Updated September 2026
A bulging or herniated disc can contribute to back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, but not every disc change causes symptoms.
Some people only learn they have a bulging or herniated disc after imaging performed for another reason. When symptoms do occur, many people begin with conservative, nonsurgical care rather than surgery.
At Canada Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Dr. Angie Canada, DC evaluates symptoms, movement, neurological findings when relevant, and health history before determining whether chiropractic care may be appropriate or whether additional medical evaluation is warranted.
What Is the Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe somewhat different structural changes. Spinal discs sit between the vertebrae and help cushion movement. Each disc has a tougher outer layer and softer inner material.
A bulging disc generally involves a broader portion of the outer disc extending beyond its normal boundary. A herniated disc occurs when a crack or tear in the outer layer allows some of the softer inner material to protrude through that area.
A herniated disc may also be called a ruptured disc or slipped disc, although the disc does not literally slip out of place. Herniated discs are more likely than broad disc bulges to irritate nearby nerve roots, but either finding can exist without symptoms.
What Symptoms Can a Herniated Disc Cause?
Symptoms depend on where the disc is located, whether nearby nerves are affected, the degree of irritation or compression, and the individual patient.
A herniated disc in the lower back may cause:
- Lower-back or buttock pain
- Pain traveling into the thigh, calf, or foot
- Numbness or tingling
- Burning or shooting pain
- Weakness in the affected leg
A herniated disc in the neck may cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness extending into the shoulder, arm, or hand. If a lumbar disc irritates a nerve root that contributes to the sciatic nerve, symptoms may resemble sciatica.
Does a Herniated Disc Always Cause Pain?
No. Imaging findings do not always explain a patient’s symptoms. Some people have bulging or herniated discs on MRI without experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness at all.
Treatment decisions should not be based on an MRI report alone. The location of symptoms, neurological findings, movement, examination results, and the overall clinical picture all matter.
Can a Herniated Disc Heal Without Surgery?
For many patients, symptoms improve with time and conservative care. Most people with a herniated disc do not require surgery, and symptoms often improve over time.
Conservative care may include:
- Temporarily modifying aggravating activities
- Staying active within tolerance
- Guided exercise or physical therapy
- Appropriate pain medication through a medical provider
- Chiropractic or other manual care in selected cases
- Monitoring neurological symptoms
Prolonged bed rest is generally not recommended. Remaining as active as reasonably possible is typically preferred.
What Nonsurgical Treatments Are Available?
There is no single treatment that is right for every herniated disc. The approach depends on pain severity, neurological symptoms, functional limitations, examination findings, medical history, how long symptoms have been present, and whether symptoms are improving or worsening.
Activity Modification
Short-term changes to activities that clearly aggravate symptoms may help while irritation settles. This does not mean avoiding all movement; a gradual return to normal activity is generally encouraged as symptoms allow.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may include exercises designed to improve movement, strength, tolerance, and function. The specific exercises should be individualized rather than based solely on the imaging diagnosis.
Medications
A medical provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication depending on symptom severity and health history. Options may include anti-inflammatory medication, other pain relievers, nerve-pain medication, muscle relaxants in selected cases, or steroid injections for persistent nerve-related symptoms.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care may be considered for some patients with appropriate musculoskeletal presentations. At Canada Chiropractic, the goal is not to “push the disc back into place.” Care may focus on movement, joint function, soft-tissue findings, activity tolerance, and other musculoskeletal contributors to symptoms.
Depending on the individual examination, treatment may include gentle spinal adjustments or mobilization, soft-tissue techniques, mobility work, exercise recommendations, and guidance for staying active. If the history or examination suggests that chiropractic treatment is not appropriate, Dr. Canada can discuss referral or additional evaluation.
Can Chiropractic Care Fix a Herniated Disc?
Chiropractic treatment should not be described as physically pushing a herniated disc back into place or permanently “fixing” the disc itself. A herniated disc is a structural change involving disc material.
Conservative care is generally aimed at helping manage symptoms, maintain or improve function, and support recovery while the body heals over time. Herniated disc material can sometimes reduce in size naturally as the body gradually resorbs portions of the displaced tissue; this process is not caused by physically pushing the disc back into position.
Do You Need an MRI for a Herniated Disc?
