What is a Herniated Disc?

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Disc herniations can happen to those who are sedentary and those who are incredibly active. From a traumatic car accident to a slip and fall to a sports accident, herniations can be painful and generate time lost doing the activities you care about. 

But what is a disc herniation, and how can you get relief for the discomfort it’s causing? 

This post answers:

  • What is a herniated disc?

  • What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

  • How did I get a herniated disc?

  • Can chiropractic solutions relieve pain from disc herniations?

  • And more

If you’re experiencing pain and believe you could have a herniated disc, let your local chiropractor provide a comprehensive exam so you can get the comfort you deserve. Read on to learn more about disc herniations and how to get lasting relief. 

What is a Herniated Disc?

The spine is a remarkable structure comprised of many bones called vertebrae stacked on top of each other. Each vertebra is separated by a shock-absorbing disc. The discs are made of a gel-like center enclosed by a harder shell. 

The function of the spinal discs is important because they provide the spine with flexibility, which supports many of our movements and creates separation between the bones so they don’t grind together. 

When the disc's center ruptures through the shell, it’s called a disc herniation. 


Symptoms related to a herniated disc include:

  • Back pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion

  • Neck pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion

  • Hip pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion

  • Radiating pain, such as pain that starts in the lower back and travels to the hips and legs

  • Headaches 

  • Flexibility loss in the back and neck

  • Inability to bend or twist comfortably 


Disc herniations can take time to create discomfort, so you may be experiencing the condition without knowing it. It’s vital to get the proper treatment as soon as possible once the pain is felt. Doing so will discourage further injury and more intense pain.  

Conditions and events related to disc herniation include:

A holistic exam is the best way to determine what’s happening in your body. Calling your local chiropractor is a great place to start the healing process. 

Common Causes of Disc Herniation 

Because a herniation can occur due to an accident, anyone is susceptible, regardless of age, lifestyle, habits, and ability. Whether you stand on your feet all day or summit mountains, you may experience the injury. 

Common reasons associated with a herniated disc include:

  • A trauma affecting the spine

  • Overuse of targeted areas that apply pressure to the spine, such as with regular sports or occupation 

  • Poor posture and incorrect workstation setup

  • Poor lifting technique

  • Improper habitual movement patterns

  • A chronic injury or condition 

  • And others 

Learning how to best support your spine and body as a whole is an integral part of chiropractic care. 


Get a Strong Spine with Chiropractic Care in Greenville

Our Greenville chiropractic clinic can treat many conditions and symptoms associated with disc herniation. We provide a thorough, full-body physical exam to learn where you’ve been affected so we can successfully and safely re-establish the spine’s integrity. 

At Carolina Active Health, we implement a unique strategy based on each patient’s unique needs, never taking a one-size-fits-all approach to your care. 

Chiropractic care and solutions that can treat disc herniation include: 

When you partner with us for disc herniation treatment and spinal care, you not only get our in-clinic chiropractic techniques but also the tools to help encourage a strong, healthy spine going forward. 

If you’re ready to enjoy an active, abundant lifestyle, contact our clinic, and let’s get you booked.