DISC PAIN

Your spinal discs are vital to your mobility and overall spinal health.

They connect and cushion your vertebrae while providing flexibility and shock absorption.

Each disc has two key parts:

• The outer ring of tough cartilage that supports your spine

• The inner jelly-like centre that allows movement and flexibility

Over time, injuries, poor posture, and spinal misalignment can cause these discs to deteriorate or shift out of place.

A herniated disc occurs when the inner “jelly” pushes through a tear in the outer wall, irritating nearby spinal nerves.

This often leads to intense back or leg pain, known as sciatica. It’s most common between the ages of 35–50.

A bulging disc happens when the disc wall weakens or bulges outward, but the jelly-like centre (the nucleus pulposus) doesn’t break through. This can still cause pain, stiffness, and nerve irritation.

The leading research journal SPINE recommends chiropractic adjustments for back pain.

Chiropractic care has been shown to:

• Provide significantly more relief than medications

• Be as effective as surgery for some herniated disc cases*

*Science Source:

Spinal High-Velocity Low Amplitude Manipulation in Acute Nonspecific Low Back Pain. SPINE. 2013

Manipulation or Microdiskectomy for Sciatica? A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2010

Healthy spinal discs depend on:

• A well-aligned spine

• Strong supporting muscles

• Full range of motion

The Best Approach:

1. Chiropractic Care Adjustments gently restore proper spinal alignment and movement — reducing nerve irritation and improving disc health.

2. Walking A simple, low-impact exercise that promotes muscular strength, spinal flexibility, and circulation.

Together, these can help you recover faster and get back to doing what you love — sooner rather than later.