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Do You Have a Disc Injury? Understanding the Causes and Recognizing Symptoms of a Disc Injury

Written By Commons Chiropractic Center on March 17, 2025

A man holding his lower back in pain while sitting at his work desk.A disc injury can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on the location of the disc and the extent of the injury. If you have back or neck pain along with other troubling symptoms and home remedies are not working, you should visit a chiropractor for an evaluation. At Commons Chiropractic Center, Dr. Michael Irhin has more than 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating disc injuries in Denville, NJ. Here is our guide to understanding disc injuries, recognizing symptoms, and getting chiropractic treatment.

What Are Disc Injuries?

Your spinal discs sit between the vertebrae in your spine. They have a tough outer layer and a soft inner center. They cushion and protect your vertebrae as you move, reducing your risk of spinal injuries or damage. However, the discs themselves can become damaged or injured due to repetitive stress, traumatic injury, degenerative spine or disc diseases, and other conditions. The most common types of disc injuries are:

  • Herniated, ruptured, or slipped discs
  • Bulging discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Stenosis
  • Radiculopathy
  • Myelopathy

How Do You Know if You Have a Disc Injury?

If you have a disc injury, you will develop symptoms that may come and go or get worse over time. Your symptoms may be mild at first, but without treatment, they can eventually affect your ability to take part in your normal daily routine. The most common symptoms of a disc injury are:

  • Lower back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Upper back pain
  • Numbness and tingling in the legs and feet or arm and hands
  • Muscle weakness in the legs or arms
  • Increased pain with movement
  • Pain after sitting or standing
  • Increased pain when you laugh, cough, or sneeze
  • A sharp burning or itching pain that radiates from one part of your body to another
  • Trouble with balance or coordination

When Should You Visit a Chiropractor?

You should visit a chiropractor if your symptoms don’t improve with rest or home remedies. You should also make an appointment if your symptoms worsen or prevent you from living your normal life. Dr. Irhin can help you explore conservative yet effective therapies that address the root cause of your symptoms, rehabilitate your injury, and restore your mobility and quality of life.

How Our Chiropractor in Denville Treats Disc Injuries

Chiropractic disc injury treatments are drug-free and nonsurgical. They unlock the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Dr. Irhin will perform a comprehensive examination and diagnostic testing to determine which treatment options will be most effective for your specific injury and symptoms. He may recommend a combination of therapies to accelerate your recovery, relieve pain quickly, and give you the best chance of success. Call us now or request an appointment online with our chiropractor in Denville, NJ, for treatment of disc injuries.


Posted In: Chiropractic