A 30-year-old mom bends down to pick up her four-year-old and feels a sharp, stabbing pain in her lower back. A 60-year-old grandfather lifts his five-year-old grandchild and suddenly experiences an electric, shooting pain radiating from his lower back. In both cases, the pain is so intense they must sit down immediately.

By the next day, both individuals notice a new set of symptoms—pain, tingling, or numbness traveling down one leg, along with difficulty walking.

What’s Going On?

These are classic signs of a herniated disc irritating a spinal nerve.

Each disc in your spine acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the vertebrae during movement and load-bearing. Discs have two main parts:

• Nucleus pulposus: A gel-like inner core, similar to a soft ball bearing.

• Annulus fibrosus: A tough outer ring of fibrous cartilage, layered in concentric, crisscrossing fibers.

With age—or repetitive strain—these discs lose water content and become more brittle. Cracks or fissures may form in the outer layer. When you bend or lift awkwardly, pressure on a weakened disc can force the inner gel outward. If it pushes far enough, it may press on or irritate a spinal nerve.

When a spinal nerve is inflamed or compressed by disc material, you might experience:

• Pain that radiates from the low back down one leg

• Numbness or tingling sensations

• Muscle weakness

• Symptoms that often travel below the knee, sometimes into the foot

Interestingly, many patients report that the leg pain or numbness is worse than the back pain—a key indicator of nerve involvement.

A detailed clinical exam, combined with a spinal MRI, can confirm a disc herniation and identify whether a spinal nerve is being compressed.

The good news is that most people improve without surgery. Conservative care is often highly effective, especially in the early stages.

Conservative Treatment May Include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce nerve inflammation

• Chiropractic care, such as:

  • Spinal decompression therapy

  • Trigger point therapy for muscle spasms

  • Physical therapeutic modalities like electrical stimulation or ultrasound

If pain is severe or there’s progressive neurological loss, a consultation with a spinal surgeon is appropriate. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve nerve pressure.

Yes, many herniated disc episodes can be avoided. Key prevention strategies include:

• Practicing safe lifting techniques

• Strengthening your core and back muscles through regular exercise

• Getting adequate sleep and rest

• Staying mobile and maintaining flexibility

• Consulting your chiropractor for personalized prevention and wellness protocols

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, don’t ignore them. Prompt evaluation and early conservative care can make a huge difference. At Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center, we specialize in natural, non-invasive solutions to help your body heal and function at its best.

Schedule a consultation today