Getting diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc can be overwhelming, especially when you’re experiencing sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or weakness that disrupts your daily life. It’s natural to worry about what recovery will look like. Will the pain ever go away? Will surgery be necessary?
The encouraging news is that many people can find relief and healing through non-surgical options, especially when working with a Conyers chiropractor in Conyers. However, getting timely treatment is essential. Ignoring the problem or hoping it resolves on its own can lead to more serious complications and long-term pain.
Can a Herniated Disc Heal on Its Own?
In some cases, symptoms of a herniated disc may seem to improve without medical treatment. But this doesn’t mean the disc itself has fully healed. When people say their herniated disc “went away,” what often happens is that:
- Your body reabsorbs some of the water content from the gel-like center of the disc, which can reduce the size of the herniation.
- Your immune system may treat the herniated material as a foreign substance and help shrink or break it down, lessening pressure on the surrounding nerve.
These biological responses may temporarily reduce inflammation and relieve nerve irritation, leading to fewer or milder symptoms. However, this process doesn’t fix the underlying cause of the herniation.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Herniated Disc Treatment
Even if the pain subsides, an untreated herniated disc can lead to bigger issues over time. The injury that caused the disc to shift or bulge hasn’t been corrected, which means the spinal alignment may still be compromised.
Without proper care, an untreated slipped disc can lead to a variety of issues, including:
- Recurring flare-ups are likely, especially with physical activity or prolonged sitting or standing.
- Nerve damage can become more severe if compression persists, potentially leading to chronic pain, tingling, or weakness in the limbs.
- Muscle imbalances and joint dysfunction may develop as your body compensates for the herniated disc left untreated, causing pain in other areas like the hips, shoulders, or neck.
What Happens Without Treatment? Treating a Herniated Disc
It’s a common misconception that herniated discs will simply “go away” if given enough time. While it’s true that some people may experience less pain over the course of several months, that doesn’t mean the issue has resolved. In fact, ignoring a herniated disc can lead to significant setbacks, both physically and neurologically. Here’s what you need to know about what happens if a herniated disc is left untreated.
Pain Can Persist for Months
During the time it takes for symptoms to lessen on their own, you may suffer from chronic, debilitating pain. Many people experience symptoms so severe that they become unable to participate in daily activities. Something as routine as walking, sitting at a desk, or even sleeping can become extremely painful.
Even if the pain eventually fades, there’s no guarantee that you’ll regain full mobility or function. Without proper treatment for a herniated disc, the affected area may remain weak or unstable, setting the stage for future flare-ups or reinjury. And for some people, the pain doesn’t go away at all; it gets worse.
Risk of Permanent Nerve Damage
One of the most serious consequences of untreated herniated discs is permanent nerve damage. A herniated disc puts pressure on nearby spinal nerves, and if that pressure isn’t relieved, it can block nerve signals over time. This may lead to:
- Numbness or tingling in the lower back, legs, or feet
- Muscle weakness that affects balance and coordination
- Chronic pain that doesn’t respond to medication or rest
Delayed Treatment Can Increase the Need for Surgery
Most herniated discs can be treated effectively without surgery, but timing is everything. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more likely it is that the condition will worsen to the point that surgical intervention becomes necessary.
When conservative care is no longer effective, procedures like a discectomy or spinal fusion may be needed to prevent permanent nerve damage. These surgeries come with risks of their own, including:
- Extended recovery times
- Scar tissue formation
- Reduced spinal flexibility
- Chronic pain in other areas of the back
In some cases, the damaged disc is removed and not replaced, which can negatively impact the way your spine functions and lead to more complications over time.
Early Chiropractic Care Can Prevent Complications
The best way to avoid these complications is to seek treatment early, especially with a chiropractor experienced in spinal conditions. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying mechanical issues contributing to disc herniation.
Your chiropractor for a herniated disc can develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae and relieve nerve pressure
- Decompression therapy creates space for the disc to heal
- Stretches and exercises to strengthen core muscles and improve posture
- Lifestyle and ergonomic guidance to reduce strain on the spine
These treatments not only help you heal faster, but they also reduce your risk of future herniation and nerve-related complications.
How to Treat Herniated Discs
Once the initial inflammation is under control, you’ll likely begin a structured exercise program, often in collaboration with a physical therapist or under your chiropractor’s guidance. These exercises are designed to:
- Strengthen your core muscles, including the back, neck, and abs, to support the spine more effectively
- Improve flexibility and posture, reducing the likelihood of future strain or disc issues
- Encourage healthy movements and habits that help the spine heal naturally
It’s normal to experience some mild discomfort as your body adjusts, but these movements should not cause sharp or severe pain. If necessary, short-term pain relief, such as over-the-counter medication or muscle relaxers, may be recommended to help you move more comfortably during the early stages of recovery.
When Additional Herniated Disc Treatment Is Needed
If conservative treatments are not providing you with enough relief, or if neurological symptoms like weakness, loss of function, or numbness get worse, more advanced care options may be needed. At AICA Conyers, we’re proud to offer a multi-specialty approach to care, meaning you don’t have to visit multiple clinics to get the help you need.
In cases where a herniated disc is more severe or unresponsive to other treatments, our in-house orthopedic specialists may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, to further assess the disc’s condition. Our pain management doctors also provide procedures, including injections, to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve.
Our team of surgeons also provides consultations to determine if removal or repair of the disc is the best long-term solution for you. Our team works collaboratively to make sure that every person gets a care plan that is safe, effective, and tailored to their unique condition.
Visit AICA Orthopedics for Herniated Disc Treatment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a herniated or bulging disc, don’t wait for the pain to get worse before seeking help. Early intervention is the key to avoiding surgery and preventing long-term complications. At AICA Conyers, our team provides individualized care that focuses on overall wellness and natural healing.
If you have a more severe case, we also have in-house orthopedic surgeons who can recommend the best courses of action as they become necessary. Call AICA Conyers today to schedule your first consultation and relieve your back pain!