Herniated Disc Treatment in Lake Forest, 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. Ron Merriel, DC, and Dr. Greg McDonald, DC, have helped patients across all stages of herniated disc conditions in Lake Forest & Spring Valley, from early symptoms to long-standing nerve irritation. At Go Greenlight Chiropractic, care is structured, cautious, and focused on reducing stress to the disc and surrounding nerves while supporting stability and function.
Every treatment plan is based on clinical findings, not assumptions, and adjusted to your comfort level. If symptoms are affecting your daily life, a careful evaluation can help clarify your diagnosis and care options.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes outward through its outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves and lead to pain, tingling, or weakness.
The center of the disc contains a gel-like material surrounded by cartilaginous rings. When those outer rings weaken or tear, the inner material can push through and irritate nearby nerves.
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.
Dr. Merriel has also seen herniated disc problems in patients who drive frequently or continue activities that place repeated pressure on the lower back.
How a Herniated Disc Is Diagnosed
Usually, when a patient comes in with a herniated disc, the pain is pretty severe. They may have trouble walking into the office and may need help from another person, a cane, or a walker. The pain is sciatic-type pain, and when there is a herniation, there is significant pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain to go all the way down to the foot. Sometimes that causes weakness in the leg or foot muscles.
One major indicator is increased pain when bearing down, such as when sneezing or during a bowel movement. That creates pressure within the body, which increases pressure in that area of the spinal cord and causes a spike in pain. Along with that, there may be decreased sensation in certain areas. The only way to get a definitive answer is by getting an MRI to confirm the herniation.
Our Approach to Herniated Disc Treatment
Dr. Merriel puts patients through a normal course of treatment with a focus on flexion distraction. When there is a disc herniation, it takes quite some time. It was a good four to six months before one patient was able to do most of his daily activities without low back pain or any symptoms in his leg or glute.
Herniations take a long time to heal, up to a year. Disc bulges are also difficult to treat and take a very long time. Dr. Merriel makes sure patients understand this so they stay committed to the things they need to do for their bodies to heal.
Herniated Disc Patient Case Studies
Herniated Disc Treated with Flexion Distraction Technique
Patient Info: Male patient, older adult.
Symptoms: Severe low back pain with sciatic-type pain into the glute region. Had significant trouble walking into the office and came in using a walker.
Diagnosis: Herniated disc with significant pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. MRI was used to confirm the herniation.
Treatment: Normal course of chiropractic treatment with a strong focus on flexion distraction to decompress the disc and take pressure off the nerves.
Outcome: After four to six months of care, the patient was able to do most of his daily activities without low back pain or any symptoms into his leg or glute.
Disc Herniation Managed Through Chiropractic Care
Patient Info: Female patient, desk job, does a significant amount of driving throughout the week.
Symptoms: Nagging sciatic pain and low back pain. Symptoms worsened after sitting in the car for more than 25 to 30 minutes.
Diagnosis: Disc herniation causing sciatic nerve compression. The jelly-like material at the center of the disc broke through the cartilaginous rings and leaked into the spinal canal, causing pressure on the nerves.
Treatment: Chiropractic adjustments combined with flexion distraction. The patient was given stretching and strengthening exercises to do at home. Dr. Merriel also addressed her workstation and daily habits. She switched to a more supportive chair at home, used a sit/stand desk at work, took walking breaks throughout the day, and placed one foot on a small step when standing to take pressure off the lower back. A lumbar cushion with a sacral cutout placed in her car turned out to be the key to allowing further healing.
Outcome: After about four months of care, the patient was doing significantly better. Because it was a disc herniation, full recovery takes up to a year. She remained committed to her exercises and lifestyle adjustments and continued care. She chose to avoid surgery after seeing mixed results in people she knew who had undergone operations.
Herniated Disc Patient Testimonials & Reviews
Andy Santos
After over a year of doctor visits and physical therapy, I hit a plateau and was still in a lot of daily pain. Dr. McDonald’s treatment plan, combined with Natalie’s effective massage therapy...
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Bryn DenHeyer
I originally came here to have my infant daughter treated by Dr. Waters for torticollis. He was a miracle worker! I started having pain and asked if he worked on adults- he did! I saw him a few times...
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Divya Kapoor
Best massage place ever!! Melina's neck and back massages are lifesavers, especially after long hours hunched over a computer. She really knows how to target those tight spots to ease tension...
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Nancy Clinkerbeard
Greenlight Chiropractic is fantastic. From the moment you walk in and they know you by name, Jeremy is an awesome manager, facilitator of your visit and needs. Next get time for Natalie to work on you...
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Sabina Uskenova
I really liked it there!! It’s very calm and nice atmosphere that you can trust. Dr, Waters was very patient and explained everything. He didn’t try to sell me a thousand adjustments as you...
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Sylvia Mireles
Hi!!! I just had my last adjustment with Dr. Waters. He has been a gem, his expertise- his sincerity and super genuineness, has been a bright star as part of my overall healing and amazing experience on this...
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Scheduling your visit with Greenlight Chiropractic & Wellness Lab is simple. You can call our office directly or visit our Contact Us page to connect with the location nearest you and request an appointment.
Our team can help answer questions, guide you through the scheduling process, and help you find a visit time that works best for your schedule.
Herniated Disc Treatment FAQs
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
The pain is usually severe. A patient may have trouble walking and may need assistance from another person, a cane, or a walker. Other symptoms include sciatic pain radiating down to the foot, weakness in the leg or foot muscles, and decreased sensation in certain areas.
Pain also tends to aggravate when sneezing or during a bowel movement.
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Many herniated discs improve with conservative care focused on spinal mechanics and movement support.
Dr. Merriel explains that healing may take time, especially when nerve irritation or prolonged sitting continues to place pressure on the disc.
How long does herniated disc treatment take?
Treatment length depends on disc severity, symptom duration, and individual healing response.
According to Dr. Merriel, some disc herniations may take several months to improve, while more involved cases can require longer recovery periods.
What activities should I avoid with a herniated disc?
Activities involving heavy lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting may need to be modified during care. Dr. Merriel also recommends reducing activities that repeatedly increase pressure on the spine, especially long periods of sitting during driving without support.
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.
You should also seek care if walking becomes difficult, weakness develops, or daily movement becomes increasingly limited.
