Can a Chiropractor Fix a Herniated Disc? (With Chiropractic BioPhysics®)

If you’re dealing with a herniated disc, you’re probably wondering if chiropractic care can actually help.

The answer is yes – but it’s not quite as simple as “fixing” a disc like you’d repair a broken appliance. Let’s explore what really happens when we treat herniated discs with advanced chiropractic techniques like Chiropractic BioPhysics®.

Understanding Herniated Discs

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Think of your spinal discs as cushions between your vertebrae. Each disc has a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). When a disc herniates, the outer ring tears or weakens, allowing the inner gel to bulge out or leak.

This bulging material can press on nearby nerves. That’s when you experience the shooting pain, numbness, or weakness that makes daily activities feel impossible.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Herniated disc symptoms vary depending on the location and severity. However, we commonly see patients experiencing:

• Sharp, shooting pain that travels down your leg or arm
• Numbness or tingling in your extremities
• Muscle weakness that affects your grip or walking
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing
• Burning sensations along the nerve pathway

These symptoms are your body’s way of telling you something needs attention. Don’t ignore them.

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

• Lifestyle Factors (Sedentary Habits, Poor Posture): Sitting at desks for hours, hunching over phones, and maintaining poor posture puts constant pressure on our discs.
• Traumatic Injuries or Accidents: Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries can cause immediate disc damage. The sudden force overwhelms the disc’s ability to absorb shock, leading to tears and herniation.
• Repetitive Motion and Lifting: Jobs that require repetitive bending, twisting, or heavy lifting gradually wear down disc fibers. Each movement creates micro-tears that eventually weaken the disc structure.
• Genetic or Age-related Disc Degeneration

Diagnosis Before Chiropractic Care

Physical Examination and Postural Assessment

Before we can help you, we need to understand exactly what’s happening with your spine. Our comprehensive evaluation includes orthopedic and neurological tests to assess nerve function and identify the problem areas.

We also perform detailed postural analysis. Poor posture often contributes to disc problems, so understanding your spinal alignment is crucial for effective treatment.

Use of X-rays, MRI, and Digital Spinal Analysis

While MRI scans can show disc herniation, they don’t tell the whole story. We use advanced digital spinal analysis to measure your spine’s alignment and identify structural problems that contribute to disc stress.

This technology helps us create a precise treatment plan based on your specific spinal geometry.

Identifying Contraindications for Chiropractic Treatment

Not everyone is a candidate for chiropractic care. We carefully screen for conditions that might make treatment unsafe, such as:

• Severe neurological deficits
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Fractures or infections
• Certain types of tumors

Your safety is our top priority. If we determine that chiropractic care isn’t appropriate for your condition, we’ll refer you to the right specialist.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP) for Herniated Discs

What Makes CBP Different From Traditional Chiropractic?

While traditional chiropractic focuses on individual joint adjustments, CBP takes a whole-spine approach. We look at your entire spinal structure and work to restore ideal alignment.

CBP recognizes that your spine has specific curves for a reason. When these curves are lost or reversed, it creates abnormal stress on your discs and nerves.

Scientific Research Behind CBP

CBP is the most researched chiropractic technique in the world. Dr. Deed Harrison’s studies demonstrate that proper spinal alignment can actually improve disc height and reduce herniation over time.

Research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science shows that CBP methods can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with disc problems.

How CBP Focuses on Structural Correction

Instead of just treating symptoms, CBP addresses the root cause of disc problems. We use specific adjustments, traction, and exercises to:

• Restore normal spinal curves
• Reduce abnormal disc pressure
• Improve nerve function
• Create long-term spinal stability

This comprehensive approach gives your discs the best possible environment for healing.

Treatment Methods Chiropractors Use for Herniated Discs

Spinal Adjustments and Manual Techniques

Gentle, specific adjustments help restore proper joint movement and reduce nerve pressure. We use techniques that are comfortable and safe for patients with disc problems.

These adjustments aren’t the “cracking” you might expect. Instead, they’re precise movements designed to improve spinal function without causing additional stress.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

This technique gently stretches the spine to create negative pressure within the disc. This negative pressure can help draw herniated material back into the disc and promote healing.

Postural Rehabilitation and Mirror Image Exercises (CBP-specific)

CBP uses “mirror image” exercises that are specifically designed to correct your unique spinal misalignment. If your spine curves too much to the left, we’ll give you exercises that encourage it to curve to the right.

These exercises help retrain your spine to maintain proper alignment between treatments.

Vibration Therapy and Laser Therapy

We use advanced therapeutic modalities to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Vibration therapy helps improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, while laser therapy can accelerate tissue repair at the cellular level.

Soft Tissue Work (Massage, Myofascial Release)

Tight muscles and fascia can contribute to disc problems. We use various soft tissue techniques to release tension and improve flexibility around the spine.

This work complements our structural correction approach and helps maintain the improvements we achieve.

Chiropractic vs. Surgery for Herniated Discs

Here’s an honest comparison between chiropractic care and surgical intervention:

Schedule a Consultation with a CBP Chiropractor Today

If you’re tired of living with disc pain and want to explore a natural, non-surgical solution, we’re here to help. At Chiropractic First in Redding, we specialize in advanced CBP techniques that can help restore your spine’s health.

Don’t let a herniated disc control your life. Our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if CBP is right for your specific condition.

Located conveniently in Redding, California, we’ve helped hundreds of patients avoid surgery and return to the activities they love. Your journey to better spinal health starts with a single phone call.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how Chiropractic BioPhysics® can help heal your herniated disc naturally.