Chiropractic Care: What to Know About Herniated Discs

Discover the role of herniated discs and how it affects the spine. Learn how chiropractic care can promote healing and restoring balance to your spine and body.

Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs: A Comprehensive Guide to Relief and Recovery

¡Mi querida, let us dance through the spine’s mysteries like Gomez and Morticia gliding across a moonlit ballroom! Low back pain from herniated discs can feel like a pesky poltergeist haunting your daily life, but fear not—chiropractic care, with its gentle adjustments and innovative techniques like spinal decompression, offers a path to relief that’s as smooth as a tango. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the clinical rationale behind why chiropractic care is a beacon of hope for those grappling with lumbar disc herniations, delve into the lumbar spine’s role in this spinal saga, and highlight how Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a distinguished chiropractor and nurse practitioner in El Paso, Texas, uses advanced diagnostics to help personal injury victims reclaim their vitality. So, grab a cup of tea (or perhaps a goblet of Addams-family-approved batwing brew), and let’s unravel the science and solutions for low back pain with a dash of charm!

Understanding Herniated Discs: The Lumbar Spine’s Misadventure

The lumbar spine, that trusty foundation of your lower back, is like the stagehand of a grand theatrical production—it supports the show but rarely gets the spotlight. Comprising five vertebrae (L1 to L5), the lumbar spine bears the weight of your upper body, facilitates movement, and protects the spinal cord and nerves. Between these vertebrae lie intervertebral discs, the spine’s shock-absorbing cushions, made up of a tough outer ring called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, jelly-like center known as the nucleus pulposus (OrthoInfo – AAOS, n.d.).

When a disc herniates—think of it as the nucleus pulposus staging a dramatic escape through a tear in the annulus—it can press on nearby spinal nerves, causing a ruckus of pain, numbness, or weakness. This is particularly common at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, where the lumbar spine carries the most weight (Personal Injury Doctor Group, 2017). Imagine Gomez Addams trying to lift a heavy chandelier with a flourish, only to have his back protest with a theatrical groan—that’s the lumbar spine under strain!

How Herniated Discs Affect Daily Life

A herniated disc can turn routine activities into a comedy of errors. Picture this: bending to tie your shoes feels like auditioning for a role as a rusty tin man, and sitting through a meeting is like enduring a lecture from Uncle Fester on electric eels—shocking and uncomfortable. The pressure on nerve roots, often leading to sciatica, can cause radiating pain down the buttocks, thighs, and legs, sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling (OrthoInfo – AAOS, n.d.). For example:

• Walking: Pain or weakness can make a stroll feel like navigating a haunted mansion’s creaky floors.
• Sitting: Prolonged sitting, like binge-watching a spooky series, can exacerbate nerve compression, leaving you squirming.
• Lifting: Picking up groceries or a child can trigger sharp pain, as if Gomez’s fencing foil jabbed your spine.
• Sleeping: Finding a comfortable position is like trying to sleep in Lurch’s creaky old bed—nearly impossible.

These symptoms, often worsened by repetitive movements, heavy lifting, or poor posture, can disrupt work, hobbies, and family time, making daily life feel like a never-ending Addams Family prank (Personal Injury Doctor Group, 2017).

References:

• OrthoInfo – American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Herniated disk in the lower back. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/[](https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/)
• Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2017, April 3). Herniated discs: Definition, progression, diagnosis. https://personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/2017/04/03/herniated-discs-definition-progression-diagnosis/[](https://dralexjimenez.com/progression-and-diagnosis-of-herniated-discs-scientific-specialist/)

The Clinical Rationale for Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is like Gomez Addams’ passionate embrace of Morticia—precise, intentional, and transformative. It’s a non-surgical approach that focuses on restoring spinal alignment, reducing nerve compression, and promoting the body’s natural healing. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, with over 25 years of experience as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, emphasizes that chiropractic care targets the root causes of pain rather than masking symptoms (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

Why Chiropractic Works for Herniated Discs

1. Spinal Manipulation:
   • Chiropractic adjustments, or spinal manipulations, involve controlled, hands-on movements to correct spinal misalignments (subluxations) that contribute to nerve compression. A 2018 study found that spinal manipulation significantly reduces pain and improves function in patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniations and sacroiliac joint hypomobility (Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2018). It’s like Gomez realigning the family’s crooked portrait gallery with a flourish!
   • By restoring proper alignment, adjustments reduce pressure on the herniated disc and irritated nerves, alleviating pain and improving mobility.
2. Reducing Nerve Compression:
   • Herniated discs often compress nerve roots, causing sciatica or radiculopathy. Chiropractic care gently repositions the spine to create space, reducing this pressure. Dr. Jimenez notes that precise adjustments can relieve symptoms like radiating leg pain, allowing patients to dance through life again (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
3. Promoting Natural Healing:
   • Chiropractic care enhances blood flow and nutrient delivery to the disc, supporting the body’s resorption process, where disc fragments are naturally reabsorbed. This can reduce the herniation’s size over time, as noted in a PubMed study on lumbar disc herniation (PubMed – Nerve Root Compression, n.d.).
4. Holistic Approach:
   • Dr. Jimenez’s integrative approach combines chiropractic adjustments with functional medicine, addressing factors like inflammation, posture, and lifestyle. This comprehensive care ensures long-term relief, much like Gomez ensuring every cobweb in the Addams mansion is perfectly placed (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

