Georgetown Herniated Disc Pain Relief: Causes, Symptoms & Chiropractic Treatment Options

Herniated discs affect up to 2% of adults annually, causing sharp back pain that can radiate into legs or arms. For Georgetown residents seeking herniated disc pain relief, understanding this condition empowers better treatment choices. At Thomas Back and Body, we provide a custom treatment plan; including adjustments, muscle therapy, and exercise protocols; to target disc pressure and inflammation effectively.​

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc (also called slipped or bulging disc) occurs when the soft inner gel (nucleus pulposus) pushes through the tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus) of a spinal disc, often irritating nearby nerves. Most common in the lower back (lumbar) or neck (cervical), it rarely requires surgery—90% improve conservatively within 4-6 weeks. This mechanical and chemical irritation leads to inflammation, distinguishing it from simple back strain.​

Common Causes of Herniated Discs

Age-related disc dehydration weakens the annulus, making tears more likely after age 30-50. Sudden trauma (falls, lifts), repetitive bending/twisting (e.g., sports, manual work), poor posture, or obesity accelerate degeneration. Genetics and smoking also contribute by reducing disc nutrition. In Georgetown's active community, pickleball or shoveling snow often triggers acute episodes.​

Recognizing Herniated Disc Symptoms

Localized back/neck pain worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing. Radiculopathy (sciatica) causes shooting leg/arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Severe red flags include bowel/bladder loss or saddle numbness signaling cauda equina syndrome—seek emergency care. Symptoms vary; some feel only stiffness, others debilitating pain.​

Chiropractic Treatment Options: Georgetown Herniated Disc Pain Relief

Chiropractic provides Georgetown herniated disc pain relief through spinal adjustments reducing disc pressure, improving mobility, and easing nerve irritation. Evidence shows manipulation plus therapy matches surgery for pain/function at 1 year (Weinstein et al., 2006). Soft tissue work, traction, and stabilizing exercises address root causes, and promote natural resorption. Thomas Back and Body tailors plans to align with each patient's condition and health goals, avoiding drugs and surgery risks.​

Ready for relief? Contact Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown or book your free consultation/initial assessment today. Experience personalized chiropractic care for lasting herniated disc recovery.

References

Mayo Clinic. (2025). Herniated disk: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095

Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Herniated disk (slipped or bulging disk). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12768-herniated-disk

Weinstein, J. N., et al. (2006). Surgical vs nonoperative treatment for lumbar disk herniation: The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT). Spine, 31(20), 2331-2338.​

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2020). Herniated disk in the lower back. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/