveling into the leg.

Yes. When a disc problem irritates nearby nerve structures, numbness or tingling can occur in an arm, hand, leg, or foot depending on the location involved.

It can. New, significant, or progressive weakness should be evaluated promptly because it may indicate neurological involvement.

For appropriate patients, conservative chiropractic care may help improve mobility, reduce mechanical stress, and support more comfortable movement. Whether it is appropriate depends on the examination and symptoms.

No. A herniated disc is not simply a disc that has slipped out of place, and chiropractic care should not be described as putting it back in.

Symptoms can improve over time in many people, and some disc herniations can decrease in size naturally. Recovery varies, and persistent neurological symptoms require evaluation.

The duration varies widely based on the individual, the tissues involved, symptom severity, activity, and other factors. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated.

Yes. A lumbar disc problem can irritate nerve structures and contribute to pain that travels from the lower back or buttock into the thigh, calf, or foot.

Yes. A cervical disc problem can irritate nerve structures and contribute to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness extending into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

No. Disc changes are common and may be present on imaging without causing symptoms. Examination findings and symptoms need to be considered together.

Not everyone needs an MRI. Imaging may be considered when examination findings, significant trauma, persistent symptoms, or neurological signs indicate that additional information is needed.

Gentle walking is often tolerated by many people, but the right activity level depends on your symptoms and examination. Stop and seek guidance if an activity significantly worsens symptoms.

For some people, prolonged sitting or certain seated positions can aggravate disc-related symptoms. Changing position and avoiding long periods in one posture may be helpful.

Heavy or repeated lifting, especially with bending or twisting, can contribute to disc stress. Herniations can also develop gradually without one identifiable lifting event.

Seek evaluation when pain is severe, persistent, follows significant trauma, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, or other neurological symptoms.

Loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle or groin numbness, or rapidly progressive weakness can signal a medical emergency and require immediate evaluation.

Moore Chiropractic evaluates musculoskeletal and disc-related symptoms at 8507 McCullough Ave Suite A-1 in San Antonio. Call (210) 525-9063 or request an appointment online.