Bulging & Herniated Disc Chiropractor in Murray, UT

Non-Surgical Relief for Disc Pain in Murray

A bulging or herniated disc can create sharp low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, or radiating numbness that makes it hard to sit, stand, sleep, or work normally. Mecham Chiropractic provides non-surgical chiropractic care for disc-related problems in Murray, UT — focused on reducing nerve pressure, restoring disc health, and getting you moving without the risk and recovery time of surgery.

Dr. Cody Mecham evaluates each disc case with a thorough examination to understand exactly where the disc is causing problems and which approach — adjustments, spinal decompression, or a combination — is most appropriate for your specific situation.

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

These terms are often used interchangeably but describe different stages of disc injury:

• Bulging disc: The disc expands beyond its normal boundary but the outer fibrous ring stays intact. This is more common and often less symptomatic, but can still compress nerves.
• Herniated disc: The inner gel nucleus pushes through a crack or tear in the outer layer. This is more likely to directly irritate nerve roots, causing shooting pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
• Disc degeneration: Wear over time that reduces disc height and elasticity, often accompanying both bulging and herniation.

Common Symptoms of Disc Problems

• Sharp or burning low back pain that worsens with sitting or bending
• Sciatica — radiating pain, numbness, or tingling down one leg
• Neck pain with radiating symptoms into the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Leg weakness or difficulty with walking and balance
• Pain that improves with walking but returns when sitting

How Chiropractic Helps Disc Problems

Chiropractic care for disc injuries works by addressing the spinal mechanics that are loading the disc and compressing nearby nerves. When spinal joints are restricted or misaligned, the disc absorbs uneven stress. Restoring proper joint motion reduces that load and gives the disc a better environment to heal.

Treatment at Mecham Chiropractic for disc cases typically includes:

• Chiropractic adjustments: Gentle, targeted spinal manipulation to restore joint motion and reduce nerve irritation around the disc level.
• Spinal decompression: Motorized traction therapy that creates negative intradiscal pressure to pull the herniated material back toward center and improve disc hydration.
• Soft tissue work: Addressing the muscle guarding and tension that builds up around a disc injury.
• Posture and movement coaching: Reducing the daily habits that are keeping the disc under load — how you sit, lift, and sleep all matter.

Spinal Decompression for Disc Herniation

Spinal decompression therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical options for herniated discs. The therapy uses a specialized table to apply gentle, computer-controlled traction forces to the spine. This creates a negative pressure inside the disc, which helps retract the herniated material and encourages nutrient and fluid flow back into the disc.

Most spinal decompression sessions take 15 to 20 minutes and are painless. Many patients notice a gradual reduction in radiating symptoms (sciatica or arm pain) as the disc pressure decreases over a course of treatment. See the full spinal decompression page for more detail on what to expect.

When Is Surgery Considered?

Surgery for a herniated disc is usually considered only when conservative care has failed, or when there are neurological red flags such as significant leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly progressing symptoms. Most clinical guidelines recommend at least 4 to 6 weeks of conservative treatment before surgical evaluation. Dr. Mecham will refer you for imaging or specialist evaluation if your exam findings warrant it.

What to Expect at Your First Disc Evaluation

• History review — onset, what makes it worse, any prior imaging or treatment
• Neurological screening — reflexes, muscle strength, sensation testing
• Orthopedic testing — specific tests that isolate disc-level involvement
• Spinal motion and postural assessment
• Clear explanation of findings and a recommended treatment approach

Serving Murray and Nearby Communities

Our Murray office is convenient for patients from Holladay, Millcreek, Midvale, South Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Sugar House, and the greater Salt Lake Valley who are dealing with disc pain and want to explore non-surgical options first.

Book a Disc Evaluation