Should You See a Chiropractor for a Herniated Disc?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc or are experiencing persistent back or neck pain, you may be exploring different treatment options. One common question is: Should I see a chiropractor for a herniated disc?

This blog walks you through what a herniated disc is, whether chiropractic care is appropriate, and what alternatives or supportive treatments might be better depending on your condition.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc) happens when the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as:

• Sharp or radiating pain (especially in the lower back or neck)
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, or lifting

Can a Chiropractor Help with a Herniated Disc?

In some cases, yes but not always.

In certain cases, chiropractic techniques may help relieve pressure on spinal nerves, reduce inflammation, and improve spinal mobility. However, the suitability of chiropractic care depends on the severity and exact location of the herniated disc.

A licensed chiropractor will first conduct a thorough evaluation, often including imaging (like MRI or X-rays), to ensure that chiropractic care is safe for you. For other spinal issues like scoliosis or lower back pain, chiropractic care may also help.

When Chiropractic Care May Not Be Appropriate

There are certain cases where seeing a chiropractor may not be the best first step, such as:

• Severe disc herniation with significant nerve compression
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (cauda equina syndrome – medical emergency)
• Spinal fractures or tumors
• Recent spinal surgery
• Active infection or osteoporosis

In these situations, it’s better to consult a spine specialist, neurologist, or orthopedic surgeon first.

Chiropractic vs. Physiotherapy for Herniated Discs

Many patients benefit from a combined approach, especially for moderate cases. Both chiropractic care and physiotherapy can offer relief, but they differ in approach:

Chiropractic Approach	Physiotherapy Approach
Focuses on spinal alignment	Focuses on strengthening and rehab
Manual adjustments	Guided exercises and posture training
May offer symptom relief in the short term (depending on the condition)	Aims for long-term functional recovery

What to Expect at Your First Visit

At Physioveda, during your first appointment, we will: 

• Review your medical history
• Perform a physical and neurological exam
• Order imaging (if needed)
• Create a personalized treatment plan (which may include chiropractic care, physiotherapy, or a combination of both based on your condition and needs)

Chiropractic Techniques for Herniated Discs

Chiropractors do not “pop the disc back in” that’s a myth. Instead, they focus on improving spinal alignment and reducing nerve pressure.

Here are some methods they may use:

1. Flexion-Distraction Technique

• A gentle, hands-on technique using a specialized table
• Creates space between vertebrae to reduce pressure on the disc
• Often used for lumbar (lower back) disc issues

2. Pelvic Blocking

• Uses cushioned wedges to shift body positioning
• Helps relieve nerve irritation caused by herniation

3. Therapeutic Exercises

• Chiropractors may recommend stretches and exercises
• Aims to strengthen spinal support muscles and prevent recurrence

⚠️ Note: If you have progressive neurological symptoms (e.g., worsening weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control), chiropractic adjustments may not be safe. You should seek immediate medical care.

Final Takeaway

Chiropractic care may play a helpful role in managing a herniated disc when properly assessed. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, it can support pain relief, mobility, and overall function in the right cases.

However, it’s essential to have a thorough evaluation first. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider, especially if your symptoms are severe or worsening, to ensure that chiropractic care is appropriate and safe for your condition.