Herniated Disc Treatment in Portland & Hood River

What is herniated disc?

Each spinal disc has a tough, fibrous outer ring (the annulus) and a soft, gel-like center (the nucleus). A herniated disc is when part of that center pushes out through a tear or weak spot in the ring. The displaced material can press on, or chemically irritate, a nearby spinal nerve root.

Herniations are most common in the lower back (lumbar spine), especially at the L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels, and in the neck (cervical spine). Many people have disc herniations on an MRI without any pain at all, so imaging findings always need to be matched to your symptoms and exam.

Common symptoms of herniated disc

• Low back or neck pain, sometimes sharp and worse with sitting, bending or coughing
• Pain that travels into the buttock and leg (sciatica) with a lumbar herniation
• Pain that travels into the shoulder blade, arm or hand with a cervical herniation
• Numbness, tingling or "pins and needles" in the leg, foot, arm or fingers
• Muscle weakness in the affected limb
• Pain that changes with position — often easier lying down or walking than sitting

What causes herniated disc?

Most herniations come from gradual, age-related wear combined with a load that the disc can't handle that day — lifting while bent and twisted, a long drive, or even a sneeze. Discs lose water content with age, which makes the outer ring less resilient.

Risk rises with repetitive lifting, prolonged sitting, smoking (which reduces disc nutrition), excess body weight and family history. A single injury can cause a herniation, but often it is the "last straw" on a disc that was already weakened.

Herniated vs. bulging vs. slipped disc: what's the difference?

A bulging disc spreads outward evenly around its edge, like a hamburger that's too big for the bun, while the outer ring stays intact. A herniated disc has a tear in the outer ring that lets the inner material push out in one spot. "Slipped disc" is a common but inaccurate name for a herniation — discs don't actually slip.

Both can be painless or painful. Herniations are more likely to irritate a nerve root. See our page on bulging discs for more on that condition.

When is surgery considered for a herniated disc?

Surgery is usually considered when there is severe or worsening weakness, signs of cauda equina syndrome (an emergency), or disabling pain that hasn't improved after a reasonable period of conservative care. Many people never need surgery. If your exam suggests a surgical consultation is appropriate, we'll tell you and help you find the right specialist.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most herniated disc is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to urinate
• Numbness in the groin, genitals or inner thighs ("saddle" numbness)
• Leg or arm weakness that is getting worse, or foot drop
• Back pain with fever, chills or a history of IV drug use or recent infection
• Pain after a significant fall, car crash or other trauma
• Back pain with unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer

How chiropractic care may help herniated disc

Chiropractic care for a herniated disc starts with finding which disc level and nerve are involved and which movements ease or aggravate your pain. Your doctor then uses gentle techniques chosen to avoid stressing the disc, along with positions and exercises that may help calm the nerve.

At our Portland clinic, Dr. Craig may combine chiropractic adjustments with DRX9000 spinal decompression, which is designed to reduce pressure on the disc and nerve. In Hood River, Dr. Alvis treats herniated discs with chiropractic care and can refer you to Portland for decompression when your exam suggests it may help. StemWave may be used for surrounding muscle tension.

Services used for herniated disc:

• Spinal Decompression (Portland)
• Chiropractic Adjustments

Is spinal decompression right for herniated disc?

Spinal decompression may be a good fit if you have a confirmed or suspected lumbar or cervical herniation with back, neck, leg or arm pain, especially if it has lasted several weeks and other conservative care hasn't helped enough. It is designed to create negative pressure in the disc, which may help reduce pressure on the nerve.

Decompression is generally not appropriate during pregnancy, after spinal fusion or with surgical hardware in the treatment area, or with spinal fracture, tumor, severe osteoporosis, advanced infection or an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Candidacy is always decided at an exam.

Portland only: DRX9000 spinal decompression is performed by Dr. Jerome Craig, D.C., LMT at 2916 NE Broadway, Suite B. Hood River patients can be evaluated by Dr. Alvis and referred when appropriate. Learn about spinal decompression →

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for herniated disc at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your herniated disc — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Stay gently active — short, frequent walks are usually better than bed rest.
• Avoid long periods of sitting; get up and move every 20–30 minutes.
• Lift with your hips and knees, keep loads close and avoid bending and twisting together.
• Try positions that ease your leg or arm pain, and note which ones make it worse to share with your doctor.
• Use ice or heat for comfort, whichever feels better.