Herniated Disc Chiropractor in Loveland, CO
A herniated or bulging disc can be scary to hear about. The good news: many disc problems respond to careful, conservative care. The first step is finding out which kind you have.
Reviewed by Dr. Brian Flemming, DC · Last reviewed September 2026
Quick answer
Can a chiropractor help a herniated disc?
Many disc problems respond to careful, conservative care, and chiropractic can be part of that. We start by finding out which kind of disc problem you have and whether it's pressing on a nerve, then use gentle techniques to restore movement and take pressure off, including low-force options like the drop table and the Activator instrument.
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About This Service
What's Going On with a Disc
Discs are the cushions between the bones of your spine. When one bulges or herniates, it can press on nearby nerves and cause back or neck pain, and sometimes pain, numbness or tingling down an arm or leg. It happens in the low back most often, then the neck.
I'll be honest: not every disc problem is a chiropractic problem. That's why we start with a careful exam, including neurological testing, before any care begins. If you need a medical doctor instead, you'll hear that from us.
- Careful exam with neurological testing before any care begins
- Gentle, disc-appropriate technique, never one-size-fits-all
- Chiropractic BioPhysics care aimed at how the spine is loaded
- Core, posture and movement coaching to protect the disc
- Co-management or referral when your case calls for it
What We See Most
Disc Symptoms We Evaluate
Low Back Pain with Leg Pain
Often called sciatica when it travels down the leg.
Neck Pain with Arm Pain
Pain, tingling or numbness down one arm.
Pain Bending or Sitting
Worse with sitting, bending forward, coughing or sneezing.
Numbness or Tingling
In the hands, fingers, legs or feet.
Morning Stiffness
A back that takes a while to loosen up.
An MRI That Says Bulge
You have a report and want a plan that isn't only medication.
Our Approach
How Conservative Care Works
For disc cases that are a fit, care is gentle and specific. We work on how the spine moves and how it's loaded day to day, and we teach you positions and exercises that take stress off the disc instead of adding to it.
Some symptoms mean you need emergency care, not an appointment: weakness that keeps getting worse, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or any loss of bowel or bladder control.
We are on North Garfield Avenue in Loveland, about 15 minutes from Fort Collins and 10 from Berthoud. New here? See what to expect on your first visit and fill out your new patient forms online before you come in. Every care plan follows the same three phases of care. Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare; see insurance and payment, or browse every condition we care for.
Related Conditions We Care For
Research
What the Research Says
A few of the published studies behind how we approach this. Research describes groups of people, not a promise for any one person. Your exam tells us what applies to you.
In 102 patients with acute back pain and sciatica from disc protrusion, chiropractic manipulation relieved pain more than simulated manipulation, with no adverse events reported.
Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. Spine J, 2006 · RCT.
A review of low back pain guidelines found high-quality guidelines suggest patients with lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy may benefit from spinal manipulation.
Wong JJ, Côté P, Sutton DA, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for the noninvasive management of low back pain: A systematic review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. Eur J Pain, 2017 · systematic review.
In a large US health-records study of adults with new lumbar disc herniation, those receiving chiropractic manipulation had lower odds of discectomy over two years; causation cannot be inferred.
Trager RJ, Daniels CJ, Perez JA, et al. Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation and lumbar discectomy in adults with lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy: retrospective cohort study using United States' data. BMJ Open, 2022 · cohort.
Common Questions
Questions Patients Ask Us
Can a chiropractor help a herniated disc?
Many disc problems respond to conservative care, and chiropractic is one conservative option. A careful exam with neurological testing tells us whether your case is a good fit.
Is it safe to see a chiropractor with a disc problem?
Care for disc cases is gentle and chosen for your specific situation after an exam. If your exam shows a case that needs a medical doctor, we refer you.
What's the difference between a bulging and a herniated disc?
A bulge usually means the disc is pushing outward more broadly; a herniation usually means the inner material has pushed through the outer layer. Both can irritate nerves, and both are evaluated the same careful way.
When is a disc problem an emergency?
Progressive weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Go to the emergency room right away.
Have a different question? Read the full list of patient questions or call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patients
Book Your Herniated Disc Evaluation
Tell us how to reach you and we’ll call to get you scheduled. Prefer to talk now? Call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patient Special — $59
$315 value
- Consultation with the Doctor
- Orthopedic and Neurological Exam
- Specialized Report of Findings
Terms of This Offer
This discounted service cannot be submitted for third-party reimbursement and is not reimbursable for cash. Not valid with Medicare, workers’ compensation, or personal injury / auto accident claims. Must mention this special when contacting us to receive the rate.
Get Started
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
You have put this off long enough. One thorough exam tells you what is actually going on and what it will take to fix it. Call us or send a request — we will get you in.