Herniated Disc Worries? Here’s What Cape Town Chiropractors Want You to Know

Worried About a Herniated Disc? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You PanicHerniated Disc Treatment Cape Town

Back Pain Freak-Out Mode? We Get It.

You Googled “herniated disc” at 2 a.m. after your back locked up. Now you’re convinced you need an MRI and surgery. Let’s take a deep breath.

At The Cape Town Chiro, we see people every week who come in thinking the worst — but walk out with relief, clarity, and a recovery plan. Most of the time, it’s not a blown disc. And even if it is, you’ve got far more options than you think.

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What Is a Herniated Disc Really?

Discs are like shock absorbers between your spine bones. When one herniates, it means part of the soft centre pushes out — and may touch or irritate a nerve.

BUT:

  • Many people have disc bulges without pain.
  • Disc injuries often settle down without surgery.
  • The real issue is how it affects your movement and function — not just the MRI picture.

Common Signs of a Herniated Disc

You might have a disc issue if you’re feeling:

  • Pain down your leg or arm (sciatica or nerve-like pain)
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness in a limb
  • Back or neck pain that changes with sitting, bending, or coughing

But don’t panic — these symptoms can also come from joint or muscle issues. That’s why a proper physical assessment is key.

What to Do First (Before Panicking)

✅ Book a chiropractic assessment that includes a neuro + ortho exam
✅ Stay lightly active — avoid bed rest if you can still move
✅ Use ice or heat depending on what feels better
✅ Avoid any stretching or movements that increase pain down the leg/arm

You don’t always need an MRI — and you don’t need to commit to surgery right away.

📍 Book with Dr Tristan Koekemoer – Chiropractor Cape Town

How Chiropractors Actually Help Disc Injuries

At The Cape Town Chiro, your treatment will depend on your case. But generally, we may use:

  • Safe manual therapy (joint techniques, traction, or mobilisations)
  • Dry needling or IFC to reduce spasm
  • Nerve glide techniques
  • Specific rehab exercises to protect and strengthen the area
  • Education around sitting, lifting, and safe training

Goal: Reduce pain, restore movement, and get you back to living — without relying on meds or surgery.

When You Do Need an MRI or Referral

We’ll refer you for imaging or a specialist opinion if:

  • You’ve got red flag signs (loss of bowel/bladder control, progressive weakness)
  • Symptoms aren’t improving after 4-6 weeks of treatment
  • You’re a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression or a neuro consult

We stay in our lane — and refer when it’s time.

You’re Not Broken — You’re Recovering

The herniated disc isn’t the end of your active life. It’s a challenge that, with the right care, most people recover from.

Cape Town runners, CrossFitters, and desk-jockeys — we’ve got your back.

Location & Contact Info

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Does a herniated disc always need surgery? A: No. Most people recover with conservative care like chiropractic, exercise, and time. Surgery is a last resort.

Q: Can a chiropractor treat a disc bulge or herniation? A: Yes. Chiropractors trained in neuro-ortho exams can identify, treat, and co-manage disc injuries safely.

Q: Should I get an MRI before seeing a chiropractor? A: Not necessarily. If there are no red flags, a hands-on exam is often more useful at first. Imaging is used when clinically necessary.