A herniated disc can turn a simple movement into a wave of back or leg pain, and it is one of the most common conditions we treat at The Spine and Wellness Center in Coral Springs. Dr. Jared Cohen, DC has guided patients across Coral Springs and Parkland through recovery since 2005, focusing on conservative, non-surgical care. This guide explains what a herniated disc is, how it differs from a bulging disc, the symptoms to watch for, and the treatment options that help most people heal without surgery.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jared Cohen, DC · Updated June 2026

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Between each of the bones in your spine sits a soft, cushion-like disc with a tough outer ring and a gel-like center. A herniated disc occurs when that outer ring tears or weakens and some of the inner material pushes outward. When this displaced material presses on a nearby nerve, it can trigger pain, numbness, or weakness.

Herniated discs are most common in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck. The location of the herniation largely determines where you feel symptoms.

Herniated Disc vs. Bulging Disc: What’s the Difference?

These terms are often confused, but they describe different stages. A bulging disc happens when the disc flattens and extends beyond its normal boundary without the outer ring tearing, much like a tire that is slightly underinflated. A herniation involves an actual rupture of that outer layer, allowing inner material to escape.

A bulge is generally milder, though it can still cause symptoms. If you are dealing with a bulge, our bulging disc treatment options use the same gentle, non-surgical principles to relieve pressure and support healing.

Symptoms by Spinal Level

Where you feel pain often points to which disc is involved. Recognizing the pattern helps us target care precisely.

• Lower back (lumbar): pain, numbness, or weakness radiating into the buttock, leg, or foot
• Neck (cervical): pain spreading into the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Tingling or pins-and-needles along the path of the affected nerve
• Muscle weakness that may affect grip or the ability to lift the foot
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, coughing, or sneezing

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Discs can herniate gradually through wear and tear or suddenly from a specific strain. Several factors raise the risk.

• Age-related disc dehydration and reduced flexibility
• Improper lifting, especially twisting while carrying weight
• Repetitive bending, sitting, or heavy physical work
• Sudden trauma such as a fall or auto accident
• Excess body weight and a sedentary lifestyle

Non-Surgical Treatment That Works

The encouraging news is that the vast majority of herniated discs improve with conservative care, and surgery is rarely the first option. Our comprehensive herniated disc care begins with a careful exam to confirm the diagnosis and rule out red flags. From there, we build a plan around relieving nerve pressure and restoring movement.

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a key tool for many disc patients. By gently and intermittently stretching the spine, decompression can create negative pressure within the disc, which may help draw the displaced material back and improve circulation to the area. We pair this with chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercise, and soft-tissue work to support long-term stability. Patients from Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, and Boca Raton value that this care is drug-free and avoids the risks of surgery.

What Recovery Looks Like

Many patients notice gradual improvement over several weeks, though every disc and every body heals at its own pace. Consistency with your care plan and home exercises makes a real difference. Mild cases may settle within a few weeks, while larger herniations can take a few months of steady progress. We monitor your response and adjust the plan along the way to keep you moving forward.

When to See Us in Coral Springs

If back or neck pain radiates into a limb, lingers beyond a week, or comes with numbness or weakness, a professional evaluation is wise. Seek immediate care for severe weakness or any loss of bladder or bowel control. To get started, reach out through our contact page or call our Coral Springs office, conveniently located for patients across Parkland, Margate, and Tamarac.