Not always. A healthcare professional may often begin with a medical history, symptom pattern, strength and reflex testing, sensory testing, and walking or movement assessment. For many patients, history and physical examination provide enough information to begin conservative management.
Imaging may be more appropriate when symptoms are severe or worsening, significant neurological deficits are present, surgery or another invasive procedure is being considered, another condition needs to be ruled out, or symptoms fail to improve as expected.
An X-ray does not directly show a herniated disc, although it can help identify or exclude other conditions. MRI is better at visualizing discs and nerve structures.
What If the Herniated Disc Causes Sciatica?
A lumbar herniated disc can irritate or compress a nearby nerve root and contribute to pain that travels through the buttock and into the leg. Symptoms may include sharp or burning leg pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain aggravated by certain positions or movements.
However, not every leg-pain pattern is true sciatica, which is why an examination matters. For more detail, read Sciatica vs. Referred Low Back Pain: How Can You Tell the Difference? or visit our Sciatica Treatment page.
When Does a Herniated Disc Need Surgery?
Most herniated discs do not require surgery. Surgical evaluation becomes more relevant when symptoms do not improve with appropriate conservative care or when significant neurological problems are present.
Surgery may be considered when patients have significant or ongoing pain, numbness or substantial muscle weakness, difficulty standing or walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control. The specific procedure depends on the disc, symptoms, neurological findings, and individual patient.
When a Herniated Disc Needs Emergency Medical Attention
Certain neurological symptoms require immediate medical evaluation, not a routine chiropractic appointment. Seek emergency care if back or leg symptoms are accompanied by:
- New loss of bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty urinating or urinary retention
- New numbness around the groin or saddle region
- Severe or rapidly worsening leg weakness
- Major neurological changes
These findings can occur with cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition that requires urgent evaluation.
How Dr. Angie Evaluates Disc-Related Back Pain
At Canada Chiropractic, Dr. Angie Canada, DC does not assume that every patient with an MRI showing a disc bulge or herniation has the same problem. She considers where symptoms are located, whether they travel into the leg, numbness or tingling, strength, movement, health history, previous injuries, functional limitations, and examination findings.
This helps determine whether conservative chiropractic care appears appropriate or whether imaging, medical evaluation, or specialist care may be a better next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Discs
Can a herniated disc heal on its own?
Symptoms from a herniated disc often improve over time, and many people recover without surgery. In some cases, the body can gradually reduce or resorb portions of the herniated disc material.
Is a bulging disc the same as a herniated disc?
No. A bulging disc usually involves a broader portion of the outer disc extending outward, while a herniated disc involves inner disc material protruding through a crack or tear in the outer layer.
Is a ruptured disc the same as a herniated disc?
Generally, yes. “Ruptured disc” and “slipped disc” are commonly used terms for a herniated disc, although the disc does not literally slip out of place.
Can a herniated disc cause sciatica?
Yes. A lumbar herniated disc can irritate or compress a nerve root that contributes to the sciatic nerve, producing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg.
Does every herniated disc need surgery?
No. Most people with a herniated disc do not require surgery. Conservative treatment is commonly tried first unless significant or progressive neurological problems are present.
Can chiropractic care push a herniated disc back in?
No. Chiropractic care should not be described as physically pushing displaced disc material back into place. Conservative treatment is focused on symptoms, function, movement, and recovery rather than mechanically “putting the disc back.”
Herniated Disc and Back Pain Care in Salt Lake City
If you are experiencing back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, or other symptoms that may be related to a disc problem, an evaluation can help determine an appropriate next step.
At Canada Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Dr. Angie Canada, DC evaluates symptoms, movement, neurological findings when relevant, and health history before recommending care. When conservative chiropractic care appears appropriate, treatment may include adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, mobility work, and exercise recommendations based on the individual patient.
If symptoms indicate that imaging, medical evaluation, or specialist care may be more appropriate, that should be part of the plan.
Dr. Angie Canada, DC provides individualized care. Learn more about Back Pain Treatment, Sciatica Treatment, or Chiropractic Care.
Reviewed for Clinical Accuracy
Reviewed by Dr. Angie Canada, DC
Salt Lake City Chiropractor and Owner of Canada Chiropractic
Reviewed September 16, 2026