References:

• Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. (2018). Spinal manipulation in the treatment of patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation and sacroiliac joint hypomobility: A quasi-experimental study. https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-018-0195-x
• El Paso Back Clinic. (2025, May 23). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez for your care. https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-dr-alex-jimenez-for-your-care/[](https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-el-paso-back-clinic/amp/)
• PubMed. (n.d.). Nerve root compression by lumbar disc herniation: A French discovery?. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31042648/

Spinal Decompression: Rehydrating the Spine’s Star Performers

Spinal decompression therapy is the unsung hero of chiropractic care, like Thing quietly saving the day in the Addams household. This non-surgical technique uses motorized traction to gently stretch the spine, relieving pressure on herniated discs and promoting healing.

How Spinal Decompression Helps

1. Relieving Disc Pressure:
   • Decompression therapy creates negative pressure within the disc, allowing the nucleus pulposus to retract and reduce nerve compression. A 2017 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that nonsurgical spinal decompression significantly reduced pain and disc herniation volume in patients with subacute lumbar herniated discs (PubMed – Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression, 2017).
   • Think of it as giving the disc a chance to take a deep breath, like Gomez exhaling after a passionate monologue.
2. Rehydrating Discs:
   • By stretching the spine, decompression enhances nutrient and oxygen flow to the disc, aiding rehydration. Dr. Jimenez explains that this process can restore disc height, reducing stress on surrounding tissues and nerves (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
   • It’s like watering a parched plant, bringing the disc back to its plump, cushiony glory.
3. Pain Relief and Mobility:
   • Patients often feel immediate relief, as decompression alleviates nerve irritation. A 2022 article by Dr. Jimenez highlights how devices like the DRX9000 provide instant relief by stretching soft tissues and separating joint surfaces (Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, 2022).
4. Non-Invasive Alternative:
   • Unlike surgery, which carries risks and downtime, spinal decompression is gentle and allows patients to resume activities quickly. It’s the chiropractic equivalent of Gomez choosing a fencing duel over a cannon blast—effective yet refined.

References:

• PubMed. (2017). Effect of nonsurgical spinal decompression on intensity of pain and herniated disc volume in subacute lumbar herniated disc. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28932001/
• Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic. (2022, April 11). The efficacy of spinal decompression for chronic low back pain. https://sciatica.clinic/the-efficacy-of-spinal-decompression-for-chronic-low-back-pain/[](https://sciatica.clinic/efficacy-spinal-decompression-chronic-low-back-pain/amp/)
• El Paso Back Clinic. (2025, May 23). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez for your care. https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-dr-alex-jimenez-for-your-care/[](https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-el-paso-back-clinic/amp/)

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What Causes Disc Herniation- Video

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Dr. Alexander Jimenez: El Paso’s Premier Chiropractic and Personal Injury Specialist

In the vibrant city of El Paso, Texas, Dr. Alexander Jimenez shines like Gomez Addams’ prized candelabra, illuminating the path to recovery for personal injury victims. With dual licensure as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, Dr. Jimenez brings a unique blend of expertise to his practice at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

Comprehensive Care for Personal Injury Cases

1. Advanced Diagnostics:
   • Dr. Jimenez employs state-of-the-art imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, to pinpoint herniated discs and nerve compression. These diagnostics are crucial for personal injury cases, as they provide objective evidence of injury (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
   • For example, an MRI can reveal the exact location and severity of a disc herniation, guiding precise treatment plans.
2. Dual-Scope Procedures:
   • As both a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, Dr. Jimenez bridges medical and chiropractic care. He conducts thorough health assessments, evaluating biomechanical issues (like spinal misalignments) and physiological factors (like inflammation or hormonal imbalances) (A4M, n.d.).
   • This dual approach ensures a holistic treatment plan, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes.
3. Legal-Medical Liaison:
   • Personal injury cases often require detailed documentation for insurance claims or legal proceedings. Dr. Jimenez’s expertise in advanced diagnostics and his ability to produce comprehensive reports make him an invaluable liaison between medical care and legal needs (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
   • His reports link injuries to symptoms, supporting fair compensation for victims of auto accidents, work injuries, or other traumas.
4. Patient-Centered Care:
   • Dr. Jimenez’s clinic offers personalized care plans, integrating chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, functional medicine, and rehabilitation. Patient testimonials highlight his success in treating complex herniated discs and sciatica, restoring mobility and quality of life (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

References:

• El Paso Back Clinic. (2025, May 23). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez for your care. https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-dr-alex-jimenez-for-your-care/[](https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-el-paso-back-clinic/amp/)
• A4M. (n.d.). Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic – Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP. https://www.a4m.com/directory/alex-jimenez.html[](https://www.a4m.com/alex-jimenez-injury-medical-amp-chiropractic-clinic-el-paso-tx.html)

The Science Behind Discogenic Back Pain and Chiropractic Solutions

Discogenic back pain, caused by damage to the intervertebral disc, is a common culprit behind low back pain. It’s like the Addams Family’s pet octopus causing a ruckus in the plumbing—disruptive but fixable with the right approach. A PubMed review explains that discogenic pain arises from internal disc disruption, often due to degeneration or injury, leading to inflammation and nerve irritation (PubMed – Discogenic Back Pain, 2019).

