Low back and neck condition · Canton, OH
Herniated disc treatment in Canton, OH
A herniated disc happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in its tougher outer layer and presses on nearby nerves. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we start with a full exam and imaging review, then walk you through non-surgical care options.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice
- Non-surgical care
- Spinal decompression on site
Herniated disc at a glance
| Also called | Slipped disc, ruptured disc, disc herniation |
|---|---|
| Body area | Most often the low back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine) |
| Structure involved | Spinal disc and the nerve roots next to it |
| Common symptoms | Back or neck pain, pain that travels into an arm or leg, numbness, tingling, weakness |
| Common causes | Age-related disc wear, repetitive strain, sudden injury or lifting, long hours sitting |
| How we evaluate | Health history, physical and neurological exam, imaging review (MRI if needed) |
| Care options | Spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustments, physical rehabilitation, home exercise |
| Referral needed? | [confirm with practice] |
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is a spinal disc whose tough outer ring has cracked or torn, letting some of its gel-like center push out. When that material presses on or irritates a nearby nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the back, neck, arms or legs.
Spinal discs sit between the bones of the spine and act as cushions. Each disc has a firm outer ring and a soft, gel-like center.
A herniated disc can show up on an MRI without causing pain, and back pain can come from other sources. That is why care starts with a full exam.
Herniated disc symptoms and causes
What does a herniated disc feel like?
Symptoms depend on where the disc is and whether it presses on a nerve.
- Pain in the low back or neck
- Pain that travels into the buttock and leg, or the shoulder and arm
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, leg or foot
- Weakness in the arm or leg
- Pain that gets worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
- Stiffness and trouble moving comfortably
What causes a herniated disc?
Most herniated discs develop over time, though some follow a single strain or injury.
- Age-related wear that dries out and weakens the disc
- Repeated bending, lifting or twisting
- Sudden injury or lifting with poor form
- Long hours sitting or poor posture
- Risk factors: age, physically demanding work, extra body weight, smoking
Is it a herniated disc or something else?
Other spine problems can cause similar pain. Your exam and imaging review help tell them apart.
| Feature | Herniated disc | Bulging disc | Spinal stenosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Back or neck, often traveling down one arm or leg | Back or neck; may stay in one area or spread | Low back or neck, often in both legs when walking |
| Other signs | Numbness, tingling or weakness along one nerve path | Often milder, and sometimes no symptoms at all | Leg heaviness or cramping that eases when sitting or leaning forward |
| Often worse with | Sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing | Sitting or staying in one position | Standing and walking |
Get emergency care right away if
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels
- You have numbness in the groin, inner thighs or buttocks
- Weakness in your arms or legs is getting worse
- You have new trouble with balance or using your hands
- Pain started after a major fall or car crash
- You also have a fever or unexplained weight loss
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for disc pain
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any MRI or X-ray reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask where the pain travels and what makes it worse, check your reflexes, strength and sensation, and review any imaging you bring.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Herniated disc care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam and imaging. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Spinal decompression Slow, computer-guided stretch that may lower pressure inside the disc and on nearby nerves.
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle, targeted care to improve how the spine moves, adapted to the disc level involved.
- Physical rehabilitation Guided exercises to build core strength and support the spine.
- Home exercise and posture guidance Stretches and daily habits to help you stay active between visits.
If conservative care is not enough, your provider can talk with you about other options, such as injections or a surgical consult, and coordinate with your physician.
Told your MRI shows a herniated disc and not sure what comes next?
Your herniated disc care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Herniated disc questions we hear in Canton
Many people with a herniated disc improve with non-surgical care such as spinal decompression, chiropractic care, exercise and activity changes. Some people need injections or a surgical consult. Your exam and imaging review help show which path fits, and we refer you to a physician when other care is the better choice.
Spinal decompression gently stretches the spine on a computer-guided table. This may lower pressure inside the disc, which can ease pressure on nearby nerves and help fluid and nutrients move into the disc. Your provider sets the plan after your exam.
An MRI that shows a herniated disc is a helpful starting point, but not every case is a fit. We review your history, exam and imaging first, and tell you if another type of care makes more sense for you.
Most people find it comfortable. The table is adjustable, and you can tell your provider at any point if something does not feel right.
Spinal decompression is a non-invasive option that does not use needles or incisions. Injections and surgery are valid options for some people. Your provider can explain how each choice fits your situation and coordinate with your physician.
[Confirm referral wording with practice] If you already have an MRI, bring the report. If not, imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats herniated discs at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- [parking and entrance notes]
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out if non-surgical care fits your disc pain
Start with a full exam, a review of your imaging and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.