Some disc injuries start with one clear moment: lifting a heavy box, moving a couch, or taking a hard fall on the field. Others develop after repeated strain over time. Small stresses may gradually affect the tissues around the spine, sometimes leaving the area more vulnerable when an ordinary movement places additional strain on it.
Common Triggers We See
- Physically demanding jobs. Auto mechanics, movers, and other laborers spend hours bending, reaching, and lifting, often in awkward positions.
- Lifting with poor form. Even a moment of rounding your back while lifting furniture or another heavy item can place added strain on the spine.
- Sports injuries. Contact sports, weightlifting, and quick twisting movements can all place stress on the lower back.
- Pregnancy. Added weight, shifts in posture, and hormonal changes that loosen ligaments can change the mechanical demands placed on the spine.
How Small Strains Add Up
Think about the bumps most of us collect over the years. Maybe you’ve sat down too hard, slipped and caught yourself with an outstretched arm, or bumped your head and felt it in your neck afterward. Repetitive motions count too, from household cleaning and tasks at work to hours spent looking down at a phone or laptop.
Signs It’s Time to Have Your Back Evaluated
Numbness, tingling, burning, or a pins-and-needles feeling that travels down your leg (or down your arm, if the concern involves your neck) deserves attention. These sensations may be related to an irritated nerve, disc problem, joint issue, or a combination of factors.
Waiting it out can be tempting. However, some problems may be developing before pain becomes noticeable. Persistent, changing, or worsening symptoms are worth evaluating rather than assuming they’ll resolve on their own.
When to seek emergency help: If back pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or leg weakness that is getting worse, go to the emergency room or call 911 right away. These can signal a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention.
How Disc Injuries Affect Everyday Life
A disc injury can affect far more than your back. Getting dressed, preparing a meal, lifting a grocery bag, rising from a chair, or sleeping comfortably may become difficult. Some people also start stepping away from favorite sports, hobbies, and time with friends and family.
“When pain or other symptoms keep hanging around, it’s worth finding out what may be behind them rather than simply hoping they’ll go away. By looking at how your spine is moving and addressing areas that aren’t moving well, we can work with your body and help you move toward better function.” —Peter Rehl, D.C.
Common Myths About Disc Herniations
“My Disc Slipped Out of Place.”
Spinal discs are firmly attached to the vertebrae above and below by strong fibers. They don’t simply slide out of position. Instead, disc material can bulge or push outward through the tougher outer layer, resulting in a herniation.
“Bed Rest Is the Best Cure.”
Long stretches of inactivity can weaken muscles and may lengthen recovery, while gentle movement is often encouraged when appropriate. Chiropractic adjustments are intended to improve joint motion where restricted movement is identified. Depending on your needs, care may also incorporate soft tissue work or cold laser therapy.
“An MRI Will Show Exactly What’s Wrong.”
Imaging has its place, but disc bulges or degenerative changes can also appear on scans in people who aren’t experiencing pain. An image doesn’t always tell the full story.
A chiropractic examination considers how your spine and body move and function, helping your chiropractor evaluate factors that may be related to your symptoms. If imaging or evaluation by another provider is warranted, we’ll let you know.
“Disc Injuries Always Need Surgery.”
Not every disc herniation requires surgery. Depending on the individual case, conservative approaches such as chiropractic care may be considered. Some people may also benefit from other healthcare providers, and our chiropractor co-manages with Bay Area providers when appropriate.
How the Structural Corrective Method Approaches Disc Injuries
At Structural Chiropractic, once a disc injury has been identified, the focus is on improving motion in joints that are restricted or not moving well. Dr. Rehl uses a blend of adjusting techniques with an emphasis on instrument-assisted adjustments, which can provide a gentler approach for sensitive or recently injured areas. Visits may also include soft tissue work or cold laser therapy, depending on your needs.
Moving slowly or guardedly? That’s okay. We take our time, and care is adapted to what your body can comfortably handle.
Looking Beyond Where It Hurts
The painful spot isn’t always the only area involved. The body can compensate for changes in movement and posture, placing added stress elsewhere.
A forward-leaning posture, for example, may be one factor associated with low back discomfort. Along with evaluating the painful area, our chiropractor may look at how you sit at your desk and suggest ergonomic changes. The goal is to consider other factors that may be involved rather than focusing only on where it hurts.
What to Avoid While Your Back Heals
Movements to Limit
- Bending and twisting. Chores like laundry, vacuuming, feeding pets, or leaning over a counter may round your back or twist your torso.
- Prolonged sitting. Try not to slouch, and get up to stretch or walk at least every 30 minutes.
- Heavy lifting and high-impact exercise. Depending on your injury, you may need to avoid deadlifts, heavier weights, running, jumping, and full sit-ups while the area is irritated.
Gentler Alternatives
When you need to bend, try hinging at your knees and hips rather than folding at the waist, while keeping your back in a comfortable, neutral position. Short walks on level ground or other gentle, pain-free activities, such as swimming, may also be more comfortable. If sitting bothers your back, a pillow behind your lower back may provide added support.
Don’t Let Back Pain Become Your New Normal
Persistent low back pain can start changing the way you move through your day. Rather than continuing to work around persistent or worsening symptoms, consider having them evaluated to find out what may be involved.
Chiropractic care focuses on improving motion in joints that aren’t moving as well as they should, with care based on your examination findings and individual needs. The goal is to help you work toward better function and a return to the people and activities that matter most to you.
Schedule Your Disc and Low Back Pain Evaluation