Chiropractic’s Role in Discogenic Pain

• Reducing Inflammation: Chiropractic adjustments and decompression therapy reduce stress on the disc, decreasing inflammation. A 2019 meta-analysis supports the use of therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which Dr. Jimenez incorporates to enhance tissue repair (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
• Restoring Function: By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic care improves biomechanics, reducing strain on the disc and surrounding tissues.
• Preventing Progression: Regular adjustments and lifestyle counseling, as offered by Dr. Jimenez, prevent further disc degeneration, much like Gomez maintaining the family’s gothic charm with meticulous care.

References:

• PubMed. (2019). Discogenic back pain: Literature review of definition, diagnosis, and treatment. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31128304/
• El Paso Back Clinic. (2025, May 23). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez for your care. https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-dr-alex-jimenez-for-your-care/[](https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-el-paso-back-clinic/amp/)

Integrating Functional Medicine and Rehabilitation

Dr. Jimenez’s approach is like Gomez choreographing a family dance—every step is purposeful and harmonious. Beyond chiropractic adjustments and decompression, he incorporates:

• Functional Medicine: Addressing metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional imbalances to support overall health and recovery (A4M, n.d.).
• Rehabilitation Protocols: Tailored exercises strengthen the core and improve posture, preventing re-injury. It’s like training Pugsley to avoid toppling the family’s antique vases.
• Nutritional Counseling: Anti-inflammatory diets reduce pain and support disc health, complementing physical therapies.

These integrative methods ensure that patients not only find relief but also build resilience against future issues.

References:

• A4M. (n.d.). Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic – Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP. https://www.a4m.com/directory/alex-jimenez.html[](https://www.a4m.com/alex-jimenez-injury-medical-amp-chiropractic-clinic-el-paso-tx.html)

The Importance of Personal Injury Care in El Paso

El Paso, with its bustling community and vibrant spirit, is no stranger to personal injuries from auto accidents, work incidents, or sports mishaps. Dr. Jimenez stands out as a beacon for victims, offering not just medical relief but also legal support. His ability to document injuries with precision—using advanced imaging and diagnostic evaluations—ensures that patients receive fair compensation while healing (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025). It’s like Gomez defending the family honor with a rapier-sharp argument, only Dr. Jimenez wields MRI reports and clinical expertise.

References:

• El Paso Back Clinic. (2025, May 23). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez for your care. https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-dr-alex-jimenez-for-your-care/[](https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-el-paso-back-clinic/amp/)

Conclusion: A Serious Note on Chiropractic Care

Let us set aside the Addams Family theatrics, my dear reader, and speak earnestly. Low back pain from herniated discs can profoundly impact your quality of life, but chiropractic care, as championed by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, offers a scientifically grounded, non-invasive path to relief. Through spinal manipulation, decompression therapy, and integrative care, patients can reduce pain, restore mobility, and reclaim their daily routines. Dr. Jimenez’s expertise in El Paso makes him a trusted ally for personal injury victims, bridging medical treatment with legal documentation to ensure holistic recovery.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as Dr. Alexander Jimenez, for personalized diagnosis and treatment plans. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.dralexjimenez.com or www.chiromed.com, or contact his clinic at 915-850-0900.

References:

• Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. (2018). Spinal manipulation in the treatment of patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation and sacroiliac joint hypomobility: A quasi-experimental study. https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-018-0195-x
• El Paso Back Clinic. (2025, May 23). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez for your care. https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-dr-alex-jimenez-for-your-care/[](https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-el-paso-back-clinic/amp/)
• OrthoInfo – American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Herniated disk in the lower back. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/[](https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/)
• Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2017, April 3). Herniated discs: Definition, progression, diagnosis. https://personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/2017/04/03/herniated-discs-definition-progression-diagnosis/[](https://dralexjimenez.com/progression-and-diagnosis-of-herniated-discs-scientific-specialist/)
• PubMed. (n.d.). Nerve root compression by lumbar disc herniation: A French discovery?. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31042648/
• PubMed. (2017). Effect of nonsurgical spinal decompression on intensity of pain and herniated disc volume in subacute lumbar herniated disc. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28932001/
• PubMed. (2019). Discogenic back pain: Literature review of definition, diagnosis, and treatment. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31128304/
• Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic. (2022, April 11). The efficacy of spinal decompression for chronic low back pain. https://sciatica.clinic/the-efficacy-of-spinal-decompression-for-chronic-low-back-pain/[](https://sciatica.clinic/efficacy-spinal-decompression-chronic-low-back-pain/amp/)