Herniated Discs
treated properly.
You bent to pick something up — or you did nothing at all — and now there is a pain that runs from your lower back down your leg, or from your neck into your arm. Maybe an MRI has put a name to it: herniated, bulging, slipped. Maybe someone has already mentioned surgery. Before you decide anything, it helps to know what the report is actually describing, and what can be done about it without an operation.
What causes herniated discs.
A spinal disc sits between two vertebrae and works as a cushion. Under enough load, repetitive strain or age-related wear, its softer inner material can push outward — a bulge, or a herniation when it pushes through the tougher outer layer. "Slipped disc" is the everyday name for the same thing. It hurts most when it presses on a nerve root, which is why the pain often shows up down a leg or an arm rather than in the back or neck itself.
- Age-related wear that leaves discs less able to absorb load
- Lifting, especially bending and twisting at the same time
- Repetitive strain from work, sport or long hours of sitting
- A sudden injury, such as a fall or a car accident
- Degenerative disc disease, where discs gradually lose height
- Often no single event at all — a disc can weaken quietly and give way during an ordinary movement
How we treat herniated discs
at Propper.
The first job is making sure the disc is actually what is causing your pain. Disc findings show up on the MRIs of people with no symptoms at all, so the scan has to match the pattern of what you feel before anyone treats it. Where it does, care may include:
- A thorough examination that checks whether your symptoms match the disc level on your imaging — bring any MRI or X-ray reports you have
- Cox Flexion-Distraction — gentle, non-surgical decompression on a specialized table, which Dr. Propper is certified in. The table gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure designed to help the disc retract and take pressure off the nerve root
- Digital X-ray on site when imaging is needed
- Targeted adjusting, where appropriate, to restore motion in segments that have stiffened
- Home exercises and guidance on sitting, lifting and sleeping while the disc settles
- Referral for a medical or surgical opinion when the picture calls for one
Why patients choose us
for herniated discs.
Herniated Discs FAQs.
Is it a good idea to see a chiropractor with a herniated disc?
It can be, if the approach suits a disc. Forceful twisting is not what an irritated disc needs. Cox Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, controlled, non-surgical technique used specifically for disc problems, and Dr. Propper is certified in it. What comes first is an examination that confirms the disc is the source of your pain — and a plain answer if your case needs medical or surgical assessment instead.
Can a herniated disc heal on its own?
Often, yes — many disc herniations settle over time without surgery. The questions are how long you spend in pain in the meantime, and whether the nerve is recovering or getting worse. Care aims to take pressure off the nerve root and keep you moving while the disc settles. Weakness or numbness that is getting worse is a reason to be re-evaluated promptly, not to keep waiting.
How long does it take to feel better?
It depends on the disc, how long the nerve has been irritated, and how you respond. Dr. Propper gives you a realistic timeline after your first examination, and tracks your progress at every visit so you can see what is changing rather than guessing at it.
Is a bulging disc the same as a herniated disc?
Not quite, but the difference matters less than most people expect. A bulge spreads outward more broadly; a herniation is where the inner material pushes through the outer layer. Either can press on a nerve. What matters most is whether a nerve is under pressure, and where — that is what the examination and your imaging are checked for together.
Will I need surgery?
Most people with a herniated disc do not, and trying conservative care first is a common, reasonable path. Some situations are different: loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or leg weakness that is getting worse are emergencies — get same-day medical care, not an appointment. Otherwise, if your case needs a surgeon's opinion, Dr. Propper will tell you so and refer you.
Should I bring my MRI?
Yes. Bring any imaging and reports you have. Reading them alongside an examination is more useful than either on its own, and it makes the conversation about what to do next a concrete one.
Deeper dives on this topic.
Lumbar Radiculopathy: When Back Pain Travels Down Your Leg
Got an MRI showing "L4-L5 disc herniation" or "L5-S1 disc protrusion" — and now your leg is screaming? Here's what lumbar radiculopathy actually means, and how chiropractic care can help.
Spinal Stenosis: Why Walking Hurts and Leaning Forward Helps
If your legs ache after a few minutes of walking but settle the moment you lean on a shopping cart, that pattern has a name. Here is what spinal stenosis is and where non-surgical care fits.
Cervical Disc Prolapse: Cox Technique in Westport, CT
A disc prolapse in the neck can send pain, tingling, and weakness shooting into your arm — and most patients are told surgery or medication are their only options. There's a better way.
Degenerative Disc Disease: How the Cox Technique Slows Progression and Restores Quality of Life
Been told your disc degeneration is just part of aging? There's more you can do. Learn how the Cox Technique and whole-food nutrition support can slow DDD and restore your quality of life.
Bulging Disc vs. Herniated Disc: What's the Difference?
Just got your MRI results and not sure what they mean? We break down the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc in plain English — and show you exactly what to do next.
What Is the Cox Technique? Non-Surgical Disc Care
If you're living with disc pain, herniation, or sciatica, you may not know there's a proven, gentle alternative to surgery. Here's what the Cox Technique is — and how it helps Westport families find lasting relief.
Don’t let herniated discs
control your life.
Schedule your visit today. Dr. Propper and Dr. Jenn will take time to understand your condition and build a treatment plan designed for your recovery.