What a herniated disc actually is
A disc herniation happens when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, sometimes irritating a nearby nerve.
It's more common — and more manageable — than it sounds; plenty of people have disc bulges with no pain at all. What matters is how it's irritating the tissue around it right now, and what's letting it happen. We start by calming that irritation down, then address the postural and strength gaps that let the disc take on more load than it should.
Signs you might be dealing with it
- Low back or neck pain that's sharper with sitting, bending, or coughing
- Pain, tingling, or numbness radiating into an arm or leg
- A specific point of the spine that feels weak or "gives way"
- Pain that's worse first thing in the morning and eases with gentle movement
- A previous episode that's flared up again under stress or heavy lifting
The V-A-S-T Approach to get you out of pain
Vision
Discover the root cause: A hands-on and movement-based exam to find exactly where the disc is irritated and how it's affecting the nerve nearby.
Alignment
Restore balance: Adjustments and soft tissue work to reduce pressure on the disc and calm the surrounding inflammation.
Strength
Build lasting capacity: Rehab and progressive strength training to build the support around the disc so it's not carrying the load alone.
Transformation
Live without limits: You move, bend, and lift again with a spine that's finally supported — not one brace-length away from another flare.
What relief looks like
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"Dr. Li was super-helpful with effective adjustments, exercises, and advice that kept me moving."
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"Mae listened carefully as I described my pain and worked with me through a series of questions and motions, to determine my flexibility. She quickly assessed the situation, and began treatment. After that, she gave me some "homework" exercises, so I could address my pain on my own at home. All the while, Mae was attentive, interested, and focused. I felt very comfortable with her, and I'm looking forward to my next treatment."
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Herniated disc, answered
Click a question for the answer — or see the full FAQ for pricing, insurance, and what to expect.
Does a herniated disc mean I need surgery?
Not usually — most disc herniations improve with conservative care like adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehab. Surgery is typically reserved for cases with significant, unrelenting nerve symptoms that don't respond to conservative treatment over time.
Is it safe to get adjusted with a herniated disc?
Yes, when the technique is matched to what your spine can handle that day — your first-visit assessment tells us exactly how to approach it safely.
How long does a herniated disc take to heal?
It varies with severity, but many discs settle down significantly within weeks to a few months of consistent care, especially once the surrounding support is rebuilt.
Can I still exercise with a herniated disc?
Often yes, with modification. We'll guide you on what to avoid short-term and how to build back toward full training safely.