Disc Injury Calgary: A Straightforward Guide
In Canada, the lifetime prevalence of LBP has been estimated as 84%, with 62% of respondents reporting LBP in the last year. Yet many hesitate to seek non-surgical solutions (Canadian Pain Task Force, 2023).
Pain shouldn’t steal your days!
At Axiom Chiropractic, we’re helping Calgarians tackle slipped disc discomfort with gentle, drug-free care.
Key takeaways
If leg or arm pain changes with posture or loading, start disc pain treatment sooner—not later.
We triage red flags (progressive weakness, cauda equina signs) first, then decide if imaging is needed.
Most acute disc cases improve in 4–6 weeks; recurrent/chronic patterns often change in 6–12 weeks with a plan.
Prefer a plan over guesswork? Book with Axiom Chiropractic.
What's the best treatment for a bulging disc in Calgary?
Disc pain shows up when a spinal disc is irritated, bulging, or herniated and nearby nerves or joints get grumpy.
If you’ve searched disc injury Calgary, slipped disc Calgary, herniated disc Calgary, or bulging disc Calgary, you’ve probably noticed patterns: morning stiffness, pain with sitting, coughing/sneezing flares, and loaded flexion (bending under weight).
Trades workers and athletes feel this fast—tools, ladders, deadlifts, and hard stops aren’t gentle.
A Calgary chiropractor should separate “disc-likely” from other culprits and give you a short, clear plan.
Green Flags to start treatment for bulging disc in Calgary
Pain that changes with position (sitting vs. walking)
Leg or arm “zing” that centralizes with the right movements
First episode or a familiar recurrent pattern
You can reproduce symptoms with specific loads or postures
You want treatment for herniated discs without heavy meds or long downtime
Red Flags for slipped discs in Calgary
Progressive weakness (e.g., new foot drop)
Saddle anesthesia or bowel/bladder changes
Severe, unexplained worsening after significant trauma
These require urgent medical attention. We’ll direct you immediately.
Do I need imaging for a slipped disc in Calgary?
Short answer: not always. Imaging thresholds are decided in-clinic by your exam. That’s our job—and we’re good at it. When your history, neuro screen, and movement testing point clearly to a safe, mechanical pattern, a conservative trial often beats lining up for an MRI first. If you don’t respond as expected—or we find red flags—that’s when we move to imaging.
What we test for in-clinic to treat a slipped disc in Calgary
Neurological screening (strength, sensation, reflexes)
Directional preference (what movements calm vs. flare)
Orthopedic Testing (e.g., slump/SLR variants)
Load cues (sitting, hinge, cough/sneeze responses)
From there, we map a plan that fits your body and your job.
Timelines to expect to recover from a disc injury in Calgary AB
Acute disc pain: meaningful change in 4–6 weeks
Recurrent/chronic: steady gains over 6–12 weeks
We re-check along the way and taper visits as you improve.
What type of doctor should I see for a bulging disc?
Our approach is simple: least force necessary, matched to your pattern.
That’s how we treat disc injuries from desk workers to pro athletes without putting your season—or your job—on pause.
In-clinic toolkit
Mobilizations (gentle, graded)
Instrument-assisted options
Drop-table techniques
Traction for short bouts of decompression
Soft-tissue to calm hot spots
Nerve glides to settle irritability (pain-free range only)
First 48 hours: flare plan
Positions of relief: short, frequent spells (e.g., supported prone on elbows or gentle side lying with a pillow).
Ice 10–15 minutes, 2–3×/day to calm a fresh flare.
Avoid loaded flexion (deep bends, heavy lifts) and long static sits.
Re-check with us within a few days—adjust the plan based on response.
Home strategy for slipped discs in Calgary
Small, repeatable actions beat heroic sessions. Here’s your quick-start.
Daily micro-routine (5 minutes)
Walk: 5 minutes, easy pace, 1–2×/day
Positions of relief: 2–3 short bouts/day
Hip hinge practice: 6–8 reps (broomstick along spine, neutral)
Nerve glides: 5 gentle reps/side (only if non-provocative)
Breathing: 5 slow breaths to drop bracing and let the back settle
Work & drive cheatsheet
Sit smart: hips slightly higher than knees; lumbar support
Breaks: stand or walk every 30–45 minutes
Lift: hinge at hips, keep load close, exhale on effort
Car: seat a touch more upright, slight lumbar pad, pause every 60–90 minutes on long drives
Quick answers for herniated disc treatment in Calgary
Is a “slipped disc” the same as a herniation?
“Slipped disc” is slang; we say herniated or bulging disc. The plan depends on symptoms, not the nickname.
Can a chiropractor help a herniated disc?
Yes—when your exam shows a mechanical pattern. We combine disc pain treatment with movement coaching and a realistic timeline.
When should I consider injections or surgery?
If meaningful progress stalls despite good care, or if red flags/progressive deficits appear, we discuss injection or surgical consults. We’ll help you prepare and rehab before/after as needed.
Booking & next steps
Ready for a plan that respects your workload and sport? It’s easy to Book with Axiom Chiropractic. Want to learn more about our approach first? Visit Chiropractor Calgary.
Further Reading
A disc herniation is when the “jelly donut” in a section of your back has become torn or when the “jelly” begins to come out. These discs are softer than bone, and as such, can be ripped resulting in pain.
There are different severities of disc injuries (best to worst):
• Protrusion
• Prolapse
• Extrusion
• Sequestration
