Herniated & Bulging Disc Treatment in Charlotte

Axiom Chiropractic specializes in non-surgical treatment of herniated and bulging discs using precise Gonstead chiropractic techniques that relieve nerve pressure, restore spinal motion, and promote natural disc healing. Dr. Tyler Hartley and Dr. Megan Hullihen identify the exact spinal levels causing disc issues through advanced analysis, avoiding invasive procedures while delivering measurable pain relief and functional recovery.

Understanding Herniated vs. Bulging Discs

A bulging disc occurs when the disc extends beyond its normal boundary but remains intact, often pressing on nearby nerves without tearing. Herniated discs involve actual tears in the outer disc layer (annulus), allowing inner material (nucleus pulposus) to protrude and cause more intense inflammation and nerve compression.

Both conditions share symptoms like localized back pain, radiating leg/arm pain (sciatica or radiculopathy), numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The difference lies in severity: bulging discs respond faster to conservative care, while herniations may require more focused decompression but still resolve naturally without surgery.

How Gonstead Chiropractic Treats Disc Problems

Gonstead analysis pinpoints the exact vertebrae contributing to disc pressure through full-spine X-ray evaluation, instrumentation, and motion palpation. Specific adjustments target these levels to restore joint motion, reduce intradiscal pressure, and create space for discs to recentralize.

Targeted Treatment Methods:

Precision Adjustments

Correct vertebral misalignment causing disc bulge/herniation

Flexion-Distraction Technique

Gentle spinal pumping to decompress discs and improve hydration

Pelvic Blocking

Cushioned wedges reposition protruding discs away from nerves

Therapeutic Stretching

Opens disc spaces and promotes nutrient circulation

Postural Re-education

Prevents recurrence through proper spinal mechanics

The Axiom Disc Recovery Process

Your disc treatment follows a structured protocol combining immediate symptom relief with long-term structural correction.

First, a comprehensive analysis identifies which spinal segments stress the affected disc. Adjustments begin immediately to reduce nerve irritation, followed by decompression therapies that create negative pressure within the disc drawing material back toward the center.

Regular re-exams track disc height improvement, nerve function recovery, and pain reduction. Patients learn maintenance strategies to support long-term results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chiropractic actually fix a herniated disc?

Yes, discs often resolve naturally with conservative care. Chiropractic helps by reducing disc pressure, supporting the body’s healing process. The body typically reabsorbs the bulging material over time.

How long until I feel relief from disc pain?

Disc severity is the biggest factor here. Minor disc issues would be possibly resolved sooner than disc injuries that have been untreated for years. Consistent chiropractic care is the best method for resolving these issues. Just be sure to talk to Dr. Tyler or Dr. Megan about best protocols to help even further.

Is disc treatment painful?

Not usually. Adjustments use controlled force. Flexion-distraction feels like gentle stretching. Most experience relief rather than increased pain.

What's the difference between bulging and herniated discs?

Bulging = intact disc extending outward. Herniated = torn disc with material extrusion. Both respond well to chiropractic care over time.

Can discs heal completely without surgery?

Discs have self-repair capacity when pressure is removed. Decompression supports natural retraction of bulging or herniated material.