Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra is a disc, which acts like a cushion. These discs help your spine bend, twist, and absorb shock.
Each disc has a soft, jelly-like center called the nucleus and a tough outer layer called the annulus.
You’ve probably heard of a “slipped disc,” but the term is misleading. Discs can’t actually slip out of place because they’re tightly attached to the vertebrae.
What really happens is this:
Over time, repeated bending, twisting, lifting, or carrying heavy loads (especially on your head) can damage the disc. The outer layer (annulus) can develop small tears. This damage allows the inner gel (nucleus) to leak out. This is called a disc herniation, not a “slip.”
Want to know more? Request a Callback
Or give us a call, to find out how we can help you with Chiropractic Treatment and Disc Injuries In The Neck.
Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment for Chiropractic Treatment and Disc Injuries In The Neck tailored to your needs.
When the inner part of the disc leaks out, it can irritate nearby nerves. If this happens in the neck, it may cause:
Pain in the shoulder blade or arm
Numbness or tingling in the hand
Weakness in the arm or hand
Interestingly, some people with disc herniations don’t feel pain in their arm. This can happen if there’s no inflammation around the affected nerve.
Not all disc injuries cause nerve pain. Sometimes, only the outer layer of the disc is damaged (called an annular tear). This may cause neck pain without other symptoms.
Even though there’s damage, you might not notice changes in your reflexes or strength. These injuries are harder to detect but still benefit from proper treatment.
The nucleus of a disc is normally hidden from your immune system. When it leaks out, your body treats it as a foreign substance. This triggers inflammation, which can cause pain.
However, not everyone reacts the same way. If there’s little or no inflammation, you might have a disc injury with very few symptoms.
Managing inflammation is key to recovery. Treatments like low-level laser therapy can reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
Disc injuries usually develop gradually, not from a single event. Over time, activities like:
Repeated lifting
Twisting the neck
Carrying weight on the head
can weaken the disc’s structure. Eventually, the outer layer may tear and allow the inner gel to escape, causing irritation or nerve pressure.
Chiropractors regularly treat disc herniations. Many studies show that patients improve with chiropractic care—sometimes more effectively than with:
Heat therapy
Exercises alone
Postural education
Standard physiotherapy
A 2006 study published in the Spine journal found chiropractic manipulation to be highly effective for disc injuries and sciatica.
At clinics like Isis Clinics, treatment may include:
Specific manual adjustments
A tailored rehabilitation exercise program
Use of on-site gym equipment for guided recovery
This combination helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the spine.
Surgery is rarely the first option. It’s typically only considered if:
There’s no improvement after conservative care
There’s urgent compression of the spinal cord (central stenosis)
Recovery time depends on several factors:
The severity of your injury
How long the issue has been present
Your activity level and how well you follow the treatment plan
Your chiropractor will discuss your treatment schedule and what you can do to support your healing.
Being active and committed to your recovery plays a big role in how quickly you feel better.
🧠 What to Expect from Chiropractic Treatment If you’re experiencing back or neck pain—or any kind of neuromuscular issue—a chiropractor may be able to help. Chiropractors use spinal manipulations and adjustments to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. If you’ve never visited a chiropractor before, you might wonder what the process involves. This
October is here, and that means Halloween is just around the corner! While you’re busy planning costumes, decorating pumpkins, and getting ready for trick-or-treating, don’t forget to take care of your body too—especially your back and joints. Here are our top tips to help you and your family enjoy a pain-free Halloween. 👟 Trick-or-Treating? Choose the
Each year, Rheumatoid Arthritis Week serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for RA, there are many ways to manage its symptoms and improve quality of life. As chiropractors, we understand that RA not only impacts your joints
Ten facts you should know about Lumbar Spinal Stenosis