Herniated & Bulging Disc Care
Most disc problems improve without surgery. We treat the cause of the nerve pressure, not just the pain.
A herniated disc happens when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer wall and presses on nearby nerves. Most herniated discs improve without surgery. Dr. Malavenda treats them with non-surgical disc decompression, specific adjustment, and a rehabilitation plan, and refers for surgical opinion when red flags are present.
Reviewed by Dr. Paul Malavenda, DC · Life University, 1987 · 39 years in Miami · Last reviewed October 28, 2026
Herniated, bulging, slipped — what is the difference?
| Term | What it actually means |
|---|---|
| Bulging disc | The disc wall extends outward evenly, like a tire losing pressure. Very common, often painless. |
| Herniated / ruptured | The inner material breaks through the outer wall. More likely to irritate a nerve. |
| "Slipped disc" | Not a real medical event. Discs are anchored to the vertebrae and do not slip out of place. |
| Degenerative disc | Age-related drying and thinning. Present in most adults over 40 and not automatically the cause of pain. |
Here is what most people are never told: a scan on its own cannot tell you whether your disc is what is causing your pain. What settles it is an examination that reproduces your actual symptoms and traces them to a specific level — which is exactly what Dr. Malavenda does on your first visit, before he treats anything. That clinical read is the difference between guessing and knowing.
What it feels like
- Lumbar (low back): pain into the buttock and down the leg, sometimes past the knee, often worse sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing. See sciatica.
- Cervical (neck): pain into the shoulder blade, arm or hand, sometimes with tingling or weakness in a specific finger pattern. See neck pain.
How we treat it
Care typically combines non-surgical disc decompression, which gently separates the vertebrae to reduce pressure on the disc, with specific adjustment of the joints above and below, soft-tissue work, and exercises that restore stability. Dr. Malavenda explains the findings before any treatment begins.
Red flags — get urgent medical care
Go to an emergency department if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly progressing weakness in a leg. These can indicate cauda equina syndrome, which is a surgical emergency.
Common questions
What if my disc is too far gone for chiropractic?
That is exactly what the examination answers. Dr. Malavenda matches the technique to what he finds — decompression and gentler methods where those serve you better — and if your case genuinely needs a surgical opinion, he will say so and point you to one. You will get a straight answer either way.
Do I need an MRI first?
Not usually. Most disc problems are diagnosed clinically. Advanced imaging matters when there are red flags, when symptoms are not improving, or when surgery is being considered.
Will it heal on its own?
Disc problems often settle over weeks to months — but how they settle matters. Left alone, the joint stays restricted, the muscles stay guarded, and the same disc tends to flare again. Treatment is aimed at getting the nerve irritation down quickly, restoring proper movement, and making recurrence far less likely.
Book an appointment or call or text 305-MY-CHIRO (305-692-4476). Most insurance and Florida PIP accepted. Se habla español.
This page is general information and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan for any individual condition. Individual results vary. See a licensed clinician about your own situation.