Herniated & Bulging Disc Carrollton, TX

Q: What does a herniated disc feel like?

Most patients describe a sharp, shooting pain that travels along a nerve. In the lower back, it runs through the buttock and down the leg toward the toes. In the neck, it shoots into the arm and fingers. Numbness and tingling often come with it, depending on how much the disc is pressing on the nerve.

Q: What causes a herniated disc?

Herniated discs, especially protruding discs, are more likely to come from a traumatic event like a slip and fall or a car crash. Bulging discs are different and are usually an aging, chronic condition. In both cases the disc has been compressed until it pushes out of its normal position and starts pressing on a nerve.

Q: How long does a herniated disc take to heal?

It depends on the type and severity. Decompression plans at this office usually run about two months, and outcome assessments at the start, halfway point, and end measure your pain and your return to activity. More severe injuries, like an extruded or sequestered disc, generally take longer than a simple bulge or protrusion.

Q: Is a herniated disc serious?

It can be. Many herniated discs cause pain, numbness, or tingling that conservative care is designed for. But a disc pressing on the spinal cord can cause new weakness, difficulty walking, loss of balance, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Those symptoms need a medical doctor or emergency room right away, before any chiropractic care.

Q: Can you walk with a herniated disc?

Most people with a herniated disc can still walk, even when the pain is sharp. What matters is any change. If a herniated disc starts making it hard to walk, throws off your balance, or causes new weakness in your legs, treat that as a warning sign and see a medical doctor right away.

Bulging, Protruding & Herniated
Non-Surgical DRX9000 Care
X-Ray & MRI Guided

Herniated and Bulging Disc Treatment in Carrollton, TX

Dallas Spine Center
Conditions
Herniated & Bulging Disc

Medically reviewed by Dr. Hoa Nguyen, D.C., Parker University. Last updated September 2026.

Chiropractor in Carrollton TX explaining a herniated disc to a patient

A herniated disc is one of the most common complaints of patients who visit us here at Dallas Spine Center in Carrollton, TX. Our chiropractic office is exactly built for this type of issue. Dr. Hoa Nguyen underwent special training in spinal decompression on the DRX9000. It’s a system that doesn’t involve surgery. This is designed for bulging and herniated discs that press on a nerve.

This page explains what happens in a herniated disc and how it is different from a bulging disc. You’ll also find information about how decompression can treat it and find out whether or not you’re a good candidate. In that way, you can walk into our chiropractic office for your first visit knowing the right questions to ask.

What a Herniated Disc Is and What Happens to the Disc

A herniated disc happens when one of the cushions between the bones gets damaged. These cushions are known as discs. Each disc has an outer layer called the annulus fibrosis. When a herniated disc breaks through the outer layer, it can press on the spinal cord or close off the foramina and pinch the nerve, causing shooting pain.

The nerve that gets affected depends on the level of the spine. For instance, if the herniation happens in L4, L5, or L5-S!, it causes sciatica. A herniation in the neck causes pain that can run into your arms. Either one of these situations creates a pinched nerve that requires pressure to be taken off the disc.

Before your treatment starts, Dr. Nguyen will confirm what is going on in your spine. That’s why your first visit includes a full history of your pain and an orthopedic exam. If you didn’t bring your recent imaging, we’ll take your digital X-rays in our office. Dr. Nguyen will reassess you in the middle of your plan to determine if you’re improving. An MRI will be ordered so he can directly look at your disc.

The Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc

Bulging disc and herniated disc are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, these two are different problems. The difference affects your overall care. Dr. Nguyen explains it this way when he examines his patients:

A bulging disc pushes outward. It doesn’t break through the annulus fibrosis but it can still pinch a nerve to cause radiating pain.
A herniated disc already breaks through the annulus fibrosis. In a car accident, this type of herniation is called a protruding disc.
A sequestered disc can happen in more severe injuries. In this situation, the disc can separate into a fragment.

