A herniated disc occurs when the soft nucleus of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer ring, potentially contacting a nerve root or the spinal cord itself. In the lumbar spine, this can produce the radiating leg pain, foot numbness, and weakness associated with sciatica, or it can cause localized back pain without radiation. Not every herniated disc produces significant symptoms, and not every symptomatic disc herniation requires intervention beyond conservative care. But for San Luis Obispo patients whose disc herniation is producing meaningful nerve symptoms that have not responded to rest, physical therapy, or standard chiropractic adjustment, spinal decompression at Beacon Clinic of Chiropractic may be a relevant next option before surgical consultation.
Non-surgical spinal decompression at Beacon Clinic applies a specific traction protocol designed to create negative intradiscal pressure, which may support retraction of herniated disc material away from the nerve and promote the exchange of nutrients within the disc. The protocol is applied over a series of sessions and is adjusted based on the patient's individual presentation and response. Patients with active disc herniation who are considering decompression therapy are evaluated by Dr. Bronstein to determine whether their specific presentation is appropriate for the protocol. Some disc presentations — including certain cases involving fracture, severe stenosis, or implanted hardware — are not suitable for decompression, and that determination is made during the evaluation.
