Chiropractic Treatment and Disc Injuries In The Neck

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.”

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How Disc Injuries Cause Pain

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.

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What Is a "Silent" Disc Injury?

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.

Why Inflammation Matters

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.

Common Causes of Cervical Disc Herniation

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.

How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help

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.

What to Expect at a Chiropractic Clinic

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.

When Is Surgery Needed?

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)

How Long Does Recovery Take?

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.