What happens when a spinal disc gets injured, and how does the healing process unfold? Disc bulges and herniations are a common source of persistent back or neck pain. While not all cases require surgery, recovery for disc injuries is often slow and complex.
In this article, we’ll go over the typical healing phases of disc injury and explain how chiropractic and massage therapy may support the body’s recovery. You’ll also learn how to recognise warning signs that indicate it’s time to pause conservative treatment and consult a medical professional.
How Does the Body Repair a Damaged Disc?
Spinal discs receive very little direct blood supply; this means that disc injuries can take a considerable amount of time to heal. In a healthy person, a mild disc injury typically shows notable improvement within 6 to 12 weeks. However, in more severe or chronic cases (especially when the nerves are compressed), recovery can take several months.
Phases of Healing: From Inflammation to Full Rehabilitation
Phase One (0 to 2 weeks): Inflammation and Severe Pain (Palliative care)
- The body responds to injury with inflammation.
- Patients may experience sharp, radiating pain, interrupted sleep, muscle spasms, and tenderness in the affected area.
- Gentle massage helps alleviate muscle tension and improve fluid circulation.
- A comprehensive chiropractic examination during this phase will rule out red flags and risk factors prior to pursuing treatment. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis also facilitates any necessary medical interventions. Your chiropractor will suggest safe rehabilitation exercises and offer advice on managing inflammation. Little to minimal spinal adjustments may be performed. Gentle joint mobilisations and manual therapy may be warranted.
Phase Two (2 to 6 weeks): Repair Phase and Gradual Symptom Relief
- Pain decreases, but you might still experience limited movement and weakness.
- Manual therapies like corrective chiropractic techniques are introduced.
- Specialised massage targets the function of supportive tissues, such as paraspinal, piriformis, and gluteal muscles.
- If the body responds well, most symptoms significantly improve by week six.
- Your chiropractor will prescribe appropriate exercise prescriptions and home care rehabilitation, involving corrective stretching, nerve rehab, and movements to avoid.
Phase Three (6 weeks+): Stabilisation, Rehabilitation, and Prevention
- The focus shifts to gradual return to daily activities, core muscle strengthening, posture correction, and movement education.
- Chiropractic adjustments help maintain spinal alignment.
- Deeper massage techniques break down adhesions and reduce trigger points.
Warning Signs: When to Be Concerned
In some cases, healing does not follow a regular course. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
- Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
- Progressive worsening of weakness in one or both legs
- Persistent pain that does not improve with rest or sleep
- Loss of balance or unusual falls
- Numbness or tingling in the inner thigh
These are red flags requiring urgent neurological examination and MRI imaging by a medical doctor.
The Role of Chiropractic in the Healing of Disc Injuries
Chiropractors assess spinal structure and alignment to reduce abnormal pressure on discs and adjacent nerves. When performed by trained medical providers, spinal adjustments can:
- Improve range of motion
- Reduce connective tissue inflammation
- Restore joints
- Decompress nerves
At Fulcrum Therapy, we’ll perform a thorough history and medical examination before administering any treatment to our new patients. This ensures a high level of safety and comprehensiveness with all of our treatments and care. In cases where chiropractic or massage treatment is not recommended, appropriate referrals are made for further investigations by other providers in our health care system.
Massage Therapy: A Powerful Complementary Treatment
Trained massage therapists are vital to the recovery process for disc injuries. Massage can offer relief by:
- Reducing muscular pain around the injured disc
- Releasing muscles supporting the spine
- Enhancing lymphatic and blood circulation locally
- Preparing tissues for physical therapy and manual treatment
Massage therapists will tailor their techniques to the specific injury phase, symptoms, patient condition, and pain threshold. For example, deep tissue massage during the first week of disc injury may be aggravating, while in the eighth week it can accelerate healing.
Interdisciplinary Cooperation: The Path to Full Recovery
Effective treatment of disc injuries requires close collaboration between all health care providers. A team approach between all health care providers allows for a faster recovery and helps prevent long-term recurrence. Here at Fulcrum, our team of providers works together to ensure that our patients feel empowered and supported.
Lifestyle and Its Role in Supporting Disc Healing
The best solution for long-lasting results after healing is changes to poor habits that contribute to injuries in the first place. This may include:
- Core strengthening exercises under professional supervision
- Avoiding prolonged sitting (take movement breaks every 30 minutes)
- Sleeping on a supportive mattress and replacing old mattresses (>10+ years old)
- Maintaining correct posture when working with laptops and smartphones
- Managing psychological stress (meditation, deep breathing, yoga)
Disc Injury Recovery Is Not a Race, But a Journey
Treating disc injuries requires patience, precise monitoring, and multidisciplinary cooperation. When performed safely and properly, chiropractic and massage therapies can be highly effective complements to medical care.
Take Control of Your Recovery with Our Expert Care
Recovering from a disc injury can be challenging, but with the right support and treatment, you can regain mobility and live pain-free. At Fulcrum Body Wellness Clinic in Coquitlam, our skilled chiropractors and registered massage therapists work together to create personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re in the early stages of injury or moving toward full rehabilitation, we provide hands-on therapies and expert guidance every step of the way.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen — call us today at 604-917-0777 or book your appointment online to take the first step toward lasting relief and better spinal health.