
Have you ever experienced sharp, shooting pain down your leg that seems to start from your back? Or maybe you've felt persistent numbness or tingling in your arms? These could be signs of a herniated disc, a common condition we treat here at Feel Good Chiropractic & Wellness in Ankeny.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Think of the discs in your spine as small cushions between your vertebrae. Each disc has a tough outer layer and a gel-like center. When that outer layer cracks or tears (often from strain or age-related changes), the soft inner material can push through – creating what we call a herniated or bulging disc. This protruding material can press on nearby nerves, causing those distinctive symptoms that bring many patients through our doors.
Bulged Disc Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
While some herniated discs cause no symptoms, others can create serious problems.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Pain that radiates down your leg (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Muscle weakness that affects your ability to hold items or causes you to stumble
- Changes in bladder or bowel function (this requires immediate medical attention)
- Pain that worsens at night or with certain movements
- Symptoms that don't improve after a day or two of rest
If these symptoms are keeping you from your favorite activities, it's time to consider professional care.
How We Approach Disc Problems
At Feel Good Chiropractic & Wellness, we believe in addressing the root cause of your pain, not just masking symptoms. Our comprehensive approach for disc issues includes:
Expert Chiropractic Care: Through precise adjustments, we help restore proper alignment and movement to your spine, reducing pressure on affected discs and nerves.
Advanced Laser Therapy: Our state-of-the-art Class IV laser therapy accelerates healing at the cellular level, meaning you can get back to health faster. It reduces inflammation around the herniated disc and promotes tissue repair through increased blood flow and cellular energy production. This powerful, non-invasive treatment complements chiropractic care perfectly for disc conditions.
Personalized Active Care: We'll guide you through specific exercises designed to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improving stability and preventing future issues.
The Advantage of a Combined Approach for Disc Problems
While medications may temporarily mask pain, they don't address the underlying structural issues causing your discomfort. Surgery, while sometimes necessary, should generally be considered only after conservative treatments have been given a fair chance.
By combining chiropractic adjustments with laser therapy, we help many Ankeny residents avoid more invasive procedures while getting back to living pain-free.
Don't let disc pain keep you from enjoying all that our community has to offer. Whether you're working at John Deere, playing with your kids, or hoping to get back on the golf course, we're here to help you Feel Good again.
Schedule your new patient exam today, and take the first step toward natural, effective relief from disc pain. Same-day appointments are often available right here in Ankeny.

Feel Good Chiropractic & Wellness
Contact Me