Back pain can be debilitating, especially when it stems from a condition like a slipped disc (also known as a herniated disc or a prolapsed disc). If you’ve been struggling with this issue, you might be wondering whether a chiropractor can offer relief.
We explore what a slipped disc is, how they can be treated, what role chiropractic care can play in managing it, and how to know if this approach is right for you.
What Is a Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc occurs when one of the soft, gel-like cushions (discs) between the vertebrae in your spine bulges out or ruptures. This can happen due to aging, exercising too hard, improper lifting, trauma, or repetitive strain. When the disc herniates, it may press on nearby nerves which can lead to symptoms such as:
- Sharp or radiating pain (often down the leg or arm)
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced mobility
Slipped discs most commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) but can also affect the neck (cervical spine) or thoracic spine (mid-back).
How Is a Slipped Disc Treated?
Treatment of a slipped disc depends on the severity of the condition and the specific symptoms a patient is experiencing. A large percentage of people can recover without surgery, especially when treatment begins early. There are several slipped disc treatment options available.
Gentle Activity and Recovery
When a slipped disc first occurs, some rest is helpful, but too much can slow recovery by causing stiffness and muscle weakness. It’s best to avoid movements that worsen symptoms, like repetitive bending forwards, heavy lifting or twisting. Or put simply, any movement that increases the pain in the back or leg. It can be beneficial staying lightly active with low-impact exercises such as walking or stretching. Good posture and proper ergonomics during daily tasks also help reduce strain and support healing.
Hands on Therapy
Hands on therapy is a highly effective treatment for slipped discs, especially when tailored to your specific needs. An experienced therapist will guide you through stretching to ease muscle tension, strengthening exercises for the core and back to support spinal alignment, and postural training to prevent future issues.
Very gentle Manual therapy may be used, if appropriate, to relieve tightness or nerve pressure. This well-rounded approach not only reduces pain but also builds long-term spinal resilience.
Medication
Medication can help manage pain and inflammation, especially in the early stages of a slipped disc. Over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen often provide initial relief. However, in some cases, prescription medications like stronger anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications may be recommended.
In more severe cases, steroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation around the nerves and provide targeted relief.
While medication can ease symptoms, it doesn’t address the underlying cause, so it’s typically used alongside physical therapy or other treatments for a more comprehensive approach to recovery.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Alternating heat and cold packs can provide simple yet effective symptom relief and is used to reduce inflammation and improve circulation to the affected area. This approach is often recommended alongside rest and exercise as part of at-home self-care.
Cold therapy, such as applying ice packs, helps reduce inflammation and numb acute pain, especially within the first 48–72 hours after injury.
Heat therapy, using warm packs or heating pads, increases blood flow, relaxes tight muscles, and can help relieve chronic stiffness.
Surgery
Surgery is typically a last resort, recommended only if symptoms continue after months of conservative treatment, or if neurological issues like worsening weakness or numbness develop. Recovery from surgery can take weeks to months and often includes continued physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and function.
Where does Chiropractic Care Fit In?
Chiropractic care provides a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing slipped discs and can be an important part of a broader treatment plan. It focuses on improving spinal alignment, mobility, and overall nervous system health.
While chiropractors don’t directly “fix” the disc itself, they can help relieve the pressure it places on nearby nerves and tissues, which may reduce pain and improve function. By creating the best environment for the injury to heal, the problem can settle and the back strengthened with a view to preventing further relapses. This approach is especially appealing to patients looking for natural pain relief and alternatives to medication or surgery.
Chiropractic treatment can work alongside other therapies like physical therapy or serve as a standalone option for mild to moderate disc issues.
Chiropractic Techniques for Slipped Discs
Chiropractors use a variety of non-surgical, gentle techniques tailored to each patient’s condition. These may include:
- Spinal Decompression Therapy: Uses specialised equipment to gently stretch the spine, which may relieve pressure on the disc.
- Flexion-Distraction Technique: A gentle, controlled movement of the spine to help reposition the disc and relieve nerve pressure.
- Gentle Targeted Adjustments: Precise manual manipulations that improve overall spinal function without directly manipulating the herniated disc.
- Rehabilitative Exercises: Prescribed to strengthen core and back muscles, improve posture and reduce the risk of further injury.
- Dry needling and/or Non-Thermal Laser Therapy can be used to stimulate a positive response and acerbate a recovery process.
Before any treatment begins, a chiropractor will perform a thorough evaluation, to assess the
severity of the disc issue.
While chiropractic care is safe for many cases of slipped discs, it may not be suitable in more serious
situations, particularly when symptoms are severe or getting worse. You should seek immediate
medical attention if you experience:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Severe or worsening leg weakness.
- Intense, unrelenting pain.
- If the injury occurred after a serious incident like a car accident.
Chiropractic Care for Slipped Discs
Chiropractic care can be a valuable part of a non-surgical treatment plan for a slipped disc. Many people report decreased pain, improved movement, and faster recovery under a chiropractor’s care. However, it’s important to consult with a licensed provider, get a proper diagnosis, and determine whether chiropractic care is safe and suitable for your individual condition.
At Morley Chiropractic Clinic, we’ve been caring for our community since 1996. If you’re dealing with the pain of a slipped disc and unsure about your next steps, we’re here to help.
Once your condition has stabilised, our online Back Health Exercise Program is a great way to strengthen your spine and help prevent future relapses. Please note: this program is not a cure for slipped discs. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any new treatment or exercise plan.
Contact our experienced chiropractors today to discuss how we can support your recovery.
