Conditions We Treat
Few diagnoses cause as much anxiety as 'you have a disc problem.' Disc herniations, bulges and degenerative changes sound serious, and the fear of needing surgery or being permanently limited can be overwhelming. The reality is more reassuring than most people expect. The vast majority of disc injuries respond well to conservative care, and many resolve completely over time.
The intervertebral discs sit between each vertebra in the spine, acting as shock absorbers and allowing movement. A disc bulge occurs when the outer wall of the disc extends beyond its normal boundary. A herniation is more significant: the outer layer tears and the soft inner material pushes through, sometimes pressing on nearby spinal nerves. This is what causes radiating pain like sciatica (into the leg) or brachialgia (into the arm). Degenerative disc disease refers to the gradual loss of disc height and hydration that occurs naturally with age.
The evidence for conservative management of disc injuries is strong. A landmark 2013 study found that over 90% of patients with confirmed lumbar disc herniation improved with chiropractic care. Repeat MRI studies have also shown that many herniations shrink or reabsorb naturally, with larger herniations actually having higher resorption rates. Surgery is typically reserved for cases with severe or progressive neurological deficits, such as significant muscle weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.
One of the most important messages in modern spine care is that imaging findings often do not correlate with symptoms. A large 2015 systematic review found that disc bulges are present on MRI in 30% of 20-year-olds and over 80% of 80-year-olds, most of whom have no pain at all. This means that a disc finding on your scan does not necessarily explain your symptoms, and it certainly does not mean you are 'damaged' or fragile.
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and nerve irritation through spinal mobilisation and specific directional exercises, restoring normal movement patterns and progressively building the strength and endurance needed to support the spine. We also place great emphasis on education, helping you understand your condition so you can move with confidence rather than fear.
Our approach to disc injuries combines hands-on treatment with progressive rehabilitation and thorough patient education. We focus on getting you moving confidently again rather than reinforcing fear about your diagnosis.
Located on Rivonia Road in Morningside, we serve patients from Sandton, Bryanston, Fourways, Randburg and surrounding areas.
Book an appointment at our Sandton practice and let us help you get back to moving well.
Yes. Chiropractic care is an effective conservative option for most disc herniations. Treatment includes spinal mobilisation, nerve mobilisation techniques and progressive exercise. A 2013 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that 90% of patients with lumbar disc herniation improved with chiropractic care and did not require surgery.
A bulging disc involves the outer wall of the disc extending beyond its normal boundary, but the inner material stays contained. A herniated disc occurs when the outer wall tears and the inner gel-like material pushes through. Both can cause pain, but herniations are more likely to irritate nearby nerves and cause radiating symptoms like sciatica.
In most cases, no. Research shows that 85 to 90% of disc herniations resolve with conservative care. Surgery is typically only recommended for severe or progressive neurological deficits such as significant weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or failure to improve after several months of appropriate treatment.
Yes. Studies using repeat MRI imaging have shown that many disc herniations reduce in size or reabsorb over time. Larger herniations actually have higher rates of spontaneous resorption than smaller ones. However, this does not mean you should simply wait. Guided rehabilitation helps manage pain and prevents secondary problems during the healing process.
Yes, and in fact it is strongly encouraged. Prolonged rest worsens outcomes for disc injuries. Controlled movement and specific exercises reduce pain, improve function and support the healing process. We design exercise programmes that are appropriate for your stage of recovery and gradually increase in intensity as you improve.
