Disc Injuries

Disc injuries are one of the most common causes of back pain, neck pain, and sciatica. When a spinal disc becomes damaged, bulges, or slips out of place, it can put pressure on nearby nerves and lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Even simple movements like bending, twisting, or sitting at a desk for long hours can suddenly feel overwhelming.

At Burghealth Physical Medicine we specialize in helping patients find relief from disc injuries through chiropractic care and regenerative medicine.

Our treatments are drug-free, non-surgical, and focused on addressing the root cause of your pain—so you can heal naturally and enjoy long-term results.

Non-surgical relief for disc injuries
Call to schedule your appointment today
(727) 289-9148

Common Types of Disc Injuries

Your spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, protecting your spine from impact and allowing you to bend and move with ease. When these discs are damaged, they can create a variety of painful conditions.

Some of the most common disc injuries include:

• Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc) – Occurs when the soft, gel-like center of the disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms, legs, or back.
• Bulging Disc – The disc begins to protrude outward but does not fully rupture. This can still put pressure on the spinal nerves and lead to discomfort or tingling sensations.
• Degenerative Disc Disease – Over time, discs lose hydration and flexibility, which can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This is one of the most common causes of back and neck pain as we age.
• Disc Tears (Annular Tears) – Small rips in the tough outer layer of the disc may cause localized pain and inflammation, and can sometimes progress into a herniated disc if left untreated.

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as lower back pain, neck stiffness, or sciatica, a thorough evaluation by our St Petersburg chiropractor, Dr. Samuel Richards, can help identify the specific type of disc injury you may have.

Chiropractic Care for Disc Injury Relief

At Burghealth Physical Medicine, we believe in treating disc injuries at the source. Chiropractic care provides a safe, non-invasive solution that helps reduce pain, restore alignment, and improve long-term spinal health.

Precise spinal adjustments correct misalignments, relieve nerve pressure, and improve overall spinal function. This can reduce pain, improve posture, and help the body heal naturally.

One of the most effective non-surgical treatments for herniated and bulging discs is spinal decompression therapy. Using a specialized traction table, decompression gently stretches the spine, reducing pressure on damaged discs and promoting nutrient-rich blood flow to aid healing.

Our laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate healing at the cellular level. This treatment reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and supports long-term recovery for conditions like slipped discs, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease.

Regenerative Medicine for Chronic or Severe Disc Injuries

For some patients, chiropractic care provides significant relief. But if you are dealing with chronic or advanced disc injuries, you may need additional support to repair damaged tissues. That’s where our regenerative medicine treatments come in.

These innovative therapies are non-surgical, drug-free, and designed to restore tissue health at the source.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses a concentrated solution of your own blood platelets, which are rich in natural growth factors. When injected into injured discs, PRP stimulates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and supports long-term healing.
• Human Acellular Tissue Therapy – Sourced from the Wharton’s jelly of donated umbilical cords, this advanced therapy contains growth factors, cytokines, and regenerative components that help repair damaged discs and support spinal function.

Dr. Richards will design a treatment plan that not only relieves pain but also encourages the body to heal and strengthen from within.

Herniated Disc: A Closer Look

Among the different types of disc injuries, the herniated disc is one of the most common and painful. It happens when the inner gel-like core of a disc pushes out through its tough exterior, often irritating nearby nerves.

Symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Sharp or radiating back pain that can travel down the legs (sciatica)
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms, hands, or legs
• Pain that worsens when bending, coughing, or sitting for long periods
• Reduced flexibility and mobility in the spine

If left untreated, a herniated disc can lead to long-term pain and mobility issues. At our St. Petersburg clinic, Dr. Richards may use a combination of chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and laser therapy to relieve pressure, restore proper spinal alignment, and help the body heal naturally, often avoiding the need for surgery.

Find Relief from Disc Injuries in St. Petersburg

You don’t have to live with the pain and limitations of disc injuries in St Petersburg. Whether you’re dealing with a herniated disc, bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease, help is available.

Call Burghealth Physical Medicine today at (727) 289-9148 to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward lasting disc injury relief.