Disc Injury Treatment in Tempe - Herniated and Bulging Disc Relief
Not all disc problems need surgery. Dr. Daniel Markus and Drew Markus provide conservative chiropractic care for herniated and bulging discs, with accurate diagnosis as the foundation. We use gentle decompression techniques and targeted adjustments to help your disc heal naturally - and we'll tell you honestly when a referral is the better option.
Understanding Disc Injuries
Your spinal discs act as cushions between vertebrae. When they're injured, accurate diagnosis determines whether conservative care can help or if you need surgical consultation. We take the time to understand YOUR specific disc condition before recommending treatment.
Types of Disc Injuries
Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)
The inner gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the outer wall. This material can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Often responds well to conservative care when caught early.
Bulging Disc
The outer wall of the disc weakens and bulges outward, but the inner material stays contained. Like letting air out of a tire - the disc protrudes but hasn't ruptured. Generally less severe than herniation.
Disc Degeneration
Age-related wear and tear causes discs to lose height and hydration. Common in people over 40, but not always symptomatic. Treatment focuses on maintaining function and reducing pain.
Sciatica from Disc Problems
When disc material presses on the sciatic nerve, pain radiates down the leg. We identify whether your sciatica is truly disc-related or has another cause - this changes the treatment approach entirely.
Common Causes of Disc Injuries
Car Accidents
The sudden force from impact can cause disc herniation or worsen existing disc problems. We specialize in personal injury cases and understand the specific trauma patterns from collisions. Even minor accidents can cause significant disc damage.
Lifting Injuries
Improper lifting technique, especially with twisting motions, puts tremendous pressure on discs. The classic "bent over and felt something pop" scenario often indicates disc injury.
Age-Related Wear
Discs naturally lose water content and flexibility with age. By 50, most people have some disc degeneration, though not everyone experiences symptoms. Previous injuries accelerate this process.
Repetitive Strain
Jobs requiring prolonged sitting, frequent bending, or heavy lifting create cumulative stress on discs. The injury isn't from one event but years of microtrauma.
Sports Injuries
High-impact sports and activities involving rotation can cause acute disc injuries. Golf, tennis, and weightlifting are common culprits.
How We Diagnose Disc Injuries
"80% of diagnosis comes from asking the right questions." Dr. Daniel Markus and Drew Markus personally evaluate every patient to determine if your symptoms are truly disc-related. We use specific neurological tests to locate the problem level and assess severity before recommending treatment.
"MRI confirms the diagnosis when needed - we don't guess with disc injuries."
Conservative Disc Treatment
Not all disc problems need surgery - many respond well to conservative care. We use gentle decompression techniques and specific adjustments that avoid aggravating the disc. If we determine your case requires surgical consultation, we'll tell you honestly and make the appropriate referral.
"We make appropriate referrals when needed - we don't force everyone into chiropractic."
Realistic Recovery Expectations
Disc injury recovery varies significantly based on severity, your age, and how long you've had symptoms. We track your progress objectively and adjust treatment based on your response. Some patients improve in weeks, others need months of care - we're honest about what to expect for YOUR specific case.
"Recovery timeline varies - we'll give you honest expectations based on YOUR findings."
Concerned About Your Disc Injury?
Stop wondering if you need surgery. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Markus or Drew Markus for a thorough disc injury assessment. We'll tell you honestly whether conservative care can help or if you need a surgical referral.
What Our Disc Injury Patients Say
Real patients from Tempe, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and San Tan Valley share their experiences with disc injury treatment from Dr. Daniel Markus and Drew Markus.
James R., Tempe
"My MRI showed a herniated disc at L4-L5. Dr. Daniel explained exactly what that meant and said surgery wasn't necessary yet. After 10 weeks of decompression therapy, my sciatica is 90% better. He saved me from going under the knife."
Maria S., Gilbert
"After a car accident, I had numbness down my leg and was terrified. Dr. Drew ran neurological tests, ordered an MRI, and explained my bulging disc in plain English. The treatment plan made sense and he tracked my progress every visit. Numbness is completely gone now."
David K., Mesa
"I appreciated the honesty. When my symptoms included progressive weakness, Dr. Daniel told me straight up that I needed a surgical consultation. He made the referral and the surgeon confirmed his assessment. That's integrity - not trying to keep me coming back for something that needed surgery."
Lisa T., Chandler
"Two other chiropractors wanted to adjust me aggressively. Dr. Drew took a different approach - gentle decompression and avoiding movements that would aggravate my disc. The careful approach paid off. Eight weeks later, no more leg pain and I know what exercises to do to keep it that way."
Frequently Asked Questions About Disc Injury Treatment
Common questions from patients with herniated or bulging discs considering chiropractic care.
Disc Injury Questions
Do I need an MRI for my disc problem?
Not always. Our clinical exam often provides enough information for diagnosis. However, if you have progressive weakness, severe symptoms, or aren't responding to treatment as expected, we'll order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and see exactly what's happening with your disc.
Can chiropractic care make my disc worse?
Not with proper technique. We use gentle decompression methods and specific adjustments that avoid aggravating disc injuries. We don't use forceful manipulation on acute disc problems. If your case isn't appropriate for chiropractic care, we'll tell you honestly.
When is surgery necessary for a herniated disc?
Surgery is typically needed when there's progressive neurological weakness (foot drop, bowel/bladder issues), severe symptoms that don't respond to conservative care, or specific MRI findings. We monitor for these red flags and make surgical referrals when appropriate.
Treatment Questions
How long does disc injury recovery take?
It varies significantly. Mild bulging discs may improve in 4-8 weeks. Moderate herniations often take 8-12 weeks. Severe cases can take 3-6 months or longer. We give you realistic expectations based on YOUR specific findings, not generic timelines.
Will my disc injury come back?
There's always some risk of recurrence. That's why we teach you core stabilization exercises, proper lifting mechanics, and activity modifications to protect your spine long-term. Prevention is part of our treatment plan, not just pain relief.
Do you treat disc injuries from car accidents?
Yes, we specialize in personal injury cases including disc injuries. We understand the documentation requirements, coordinate with attorneys, and provide thorough records. We focus on accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment while supporting your legal needs.
Get Your Disc Injury Evaluated
Book your appointment directly. Honest assessment of whether you need surgery or can benefit from conservative care.