Symptoms of a herniated disc—Now what?

Jun 11

Written By Cruz Chiropractic Wellness .

By Dr. Ashley Cruz, @thecurlychiro | Cruz Chiropractic Wellness

Let’s set the record straight: A herniated disc isn’t a life sentence.

It’s not a death sentence for your workouts.

It’s not the end of squats.

And it definitely doesn’t mean your spine is “broken.”

I’ve had patients roll into my office convinced they’ll never move the same again after being told they have a “ruptured disc.” And I get it—the name alone sounds scary. But here’s the truth no one told you: you can absolutely recover, get strong again, and live pain-free—even with a herniated disc.

First, What Even Is a Herniated Disc?

Your spine has discs—like little jelly-filled cushions—between each vertebra. Sometimes, one of those discs can bulge or tear, and the inner gel-like material pushes out. That’s a herniated (or “ruptured”) disc.

It can irritate nearby nerves and cause symptoms, but not always. And plenty of people walk around with disc herniations and zero pain.

Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc (But Not a Checklist of Doom)

💥 Sharp, shooting pain down your leg or arm
🌪 Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation
🧱 Muscle weakness in a specific area
📍 Localized back or neck pain, especially with sitting, bending, or lifting

Notice I didn’t say “constant agony forever”? Because that’s not the reality for most people.

What a Herniated Disc Doesn’t Mean:

🚫 That you need surgery
🚫 That you can’t lift weights
🚫 That your spine is fragile
🚫 That you’ll always be in pain

Disc injuries heal. Nerves calm down. And when you move smarter, you build a stronger, more resilient body.

So What Can You Do?

Here’s where Cruz Chiropractic Wellness comes in with the game plan:

🌀 Reduce inflammation & calm the nerve
We use soft tissue therapy, gentle adjustments, and red light therapy to create space for healing and help your nervous system chill out.

🏋🏽‍♀️ Build strength where it matters
Weak glutes, tight hips, poor core control? We fix the why, not just the what hurts. You’ll get movement plans that actually make you feel better—not a list of exercises you found on YouTube.

📲 Hybrid care that works with your lifestyle
Whether you're seeing us in person or following your rehab plan on the go, our Signature Hybrid Rehab Program keeps you supported every step of the way—so you're not Googling your way through recovery.

💡 Educate & empower
We’ll teach you why certain movements matter and how to modify (not avoid) so you can get back to the things you love—with way more confidence than before.

TL;DR: Your Herniated Disc Isn’t the Boss of You

Pain is real—but it’s also changeable. Your diagnosis is information, not a life sentence.

With the right plan, the right provider, and the right mindset, you can go from flared up and frustrated to strong, mobile, and finally in control of your movement again.

Get help for your herniated disc with elevated chiropractic care in NYC

Book a consult and let’s build your comeback plan—whether you’re lifting again, walking without fear, or just want to sit at your desk without pain.

If you're feeling tingling, numbness, or that weird zapping sensation in your leg or glute, don’t brush it off. Let’s figure it out together—so you can stop Googling symptoms and start feeling like yourself again.

I’d love to help you in my office located in Manhattan’s Flatiron district. Get started with a free consult call or book your initial appointment directly. You can also contact our office to learn more about insurance reimbursement, treatment options, and more.

We also offer virtual care and concierge care in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

BOOK NOW

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