Herniated, Bulging & Degenerated Disc Treatment

Herniated, Bulging & Degenerated Disc Treatment in Lubbock, TX

A disc diagnosis can feel frightening — but in most cases, herniated, bulging, and degenerated discs respond very well to conservative chiropractic care. At Back 2 Health Chiropractic in Lubbock, TX, Dr. Brett Chavez, D.C. has helped many patients avoid surgery and return to a full, active life through a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to disc conditions.

Understanding Spinal Discs

Spinal discs are the cushioning pads that sit between each pair of vertebrae. Each disc has two components:

• Annulus fibrosus — the tough, fibrous outer ring composed of concentric layers of collagen
• Nucleus pulposus — the soft, gel-like center that provides cushioning and shock absorption

Healthy discs allow normal spinal movement while distributing loads evenly across the vertebral bodies. When discs are damaged, degenerated, or displaced, they can compress nearby spinal nerves and produce a range of painful and debilitating symptoms.

Types of Disc Problems

Bulging Disc

A bulging disc occurs when the outer ring weakens and the disc expands beyond its normal boundaries in a broad, even pattern — like a flattened hamburger. The disc has not ruptured, but the bulge can still compress nerves if it encroaches on the spinal canal or neural foramina.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc) occurs when the nucleus pulposus pushes through a tear in the annulus fibrosus and protrudes into the spinal canal. This protruding material can compress nerve roots directly, causing sharp, radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the corresponding limb.

Degenerated Disc (Degenerative Disc Disease)

With age and cumulative stress, discs lose water content, height, and elasticity — a process called disc degeneration. As disc height decreases, the foraminal openings through which nerve roots exit the spine narrow, potentially compressing those nerves. Degenerated discs also produce bone spur formation (osteophytes) as the body attempts to stabilize the affected segment, which can further compromise nerve space.

Symptoms of Disc Problems

Symptoms vary based on which disc is involved and which nerves are compressed:

• Lumbar disc problems — low back pain, sciatica, leg pain, numbness and tingling in the legs and feet
• Cervical disc problems — neck pain, arm and hand pain, numbness and tingling in the arms and fingers
• General — pain that worsens with bending, lifting, prolonged sitting, or coughing/sneezing

Non-Surgical Treatment Options at Back 2 Health

Dr. Chavez takes a carefully staged approach to disc treatment, matching the intensity and type of therapy to the severity of the condition:

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression is the single most effective non-surgical treatment for disc herniations and bulges in our practice. By creating controlled traction forces, decompression reduces intradiscal pressure, draws herniated material back toward the center of the disc, and promotes nutrient flow and healing within the disc. Most patients experience significant improvement within a course of decompression therapy.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Specific chiropractic adjustments restore normal motion to the segments adjacent to the affected disc, reducing the overall mechanical stress on the injured disc and addressing the accompanying joint dysfunction that perpetuates symptoms.

Soft Tissue Therapies

Massage therapy and dry needling address the muscle guarding and spasm that develops around injured discs, reducing pain and improving tissue circulation to support healing.

Exercise and Rehabilitation

Specific core stabilization and McKenzie-based exercises are prescribed to support disc healing and prevent recurrence.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

The vast majority of disc herniations and degenerations — more than 90% — can be successfully managed without surgery. Surgery is generally indicated only when there is progressive neurological deterioration (increasing weakness), bowel or bladder dysfunction (cauda equina syndrome), or failure of thorough conservative care. Dr. Chavez will provide an honest assessment of your condition and refer you to a spine surgeon if your situation genuinely warrants it.

Schedule Disc Treatment in Lubbock, TX

A disc diagnosis does not have to mean surgery. Call Back 2 Health Chiropractic at (806) 425-5973 or request your appointment online today. Dr. Brett Chavez, D.C. will evaluate your disc condition thoroughly and develop a conservative care plan designed to get you out of pain and keep you there.