Pinched Nerve & Disc Pain
What it feels like
- Sharp or burning pain that travels into an arm or leg
- Numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in the hand or foot
- Pain worse with certain positions, coughing, or sitting
Common causes
- Disc bulge or herniation
- Degenerative disc changes and bone spurs narrowing the nerve opening
- Muscle tension and joint restriction compressing the nerve
What we check at your first visit
- Health history and where the pain, numbness, or tingling travels
- Regional exam of the neck or low back, including orthopedic and neurological testing
- Review of any MRI or X-ray you bring
How we treat it at Revival Chiropractic
- Flexion-distraction and cervical decompression
- Low-force adjusting near the irritated level
- Nerve glides (flossing) and positional relief
- At home Dennerroll use
What to expect
- Pain often centralizes before it resolves
- Disc cases usually need 6 to 12 weeks; progress is checked with repeat neuro testing
When we refer out
- Progressive weakness, loss of coordination, or bladder and bowel changes
- No improvement after 4 to 6 weeks (MRI, pain management, or surgical consult)
FAQs
What is the difference between a bulging and herniated disc? A bulge is when the disc's outer wall spreads out evenly, like a tire low on air. A herniation is when inner disc material pushes through a tear in that wall. Either can irritate a nerve, but many show up on MRIs of people with no pain at all.
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery? Often, yes. Research shows many herniations shrink on their own over weeks to months. Conservative care aims to calm the nerve and keep you moving while that happens.
Is it safe to get adjusted with a disc injury? With the right technique, yes. We use gentle options like flexion-distraction and low-force adjusting near the injured level, and avoid positions that aggravate your symptoms. If your exam shows warning signs, we refer first.
Do I need an MRI? Not usually at the start. An MRI makes sense if you have progressive weakness, bladder or bowel changes, or you aren't improving after 4 to 6 weeks of care. We'll tell you if you reach that point.
Suggested sources: NICE NG59 (low back pain and sciatica); Bussières et al. (2016) neck pain guideline for neck-related arm pain
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new healthcare regimen. Never delay seeking treatment or disregard medical advice based on information provided here. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.