Disc Injury Care in Grand Rapids, MI
Bulging and herniated discs can irritate nearby nerves, sending pain, numbness, tingling or weakness into the arms or legs. We look for the source and build a plan to reduce pressure, restore motion and help the injured area recover.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Steph Bohemier, D.C.
Spinal discs act like cushions between the bones of your spine. When one bulges or tears, it may crowd or inflame a nearby nerve. The symptoms depend on where that disc is injured.
A damaged disc in the neck may cause neck or shoulder pain, headaches, burning pain into the arm, numb fingers, tingling or weakness. The hand may hurt even though the real problem begins higher in the cervical spine.
A damaged disc in the low back may cause back, hip or buttock pain, sciatica, leg or foot numbness, tingling or weakness. Sitting, bending, coughing or lifting may make symptoms more intense.
Think of a disc like a small jelly-filled cushion. Its strong outer ring surrounds a softer center. Repeated stress, poor mechanics or an injury can weaken that outer ring.
A bulging disc pushes outward while the outer layer remains contained. A herniated disc has a deeper tear that allows inner material to move through the weakened area. Either may be painless—or may create intense symptoms when a nerve becomes irritated.
Not every arm or leg symptom is caused by a disc. We evaluate your posture, movement, strength, reflexes and nerve function to identify what is driving the problem. When imaging is needed, we will help determine the right next step.
New loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the saddle area or rapidly worsening weakness requires urgent medical evaluation.
This treatment is not limited to the lumbar spine. The right plan can also address cervical disc problems that send pain, numbness or tingling into the shoulders, arms and hands.
We work to improve alignment and movement so the injured area is not repeatedly stressed by the same faulty mechanics.
Powerful acoustic waves stimulate blood flow and cellular repair in damaged or painful soft tissues surrounding the injured area.
Simple, specific exercises help stabilize the correction, improve mobility and reduce the chance that everyday habits keep reopening the problem.
Controlled decompression gently unloads the injured spinal level. It can be used for both cervical and lumbar discs when your examination shows it is appropriate.
Designed for neck and low-back disc injuries.
HillDT Spinal Decompression
These Legacy patients shared their own results from care for sciatica and neck and back pain.
“I came in with intense lower back pain every single day and after a month of adjustments and homework I have little to no back pain throughout my day! It’s great to feel poured into and have a provider so invested into walking with me on healing my body!”
— Jamie D., Google Review
“I was convinced I was developing carpal tunnel because two of my fingers were constantly getting numb, but the team here took the time to find the real culprit: stress on the nerves in my neck… I haven’t had any tingling or numbness in my fingers for weeks.”
— Shakerah M., Google Review
“The aches and pains I used to have in my neck and back are gone… The staff is friendly and genuinely cares about their patients.”
— Emerson L., Google Review
Yes. Cervical disc injuries are different from lumbar injuries, but they can often be addressed with a carefully selected combination of corrective care, cervical decompression and rehabilitation. Your examination determines what is safe and appropriate.
Not always. We begin with your history and examination. If an MRI or other imaging would change the plan or help rule out a more serious problem, we will explain why.
Some people notice change early; others with older or more complex injuries need more time. The goal is not to cover up symptoms for a day. It is to improve the way the injured area functions so progress can hold.
No. Many people can begin with conservative care. If your findings suggest a surgical or medical consultation is necessary, we will tell you directly.
Start with a complete examination and a plan built around your neck, low back and nerve symptoms.
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