Bulged or Herniated Discs in Lincoln

Are you struggling with back pain but unsure of the cause? You’re not alone. Back pain continues to be one of the most common health complaints across the U.S. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over 13% of all hospital admissions are due to back-related issues—and herniated or bulging discs are among the top culprits.

At Heiss Chiropractic in Lincoln, we specialize in identifying and treating disc injuries through safe, non-invasive care that aims to correct the issue at the source—often without the need for medication or surgery.

While injuries like fractures and sprains can cause back pain, disc issues are frequently the underlying problem. In fact, studies show nearly 35% of Americans have disc bulges—many without even knowing it. Often these discs remain silent until a specific movement, lift, or minor injury triggers significant pain.

So what exactly is a disc injury?

Your spine is made up of 23 intervertebral discs, positioned between each vertebra to absorb shock and maintain flexibility. Each disc has:

• A tough outer layer called the annulus

• A gel-like center called the nucleus

Think of it like a jelly donut: pressure applied to the outside can cause the “jelly” (nucleus) to shift or even rupture.

When the outer annulus weakens—often due to age, posture, subluxations, or repetitive stress—the nucleus can bulge out (a disc bulge), or break through (a herniation), placing pressure on nearby spinal nerves and triggering pain, numbness, or weakness.

A herniated or bulging disc can occur anywhere along the spine but is most common in the lower back and neck. Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity, but often include:

• Localized back or neck pain

• Pain that radiates down the arm or leg

• Tingling or numbness in the limbs

• Muscle weakness in the legs or feet

• Sciatic nerve irritation (sciatica)

• In rare cases, loss of bowel or bladder control

Often, the pain seems to appear suddenly, but the underlying damage has been building up for months or even years.

The best approach to treating disc injuries is to start conservatively and non-invasively. At Heiss Chiropractic, we begin with a detailed consultation and examination. If needed, we may recommend imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of disc damage.

Once confirmed, your treatment plan may include:

✅ Chiropractic Adjustments
To realign the spine, reduce nerve pressure, and improve spinal function.

✅ Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
This gentle, targeted technique stretches the spine to create space between the vertebrae, allowing the disc to return to its natural position, relieve nerve compression, and promote healing.

✅ Rehabilitation and Supportive Therapies
Targeted exercises and lifestyle guidance to prevent re-injury and support long-term recovery.

By addressing misalignments and nerve irritation at the source, we help patients avoid the risks and downtime of invasive surgery. Many of our patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility within weeks—without drugs, injections, or surgical intervention.

If you’re suffering from back pain or suspect you may have a herniated disc, don’t wait until the damage gets worse. Heiss Chiropractic in Lincoln, NE is here to help you find answers and lasting relief.

Call today to schedule your consultation and start your recovery with a team that puts your long-term health first.