Herniated Disc in Chalfont

Herniated Disc Specialist

Call it what you will — a pinched nerve, a bulging disc, or the more medical term, a herniated disc — it still hurts. And it’s time to stop living with the pain. Dr. Jerry Schaeffer at the Hilltown Family Chiropractic in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, offers a number of chiropractic solutions for a variety of ailments, including bulging or herniated discs. Call today or book an appointment online to find relief for your back pain.

Herniated Disc Q & A

Does a “bulging disc” actually bulge?

When you have a bulging disc, the soft material inside the disc is actually leaking out and irritating the nerves of the spine. So yes, it does indeed bulge.

With a bulging (or herniated) disc, you may be able to see it when you stand up, but it may not be visible while seated. If the disc is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve in your lower back — the largest nerve in your body — it is called sciatica.

The space between the disc in the spine is what needs treating, and chiropractic techniques have been perfected to deal with it successfully, avoiding invasive surgery.

What causes the pain of a herniated disc?

The disc itself is not causing the pain, it is the sac or bulge pressing against the nearby nerve that hurts. That irritation causes the pinched nerve feeling that can radiate down the leg, up the neck, or all over the body.

How does a chiropractor treat a bulging disc?

A chiropractor like Dr. Schaefer has a lot of tools to deal with problems involving a bulging disc. The process typically involves:

• Medical history: It’s important to review other possible causes.
• Physical examination: Dr. Schaeffer needs to test your range of motion, muscle strength, and pain areas.
• Diagnostic tests: An MRI, CT scan, or discogram may be necessary.
• Spinal decompression: Dr. Schaeffer may recommend using the table to help relieve some of the pressure.
• Spine adjustments: Dr. Schaeffer may perform manipulations.