Herniated Disc Treatment in Murrieta, CA
Herniated disc pain can be alarming, especially when it causes numbness, weakness, or pain that travels into the arms or legs. Many patients arrive unsure whether surgery is their only option or why symptoms appeared so suddenly.
Dr. Phillip Vournazos, DC, has helped patients across all stages of herniated disc conditions in Murrieta, from early symptoms to long-standing nerve irritation. At California Oaks Chiropractic, care is structured, cautious, and focused on reducing stress to the disc and surrounding nerves while supporting stability and function.
Each care plan is structured based on the patient’s condition, with clear findings and defined next steps.
Call (951) 698-2511 to book an appointment.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Disc bulges or herniations are conditions in which the outer edges of the discs, located between the vertebrae, are damaged. This causes the jelly-like center to bulge or be pushed out. This is a surprisingly common issue and is often, though not always, very painful. Many people who have this condition feel nothing at all.
The quality and intensity of it, for those who experience pain, depends on the type and position of the herniation. If the damaged disc is irritating a surrounding nerve, shooting or stabbing pain along with weakness in the legs is often severe.
Herniated discs most commonly affect the lower back or neck, but can occur anywhere along the spine.
Common Causes of a Herniated Disc
Herniated discs often develop over time rather than from one single event. Common causes include:
- Repetitive lifting or bending
- Poor posture over long periods
- Prolonged sitting
- Sudden twisting movements
- Spinal misalignment
- Age-related disc changes
- Previous back or neck injuries
Often, a small movement triggers pain after the disc has already weakened. It is important that this issue is properly identified and promptly treated to avoid further damage.
Signs of Nerve Compression
When a disc presses on a nerve, symptoms may include:
- Sharp or burning pain
- Pain traveling into the arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Changes in reflexes
- Pain that worsens with sitting or movement
These signs indicate the need for professional evaluation.
How a Herniated Disc Is Diagnosed
When a patient comes to the California Oaks Chiropractic office, we start with a full clinical history evaluation. From there, we do an orthopedic exam.
Since herniated discs can affect nerves, we also perform a neurological exam and assess the range of motion.
After that, we take images such as X-rays to check for any loss of disc height or other disc issues.
Our Approach to Herniated Disc Treatment
Our treatment protocol for herniated discs includes chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and spinal decompression therapy.
For spinal decompression, we start the patient at a moderate level to see how the body reacts, because patients can be sore at first. From there, we increase the decompression load and the frequency to get further results.
Most patients see the biggest improvement between 15 and 20 treatments. This is because muscles and soft tissues take time to stretch, the discs need to reabsorb fluid, and the disc protrusion needs time to reabsorb.
Herniated Disc Patient Case Studies
Recovery from Severe Herniated Disc Injury Using Chiropractic Care
Patient Information: A middle-aged adult male patient
Symptoms: The patient could not stand up straight without excruciating pain. He had already taken an MRI and visited his primary doctor. However, he had not gotten any improvement from prior providers.
Diagnosis: We performed a full clinical history evaluation, neurological exam, orthopedic exam, and X-rays. His disc injury measured 8.59 millimeters. A herniated disc over seven millimeters is usually considered a surgical consult.
Treatments: We followed our standard protocol: chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and spinal decompression therapy. Spinal decompression was one of the biggest parts of his treatment that he said helped him.
Outcome: After about two to two and a half months, his disc injury measured between one and two millimeters on a repeat MRI. He was able to stand up straight with no further damage and had full mobility with no issues.
Management of Acute Disc Injury in a FedEx Worker
Patient Information: Female patient who works at FedEx. She carries boxes all day.
Symptoms: She came in with a fairly acute disc injury. She was spasming (sudden involuntary muscle contractions) and was basically on the floor.
Diagnosis: Dr. Phillip diagnosed her through X-ray and was able to infer the disc injury based on disc height and the orthopedic exam. An MRI was not needed.
Treatments: We followed the standard treatment protocol: chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, and spinal decompression therapy.
Outcome: We were able to get her back to her normal routine. As care progressed, her mobility and flexibility steadily improved, allowing her to move comfortably.
Herniated Disc Patient Testimonials & Reviews
Jasmine K Saleh
I was in need of a serious adjustment & Dr. K and his staff were absolutely wonderful to work with. They took me in the same day I called, within 10 min I was booked and, in the office...
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Denise
Just WOW! Everyone at California Oaks Chiropractic in Murrieta was just professional and very nice. I felt immediately comfortable. Dr. K was very easy to talk to and made me feel at ease...
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Abby Ngo
I had a great experience with Dr. K. This is top-notch chiropractic care! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed, listened to, and well taken care of. Dr. K combines strong knowledge...
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Rick Scherer
My family and I have been seeing Dr. K for over 20 years, and I can't imagine going anywhere else. From the moment you walk in, you're treated like family. The office staff is incredibly friendly...
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Sandra Guzman
If you are looking for a chiropractor with a lot of knowledge, friendly staff who feels like family, and an overall welcoming environment, this is your place! Dr. K has been vital in helping my husband and I...
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Lorretta Marcum
This morning I was lucky enough to see a Daphne! Oh my heavens do I feel 1000 x better!! Then I saw Dr. Chris for an adjustment and boy does he know his stuff got rid of my sciatica pain instantly...
Read on GoogleBook an Appointment for Herniated Disc Treatment
If you have a suspicion that your chronic back pain is being caused by a bulging disc, or you have received a diagnosis that confirms this condition, you will probably benefit from the best chiropractic care in Murrieta you can find.
We will review your symptoms, perform a thorough examination, and discuss conservative options tailored to your condition.
Call (951) 698-2511 or book online using the booking tool below.
Herniated Disc Treatment FAQs
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Yes. Many herniated discs improve with conservative care focused on spinal mechanics and movement support. Dr. Phillip treated a patient with an 8.59mm disc injury, which is typically a surgical consult, down to one to two millimeters using chiropractic care, massage therapy, and spinal decompression, without surgery.
How long does herniated disc treatment take?
Most patients see the biggest improvement between 15 and 20 treatments. In more serious cases, full recovery took about two to two and a half months with consistent chiropractic care, massage therapy, and spinal decompression.
What activities should I avoid with a herniated disc?
Activities involving heavy lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting may need modification during care.
When should you seek treatment for a herniated disc?
Evaluation is recommended if pain travels into the arms or legs, numbness develops, or symptoms persist. Seek treatment when you cannot stand up straight, are spasming, or have excruciating pain. Disc injuries over 7 millimeters typically warrant a surgical consult, so early evaluation is important.
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