Herniated Disc Treatment in Chicago
Herniated disc pain can be alarming, often requiring comprehensive back pain treatment, especially when it causes numbness, weakness, or pain that travels into the arms or legs. Many patients arrive unsure whether surgery is their only option or why symptoms appeared so suddenly.
Dr. Elissa Grossman, DC, a trusted Chicago chiropractor, has helped patients across all stages of herniated disc conditions.
Every treatment plan is based on clinical findings, not assumptions, and adjusted to your comfort level.
Call (312) 248-3002 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Common Causes of a Herniated Disc
Herniated discs often develop over time rather than from one single event. Common causes include:
- Repetitive lifting or bending
- Poor posture over long periods
- Prolonged sitting
- Sudden twisting movements
- Spinal misalignment
- Age related disc changes
- Previous back or neck injuries
Often, a small movement triggers pain after the disc has already weakened.
How a Herniated Disc Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a detailed evaluation at Chiropractic Chicago. This may include:
- Review of symptoms and health history
- Postural assessment
- Range of motion testing
- Neurological screening
- Orthopedic testing
- Digital X rays when appropriate
Dr. Elissa Grossman, DC explains findings clearly so patients understand what is causing their symptoms.
Our Approach to Herniated Disc Treatment
Treatment is personalized and based on how the disc and surrounding tissues are functioning. Your care plan may include:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments
- Techniques to reduce spinal stress
- Movement and activity guidance
- Posture education
- Supportive exercises when appropriate
The goal is to support healing while protecting the disc and surrounding nerves.
Herniated Disc Patient Case Studies
Herniated Disc With Severe Leg Pain & Difficulty Walking
Patient Info: An adult male in his 50s came in after struggling with ongoing lower back and leg pain that had gradually worsened. Over time, the pain made it difficult for him to walk properly and sit comfortably.
Symptoms: He had constant lower back pain with sharp shooting pain traveling down one leg. Walking even short distances and sitting for long periods were uncomfortable.
Root Cause Analysis: The exam showed that long-term wear and tear in the lower back had weakened the spinal discs over time. This led to a herniated disc that pressed on nearby nerves, causing leg pain and making walking difficult.
Treatment Plan: Spinal adjustments were performed using a specialized table to gently stretch and flex the spine, along with supportive physiotherapy. We also gave him simple exercises and stretches to do at home to support healing and improve mobility.
Outcome: Within about one month, he was able to walk, sit, and move comfortably allowing him to return to daily activities with greater ease.
Patient Feedback: The patient shared that his pain reduced far more than he anticipated. He felt more confident in his movement and ability to work again.
Herniated Disc With Constant, Unrelenting Pain
Patient Info: An adult patient came in with more intense and ongoing pain than is typically seen with mild disc issues. The symptoms were severe and affected comfort throughout the day.
Symptoms: The patient experienced constant pain with little relief in any position. Sitting, standing, or lying down was uncomfortable, with symptoms similar to nerve-related leg pain.
Root Cause Analysis: The exam and X-rays suggested a spinal disc problem. We ordered an MRI which confirmed a herniated disc, where the disc material had moved out of place and increased pressure on nearby nerves.
Treatment Plan: Care began with a more focused and gradual approach due to the severity of symptoms. Treatment included chiropractic adjustments, spinal traction to reduce disc pressure, therapeutic massage, and supportive nutritional guidance.
Outcome: The condition responded well to conservative care without the need for immediate surgery. Treatment focused on relieving nerve pressure, improving stability, and protecting long-term nerve health.
Patient Feedback: The patient reported improved comfort with daily positions and activities. As care progressed, the constant pain eased, and they felt reassured that surgery was not automatically required.
Herniated Disc Patient Testimonials & Reviews
Herniated Disc Treatment Specialists in Chicago
Dr. Elissa Grossman, DC has experience treating herniated disc conditions in patients of all ages throughout Chicago. At Chiropractic Chicago, care is focused on precision, safety, and helping patients truly understand what’s going on with their spine.
Dr. Grossman takes a collaborative, non-surgical approach—guiding patients through appropriate conservative care while explaining how posture, movement patterns, and spinal mechanics affect disc health. The goal is not just symptom relief, but helping patients move better and protect their spine long-term.
Book Complimentary Consultation for Herniated Disc Treatment in Chicago
If you are experiencing disc-related pain or nerve symptoms, a professional evaluation can help clarify your options. Call (312) 248-3002 or Book Online using the booking tool below:
Herniated Disc Treatment FAQs
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Many herniated discs improve with conservative care focused on spinal mechanics and movement support.
How long does herniated disc treatment take?
Treatment length depends on disc severity, symptom duration, and individual healing response.
What activities should I avoid with a herniated disc?
Activities involving heavy lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting may need modification during care.
When Should You Seek Treatment for a Herniated Disc?
Evaluation is recommended if pain travels into the arms or legs, numbness develops, or symptoms persist.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes outward through its outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves and lead to pain, tingling, or weakness.
Herniated discs most commonly affect the lower back or neck but can occur anywhere along the spine.
Understanding Herniated Disc vs. Bulging Disc
A bulging disc occurs when the disc extends outward evenly without tearing.
A herniated disc involves a tear or rupture in the disc’s outer layer, allowing inner material to push out.
Herniated discs are more likely to cause nerve irritation and noticeable symptoms.
Signs of Nerve Compression
When a disc presses on a nerve, sciatica treatment may be needed as symptoms may include sharp or burning pain, pain traveling into the arm or leg.
- Sharp or burning pain
- Pain traveling into the arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Changes in reflexes
- Pain that worsens with sitting or movement
These signs indicate the need for professional evaluation.
Benefits of Chiropractic Herniated Disc Treatment
Chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal mechanics and reducing stress on the affected disc.
Potential benefits include:
- Reduced pressure on spinal nerves
- Improved spinal movement
- Decreased muscle guarding
- Better posture and spinal support
- Improved function during daily activities
Care is always tailored to the location and severity of the disc injury.
