Maybe you heard the words "herniated disc" or "slipped disc" after an MRI. Or maybe you're searching because pain, tingling, or numbness is shooting into your arm or leg, and it gets worse when you cough, sneeze, or bend. Either way, it's normal to feel worried and wonder whether surgery is the only path.

Take a breath. Let's walk through what a disc problem is, and what a non-surgical approach can look like.

What's going on?

Between each vertebra in your spine sits a disc, a tough, cushion-like structure that absorbs shock and lets you bend and twist. With age, strain, or injury, part of the disc's inner material can bulge or push outward. If it presses on a nearby nerve, you may feel:

  • Pain that travels into the arm (neck discs) or leg (low back discs)
  • Tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" feeling
  • Weakness in certain muscles
  • Pain that flares with coughing, sneezing, or straining

Here's something many people find reassuring: disc findings on imaging don't always line up with how much pain someone feels, and many people with disc problems improve with conservative (non-surgical) care. Your exam helps us understand what's actually going on with you.

How we help at Gilmore Chiropractic

Depending on your exam and any imaging, your plan may include:

  • Vertebral decompression (gentle, controlled traction) to help reduce pressure on discs and nerves
  • Chiropractic care adapted to your comfort and condition
  • Acupuncture with Dr. Funk
  • Massage therapy to help ease muscle tension and support recovery
  • Shockwave therapy when soft-tissue irritation may be involved
  • Functional neurology with Dr. Matthews when nerve symptoms, balance, or coordination are involved
  • Rehab exercises and movement coaching to protect your spine as you recover

If your exam suggests you'd benefit from a surgical consult or other medical care, we'll tell you honestly and help you find the right next step.

What to expect at your first visit

  1. History and goals. What you're feeling, what you've tried, and any imaging you already have (bring it!).
  2. Hands-on and neurological testing to see which nerves may be involved.
  3. Imaging if needed. If x-rays or an MRI would change your plan, we'll explain why.
  4. A clear plan with check-in points so we can track how you're responding.

Explore your non-surgical options

A disc diagnosis can feel scary. A clear explanation and a plan can make it a lot less so.

Call us at 772-466-9575 or book online at gilmore-chiro.com (Schedule An Appointment). We're at 800 Virginia Ave, Suite 45, Fort Pierce.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9–1 and 3–6 · Thursday: by appointment · Saturday & Sunday: closed

BOOK NOW

Seek emergency care if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening weakness in a leg or arm.

This page is for general education and isn't a substitute for a personal exam or medical advice. Individual results vary.

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