In bulging and herniated cases, the discs are compressed, and they press where they shouldn’t. For that reason, they are treated with the same core approach. You will find the difference in how long care takes and how closely your progress must be monitored along the way.

How Spinal Decompression Treats a Herniated Disc in Carrollton

A spinal decompression on the DRX9000 system is the main treatment for a herniated disc. In this treatment, you’ll be fitted with a brace and lowered onto your back with support attached under your neck and knees. The machine pulls your spine based on your body weight. It’s not more than half. It typically starts at 60 percent of your maximum on your first visit.

“It gently pulls the vertebrae in the opposite direction, so the compressed disc has less pressure inside. That acts like a vacuum, drawing in water, nutrition, and oxygen to help restore the disc, and it helps retract the disc back into position so it will not pinch the nerve.”

Dr. Hoa Nguyen, D.C.

Dr. Nguyen doesn’t cut corners. He follows the published research of a full 18 cycles for 28 to 30 minutes per session over 20 to 28 treatments. Most of our patients find the overall treatment to be relaxing in a way that they drift off to sleep. Our chiropractor can add Shockwave therapy, Hako-Med, a TENS unit, infrared, and heat to your plan to manage your pain.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for Decompression?

Decompression doesn’t work for everyone. It’s only ideal for a certain condition or patient. Dr. Nguyen uses your medical history, exam, and X-rays to confirm whether or not this treatment is for you. He will tell you directly if another care option is more ideal. You’re likely a candidate if one or more of these statements are true in your case.

You have either a bulging or herniated disc shown on your imaging or exam.
Your disc hasn’t worn down to bone-on-bone from advanced degenerative disc disease
You are somewhere between your mid-30s and your 80s
You don’t have a fracture, spinal cord injury, or other red flags.

After your treatment, you may feel mild muscle soreness that can last for a few days. This happens because the muscles react to the steady pulling. It’s normal. You need to relax on the table while the machine pulls at the disc. This is the best way for you to keep the soreness to a minimum.

Herniated Disc FAQs

What does a herniated disc feel like?

Most of our patients describe a herniated disc as feeling like a sharp pain that travels along a nerve. In the lower back, it can run through the buttocks and down your leg toward the toes. In the neck, the pain shoots into the arm and fingers. There’s also numbness and tingling. But it depends on how much the disc is pressing on the nerve.

What causes a herniated disc?

A herniated disc, especially a protruding disc, is more likely to come from a traumatic event, like a slip and fall. It may also be caused by a car crash. A bulging disc is different and is usually related to aging. In both cases, the disc has been compressed until it pushes out of its normal position. As a result, it starts pressing on a nerve.

How long does a herniated disc take to heal?

Recovery from a herniated disc depends on the type and severity of the condition. If you’re undergoing decompression, the plan can last around two months. You’ll undergo reassessments halfway and another at the end of your plan. However, if your injury is severe, like an extruded or sequestered disc, your recovery takes a lot longer than if it’s only a simple bulge.

Is a herniated disc serious?

A herniated disc can be serious. Many patients complain of pain, numbness, or tingling that a conservative approach can take care of. But a disc that presses on the spinal cord can cause new weakness, difficulty walking, loss of balance, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These symptoms are serious, and they require medical attention right away.

Can you walk with a herniated disc?

Most of our patients with a herniated disc can still walk, even when they feel a sharp pain. What matters most in this condition is change. If a herniated disc starts to throw you off balance, make it hard to walk, or cause new weakness in your legs, then you must treat it as a warning sign. You must see a medical doctor right away.

See What Your Disc Is Really Doing

The $47 new patient special includes a consultation with Dr. Nguyen, an orthopedic exam, and digital x-rays taken in the office. If you are a candidate, decompression for your herniated disc can start on your first visit.

Dallas Spine Center, 3730 N Josey Ln #122, Carrollton, TX 75007. Serving Lewisville, Plano, Frisco, North Dallas, Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, Highland Village, The Colony, and Little Elm.

Claim the $47 Special (469) 986-9171