Herniated Disc Treatment in Brookfield, WI
Personalized Care for Disc-Related Back Pain, Neck Pain, and Nerve Symptoms
A herniated disc can cause back pain, neck pain, numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates into the arm or leg. While hearing the words "herniated disc" can be concerning, many people improve with conservative care and do not require surgery.
At Resolve Chiropractic in Brookfield, WI, we perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether your symptoms may be related to a disc injury or another condition. Based on your examination findings, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, flexion-distraction therapy, Active Release Technique (ART), manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise to help improve movement, reduce mechanical stress, and support recovery.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc that acts as a cushion and helps absorb forces placed on the spine.
A herniated disc occurs when the outer portion of the disc develops a tear or weakness, allowing some of the inner material to extend outward. Depending on its location, this may irritate nearby spinal nerves and contribute to pain or neurological symptoms.
Not every herniated disc causes pain. In fact, imaging studies have shown that many people have disc bulges or herniations without any symptoms. For this reason, MRI findings should always be interpreted alongside a patient's history and physical examination.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the disc injury.
You may experience:
Pain that travels into the arm or leg
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness
Pain with sitting, bending, or lifting
Difficulty standing after prolonged sitting
Muscle spasms
Reduced spinal mobility
Some people experience only localized back pain, while others develop symptoms that travel into an extremity.
Common Causes
Several factors may contribute to a herniated disc, including:
Repetitive Mechanical Stress
Repeated bending, twisting, and lifting over time may increase stress on the discs.
Sudden Injury
Disc injuries may occur following:
Lifting heavy objects
Falls
Motor vehicle accidents
Age-Related Changes
As discs naturally change over time, they may become less resilient and more susceptible to injury.
How Is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical examination.
At Resolve Chiropractic, your evaluation may include:
Discussion of your symptoms and medical history
Orthopedic testing
Neurological examination
Reflex testing
Muscle strength testing
Sensory evaluation
Range of motion assessment
Functional movement evaluation
If your symptoms suggest the need for additional testing, advanced imaging or referral to another healthcare provider may be recommended.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
Treatment is based on your individual examination findings and overall presentation.
Chiropractic Adjustments
For appropriately selected patients, chiropractic adjustments may help improve joint mobility and reduce mechanical restrictions affecting spinal movement.
Flexion-Distraction Therapy
Flexion-distraction is a gentle treatment that may be appropriate for some patients with lumbar disc-related symptoms. It uses a specialized table to promote controlled movement of the spine during treatment.
Active Release Technique (ART)
Soft tissue restrictions often develop alongside disc-related injuries. ART may be used to address surrounding muscles and connective tissues contributing to movement limitations.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy may help improve soft tissue mobility and reduce muscular tension that develops as the body compensates for pain.
Therapeutic Exercise
Exercise is essential for long-term recovery.
Your program may include:
Core stabilization
Hip mobility
Lumbar mobility (when appropriate)
Walking progression
Functional strengthening
Movement retraining
What Can You Do at Home?
Depending on your condition, recommendations may include:
Remaining as active as tolerated
Taking frequent walking breaks
Avoiding prolonged positions that worsen symptoms
Following your prescribed home exercise program
Using proper lifting mechanics
Every disc injury is different, so exercises should be selected based on your examination rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Seek immediate medical evaluation if you experience:
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Progressive weakness in the arm or leg
Numbness in the groin or saddle area
Severe trauma followed by neurological symptoms
Rapidly worsening numbness or weakness
These symptoms may require urgent medical evaluation.
Why Choose Resolve Chiropractic?
Resolve Chiropractic focuses on identifying the factors contributing to your symptoms rather than relying on a single treatment approach.
Your care may combine:
Thorough evaluation
Chiropractic adjustments
Flexion-distraction therapy
Active Release Technique
Manual therapy
Therapeutic exercise
Individualized treatment planning
Our goal is to help you move better, reduce pain, and return to the activities that matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a herniated disc always require surgery?
No. Many people improve with conservative treatment. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on factors such as symptom severity, neurological findings, and response to non-surgical care.
Can a chiropractor diagnose a herniated disc?
A chiropractor can perform a history and physical examination to determine whether a herniated disc is a possible cause of your symptoms. Imaging or referral may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
Can chiropractic care help a herniated disc?
Some individuals with disc-related pain may benefit from conservative chiropractic care that addresses mobility, movement, and surrounding soft tissues. Treatment recommendations are based on the individual's examination findings.
Is it safe to exercise with a herniated disc?
In many cases, appropriate exercise is an important part of recovery. The right exercises depend on your symptoms and examination findings.
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery varies based on the severity of the injury, duration of symptoms, overall health, and adherence to the treatment plan.
Schedule a Herniated Disc Evaluation in Brookfield, WI
If you've been diagnosed with a herniated disc or are experiencing back pain, neck pain, or symptoms that radiate into your arm or leg, Resolve Chiropractic can help determine whether conservative care is appropriate for your condition.
Schedule your evaluation today to receive a personalized assessment and treatment plan.