Herniated & Bulging Disc Treatment in Saanichton
Being told you have a herniated or bulging disc can be worrying, but most disc injuries get better without surgery. At Saanichton Chiropractic Group we use gentle, disc-friendly techniques and a structured rehab plan to calm your symptoms and rebuild your back’s strength.
We treat disc injuries in both the low back (lumbar) and the neck (cervical), including those with nerve pain travelling into the leg or arm.
No referral needed. Online booking 24/7, or call the front desk and we will find you a time.
Signs of a disc injury
- Low back or neck pain that’s worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
- Pain, tingling or numbness travelling into the buttock, leg or foot (sciatica), or into the arm and hand
- Stiffness and difficulty standing up straight after sitting
- Muscle weakness in the leg or arm in more significant cases
How we treat disc injuries
- Flexion-distraction: a gentle, rhythmic technique on a specialized table that reduces pressure on the disc and nerve.
- Spinal traction: motorized decompression to take load off irritated discs and nerves.
- Joint mobilization and adjustment above and below the injured level to restore movement, adapted to your symptoms.
- Soft tissue therapy to ease protective muscle spasm, plus registered massage therapy if helpful.
- Exercise rehabilitation: from symptom-easing positions early on, to the core, hip and lifting strength that protects your back long term.
Disc injuries after a car crash are covered under ICBC, and work injuries under WorkSafeBC. See ICBC chiropractic care and WorkSafeBC.
When it’s urgent
Go to the emergency department right away if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs (saddle area), or rapidly worsening weakness in your legs. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, which needs urgent medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help a herniated disc?
Yes. Research supports conservative care, including manual therapy and exercise, as the first approach for most disc herniations. We use techniques suited to disc injuries, such as flexion-distraction, rather than forceful twisting.
Will I need surgery?
Most people don’t. The majority of disc herniations improve over 6 to 12 weeks with conservative care. Surgery is usually considered only for severe or progressive nerve symptoms, and we’ll refer you if that’s the case.
Should I rest or keep moving?
Gentle movement is better than bed rest. Short walks and positions that ease your symptoms help the disc settle. Your practitioner will show you what to do and what to avoid for now.
Do I need an MRI first?
No. You don’t need imaging or a referral to start treatment. Many disc bulges on MRI cause no pain at all, so we focus on your symptoms and exam findings, and we’ll recommend imaging only if it would change your care.
For more detail, read our guide to herniated and bulging discs: causes, recovery and self-care.
Ready to book in Saanichton?
Open 6 days a week, 8:00am – 6:00pm. Direct billing to most extended health plans, ICBC and WorkSafeBC.