Herniated & Bulging Disc Treatment in Walnut Creek, California
Back or Neck Pain With Tingling, Numbness or Pain Traveling Into an Arm or Leg?
Maybe your back started hurting suddenly.
Or perhaps you've had an ache for a while, but now you're noticing something different—pain traveling down your leg, tingling into your foot, discomfort extending into an arm, or numbness that makes you wonder whether something more is going on.
Maybe you've already had an MRI and were told you have a herniated disc or bulging disc.
Those words can sound frightening.
But a disc finding on an imaging report doesn't automatically tell us how much pain you should have, whether the disc is actually causing your symptoms, or what treatment you need.
At Stojanovich Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. evaluates patients with back pain, neck pain, radiating symptoms, and known or suspected disc-related concerns to determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate or whether additional medical evaluation, imaging, or referral should come first.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Between the bones of your spine are intervertebral discs that help provide cushioning and allow movement between spinal segments.
Each disc has a tougher outer portion surrounding a softer inner material.
A disc herniation occurs when disc material extends through or beyond the outer portion of the disc.
Depending on its location and other factors, a herniated disc may irritate or compress a nearby nerve.
When that happens, symptoms may extend beyond the neck or back itself.
But here's something important:
Not every herniated disc causes symptoms.
Disc changes can sometimes appear on imaging in people who aren't experiencing pain at all.
That's why Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. evaluates the person—not simply the MRI report.
Herniated Disc vs. Bulging Disc: What's the Difference?
People often use “bulging disc” and “herniated disc” interchangeably, but they don't describe exactly the same thing.
A disc bulge generally refers to disc tissue extending beyond its usual boundary over a broader portion of the disc.
A disc herniation generally involves a more localized displacement of disc material.
There are additional medical classifications, and imaging reports can use terminology that isn't particularly meaningful to someone reading it for the first time.
The terminology matters less to you than the bigger question:
Does the imaging finding correspond with your symptoms and examination?
An MRI should be interpreted within the context of what's actually happening with you.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
There isn't one universal set of symptoms.
Some people with a disc herniation have primarily back or neck pain.
If a spinal nerve is affected, symptoms may travel along the pathway of that nerve.
Depending on the location and individual circumstances, symptoms can include:
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Lower-back or neck discomfort
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Pain traveling into an arm or leg
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Tingling or “pins and needles”
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Numbness
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Changes in sensation
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Muscle weakness
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Discomfort that changes with certain positions or movements
Some people experience significant symptoms.
Others have relatively mild symptoms—or none at all.
That's another reason symptoms shouldn't be diagnosed from an imaging finding alone.
Can a Herniated Disc Cause Sciatica?
It can.
Sciatica refers to symptoms involving the sciatic nerve or its contributing nerve roots, often producing pain, tingling, numbness, or other symptoms extending from the lower back or buttock into the leg.
A lumbar disc herniation is one possible cause of sciatica.
But it isn't the only possible cause of pain traveling down the leg.
If you're experiencing what you think is sciatica, Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether the presentation appears consistent with a musculoskeletal or nerve-related problem appropriate for chiropractic care or whether additional evaluation may be necessary.
Cervical Herniated Discs and Symptoms Into the Arm
Disc problems can also occur in the cervical spine the neck.
When a cervical disc affects a nearby nerve root, symptoms may extend into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.
You may notice pain, tingling, numbness, altered sensation, or weakness.
But arm and hand symptoms can have several different causes.
That's why it's important not to assume that every tingling hand means you have a herniated disc—or that every cervical disc finding on an MRI explains your symptoms.
An appropriate evaluation helps put those pieces together.
Why Does My Herniated Disc Hurt When I Sit, Drive or Bend?
Disc-related symptoms can sometimes change depending on body position, movement, activity, and the structures involved.
You might notice discomfort while sitting for extended periods.
Driving may become uncomfortable.
Bending, lifting, coughing, sneezing, exercising, or transitioning between positions may affect symptoms in some people.
Rather than trying to avoid every movement that produces discomfort indefinitely, an evaluation can help identify which activities appear relevant and what modifications may be appropriate while your condition is being addressed.
What Happens During a Herniated Disc Chiropractic Evaluation?
Your evaluation begins with your story.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. will want to know:
When did this start?
Where do you feel the symptoms?
Does anything travel into an arm or leg?
Are you experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness?
Which movements or positions make things better or worse?
Was there an injury?
Have you already had X-rays, an MRI, or another evaluation?
Your examination may include assessment of spinal and extremity movement, musculoskeletal function, strength, sensation, reflexes, or other neurological findings when appropriate.
If you already have imaging, bring the report and available images with you.
The goal is to determine whether your symptoms and examination findings appear consistent with the imaging and, most importantly, what should happen next.
Do I Need an MRI for a Herniated Disc?
Not everyone with back or neck pain needs an MRI.
Imaging decisions depend on your symptoms, examination findings, health history, duration and progression of symptoms, previous injuries, neurological findings, and other clinical considerations.
If Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. believes diagnostic imaging is appropriate, he can discuss the next step or refer you for imaging when necessary.
If you've already had an MRI, reviewing the findings in the context of your symptoms can be an important part of understanding what's actually relevant.
Chiropractic Care for Herniated and Bulging Discs
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain patients with back or neck pain associated with disc-related conditions.
But there isn't one adjustment or treatment protocol that's appropriate for every disc problem.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. considers your symptoms, examination findings, neurological status, health history, imaging when available and relevant, and overall clinical picture before recommending care.
Treatment may involve chiropractic techniques selected for your individual situation and may include appropriate supportive therapies or movement recommendations.
The goal is not to “push the disc back into place.”
That's not an accurate description of chiropractic treatment for a herniated disc.
Instead, care focuses on appropriately managing the musculoskeletal condition, supporting function and movement, monitoring your response, and recognizing when another type of care is needed.
Supportive Therapies for Disc-Related Back or Neck Pain
Depending on your individual needs, Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. may incorporate supportive therapies alongside chiropractic care.
Stojanovich Chiropractic offers several modalities, including intersegmental traction and other therapeutic options.
That does not mean every patient with a herniated disc should receive traction, laser therapy, ultrasound, or any particular treatment.
Treatment decisions depend on the location and nature of the problem, your examination findings, your health history, and how you're responding to care.
Can Intersegmental Traction Help a Herniated Disc?
Intersegmental traction is sometimes considered as part of conservative care for certain spinal conditions, but it isn't appropriate for every person with a disc herniation.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. first evaluates the nature of your symptoms and determines whether traction may be appropriate for your individual situation.
This is another reason we don't want patients choosing treatments based solely on an MRI report or a diagnosis they found online.
The treatment needs to fit the patient.
When Herniated Disc Symptoms Need Urgent Medical Attention
Most episodes of back or neck pain don't represent a medical emergency.
However, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.
Seek urgent or emergency medical attention if back or neck symptoms are accompanied by concerning changes such as:
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New loss of bladder or bowel control
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Numbness around the groin, inner thighs, or saddle area
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Severe or rapidly progressing weakness
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Significant difficulty walking or coordinating movement
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Symptoms following major trauma
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Other sudden or severe neurological changes
These aren't symptoms to wait on or simply treat as routine back pain.
If you're uncertain about the urgency of a new or rapidly changing symptom, seek appropriate medical evaluation.
Does a Herniated Disc Mean I'll Need Surgery?
No, not automatically.
Being told that you have a herniated disc does not by itself mean surgery is inevitable.
Treatment decisions depend on many factors, including your symptoms, neurological findings, severity, duration, functional limitations, imaging findings, response to conservative care, and overall health.
Some situations do require surgical consultation or other medical intervention.
Others may be managed conservatively.
The important thing is determining which situation you're in rather than assuming the worst because of two words on an MRI report.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated and Bulging Discs
Is a Bulging Disc the Same as a Herniated Disc?
Not exactly. Both describe changes involving an intervertebral disc, but the terms refer to different patterns of disc displacement. Your symptoms and examination are often more important to treatment decisions than the terminology alone.
Can You Have a Herniated Disc Without Pain?
Yes. Disc abnormalities can appear on imaging in people who aren't experiencing symptoms. An imaging finding should be interpreted alongside your symptoms and physical examination.
Can a Herniated Disc Cause Sciatica?
Yes. A lumbar disc herniation can irritate or compress a nerve root and contribute to sciatic symptoms, but there are other possible causes of leg pain and tingling.
Can a Herniated Disc Cause Numbness or Tingling?
If a disc problem affects a nearby nerve, numbness, tingling, altered sensation, pain, or weakness may occur along the nerve's distribution.
Can a Chiropractor Treat a Herniated Disc?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain patients with disc-related musculoskeletal complaints. An examination helps determine whether chiropractic treatment is suitable or whether imaging, medical evaluation, or referral is indicated.
Can Chiropractic Put a Herniated Disc Back in Place?
That's not an accurate way to describe chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic adjustments do not simply “push” a herniated disc back into position.
Do I Need an MRI Before Seeing a Chiropractor?
Not necessarily. Imaging isn't required for every case of back or neck pain. Dr. Stojanovich can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether existing imaging should be reviewed or additional imaging may be appropriate.
Does a Herniated Disc Always Require Surgery?
No. A herniated disc does not automatically mean surgery is necessary. Treatment decisions depend on the individual clinical situation.
Herniated Disc Treatment in Walnut Creek, California
If you've been told you have a herniated or bulging disc or you're experiencing back or neck pain with symptoms traveling into an arm or leg; you don't have to interpret everything on your own.
And you don't have to assume the worst because of something written on an imaging report.
With more than 27 years in practice, Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. evaluates musculoskeletal and spinal concerns for patients in Walnut Creek and surrounding Contra Costa County and East Bay communities.
Contact Stojanovich Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation and determine the appropriate next step for your herniated or bulging disc concerns.
