Bulging & Herniated Disc Chiropractor in Omaha
(402) 934-4220
BULGING & HERNIATED DISCS • CAUSES & TREATMENT
Is a disc causing your back, neck or limb pain?
A bulging or herniated disc can irritate a nearby nerve and cause pain in the back or neck, or symptoms that travel into an arm or leg. A disc change on a scan does not automatically explain your pain. The symptoms, examination and imaging findings need to fit together. At Life Source Chiropractic in Omaha, Dr. Jason Wiese evaluates your movement and nerve function to help identify the source and determine which care options are appropriate.What is the difference between a bulging and herniated disc?
Spinal discs cushion the bones of your spine. Their outer ring surrounds a softer center. Both bulges and herniations describe changes in the disc’s shape, but they are different findings.
Bulging disc
A bulge extends beyond the usual disc boundary over a broad area. It can occur with age-related disc changes and may cause no symptoms. It becomes more relevant when it matches your symptoms and affects nearby structures.
Herniated disc
A herniation is a more localized displacement of disc material. It may irritate or compress a nearby nerve root, producing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. Often called a slipped or ruptured disc, it does not mean the entire disc has slipped out of place.
Find the right next step
Let’s understand whether a disc is contributing to your symptoms and find a plan that supports more comfortable movement.
Dr. Jason Wiese has cared for Omaha-area patients since 2006. Our office is near 156th and Maple.
How do we know if your pain is coming from a disc?
The first step is to connect your symptoms with what we find during an examination. Where the pain travels, what changes it and whether strength or sensation has changed all help guide the evaluation. A disc, a spinal joint and a muscle can produce overlapping complaints. We review your history, assess movement and check nerve function, including strength, sensation and reflexes. Imaging may be recommended when it would help guide care. An MRI can show discs and nerves; an X-ray alone cannot confirm a disc herniation. Findings should match the clinical picture.Watch Dr. Jason Wiese explain disc-related pain
In this short video, Dr. Wiese explains how we assess whether pain may be coming from a disc.What symptoms can a bulging or herniated disc cause?
- Lower back and leg symptoms: pain may travel into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot. Sciatica can occur when a lower-back nerve root is irritated.
- Neck and arm symptoms: pain may extend into the shoulder, arm or hand, sometimes with tingling or numbness.
- Changes in strength or sensation: weakness or persistent numbness deserves assessment.
What care options are available for disc-related pain?
A useful plan starts with your symptoms, examination and goals. At Life Source Chiropractic, The Paragon Method coordinates care options according to what is appropriate for you. Progress is judged by changes in comfort, movement and daily function.Chiropractic care for appropriate spinal complaints
Best suited to: selected mechanical spinal pain and some disc-related complaints after assessment.
Chiropractic care may help improve movement and reduce pain. A randomized trial found pain benefits from spinal manipulation in selected patients with acute sciatica and disc protrusion.[1] A second randomized trial found that adding spinal manipulation to physiotherapy improved pain and disability in patients with subacute or chronic lumbar radiculopathy (nerve-root symptoms).[2] These findings support chiropractic care as an option for selected patients. Techniques are chosen according to your examination and health history.
Non-surgical spinal decompression
Best suited to: selected spine-related symptoms when traction is appropriate.
Spinal decompression in Omaha uses controlled traction and may be considered as part of your care plan. In a 2022 randomized trial of patients with subacute lumbar disc herniation, decompression produced less leg pain at two months and better disability scores at two and three months than sham treatment.[3] This small study supports consideration for selected patients; results depend on the treatment protocol and individual condition. We assess suitability and monitor your response.
Targeted exercise and rehabilitation
Best suited to: rebuilding comfortable movement and capacity for daily activities.
Your program can include mobility, gradual strengthening and guidance for sitting, lifting and returning to activity. Exercises are adjusted to your response rather than prescribed solely from the wording of a scan.
Referral when another approach is needed
Best suited to: symptoms or findings that require additional medical evaluation.
Care may involve your medical clinician or a spine specialist. Medication, injections or surgery can be appropriate in some situations. We recommend referral when the findings or your progress call for it.
Bulging and herniated discs: common questions
Does a bulging disc always cause pain?
No. The scan finding needs to be considered alongside your symptoms and examination. Other tissues can also contribute to pain.Can a disc cause leg pain without much back pain?
Yes. Irritation of a nerve root in the lower back can make the leg symptoms more noticeable than back pain. The location alone does not confirm the cause.Do I need an MRI before chiropractic care?
Not always. The history and examination help determine whether imaging is needed. An MRI may be useful when it would change treatment or when concerning findings need further evaluation.Will I need surgery for a herniated disc?
Many people improve with non-surgical care. Surgery may be considered for persistent disabling symptoms or important neurological findings. Urgent symptoms require immediate medical assessment.How long will it take to feel better?
Recovery varies. The duration and severity of symptoms, nerve involvement and response to care all matter. We reassess your progress and adjust the plan when needed.
When to seek urgent medical care: New loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or new or progressive arm or leg weakness needs urgent medical evaluation.
Bulging and herniated disc care in Omaha
Dr. Jason Wiese has cared for Omaha-area patients since 2006. Life Source Chiropractic is at 15475 Ruggles St, Suite 110, Omaha, NE 68116, near 156th and Maple, convenient to West Omaha, Elkhorn and Bennington. Schedule an evaluation to understand your symptoms and discuss the next step.
Treatment research: [1] Trial of spinal manipulation for acute sciatica with disc protrusion · [2] 2021 trial of spinal manipulation added to physiotherapy for lumbar radiculopathy · [3] 2022 randomized trial of non-surgical decompression for lumbar disc herniation
Disc condition information: AANS: Herniated disc overview · MedlinePlus: Herniated disk
Disc condition information: AANS: Herniated disc overview · MedlinePlus: Herniated disk