Disc Injury in Shelby, NC
A disc injury can cause sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from your spine into your arms or legs. Whether you’re dealing with a herniated disc, bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease, these issues can make daily movement difficult and disrupt your quality of life.
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we specialize in identifying and treating disc injuries with gentle, non-invasive chiropractic care. Dr. Luis Lopez uses in-house digital X-rays and full-spine assessments to pinpoint the source of your pain and reduce pressure on affected nerves.
Whether your symptoms started after an accident or built up gradually over time, we’re here to help you feel better, move better, and avoid long-term damage to your spinal health.
Understanding Disc Injury in Shelby, NC
Your spine is made up of vertebrae separated by spinal discs—soft, gel-like cushions that absorb shock and allow for flexibility. When one of these discs becomes damaged or displaced, it can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or limited movement.
There are several types of disc injuries:
Bulging disc – when the disc extends beyond its normal space, often without rupture
Herniated disc – when the inner gel-like core leaks out through a tear in the disc’s outer layer
Degenerative disc disease – when discs lose hydration and elasticity over time, causing instability or pain
Disc protrusion or extrusion – more severe forms of disc herniation that may cause nerve compression
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez focuses on identifying how your disc injury is affecting your spinal alignment and nerve function—so you get care that supports real healing and long-term relief.
Symptoms of Disc Injury in Shelby, NC
Disc injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the damage. Some people experience sudden, sharp pain after a specific movement or injury, while others notice a slow buildup of discomfort over time.
Common signs of a disc injury include:
• Localized neck or lower back pain
• Sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the arm or leg
• Tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation
• Muscle weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Increased pain with bending, lifting, or twisting
• Pain that worsens when sitting for long periods
• Difficulty walking, or getting comfortable at night
If these symptoms are interfering with your work, sleep, or ability to stay active, it’s time to get evaluated. At Lopez Chiropractic, we help patients understand where the problem is coming from—and how to relieve pressure on the spine so the body can begin to heal.
What Causes Disc Injury?
Spinal discs are strong, flexible structures—but they can become injured or weakened from trauma, overuse, or age-related changes. A disc injury often occurs when pressure builds unevenly in the spine, causing the disc to bulge, tear, or degenerate.
Common causes of disc injury include:
Sudden trauma, such as a car accident or fall
Repetitive lifting, twisting, or bending
Poor posture, especially while sitting or working at a computer
Degenerative changes that occur naturally with age
Sports injuries or heavy lifting without proper support
Long-term spinal misalignment or imbalance
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez uses in-house digital X-rays and full-spine assessments to identify what led to your disc injury—and how to relieve pressure on the affected area without drugs or surgery.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Disc Injury in Shelby, NC
Chiropractic care offers a safe, non-invasive approach to treating disc injuries by relieving pressure on the spine and supporting the body’s natural healing process. Rather than masking pain with medication, chiropractic works to correct the underlying cause—so you can feel better and function better long term.
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez provides targeted care that may:
• Improve spinal alignment and posture
• Reduce pressure on herniated or bulging discs
• Relieve nerve irritation that causes radiating pain
• Decrease inflammation and restore healthy motion
• Prevent future injury by addressing the root cause
Care plans are always guided by your digital X-rays, spinal exam, and symptoms—so treatment is tailored to what’s actually happening in your spine, not just where it hurts.
Our Approach at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC
At Lopez Chiropractic, we take a personalized, whole-spine approach to treating disc injuries. Every care plan is based on a detailed evaluation of your spinal alignment, nerve function, and the type of disc damage you’re experiencing.
Detailed Health History
Dr. Lopez will ask about your symptoms, how they started, and how they’re impacting your daily life—from sitting and standing to sleep and movement.
Full-Spine Assessment
We use hands-on testing and movement evaluations to identify joint restrictions, muscle tension, and postural issues related to disc injury.
In-House Digital X-Rays
Our digital imaging system allows us to evaluate spinal alignment and detect signs of disc compression or degeneration with clarity and precision.
Bilingual Support
We proudly serve the Shelby community en inglés y español, so every patient feels informed, comfortable, and supported throughout care.
Once we understand the source and severity of your disc injury, Dr. Lopez will create a care plan tailored to your spine and recovery goals.
Therapies We May Recommend
At Lopez Chiropractic, we treat disc injuries with more than just adjustments. Dr. Lopez may recommend a combination of therapies designed to relieve nerve pressure, reduce inflammation, and restore healthy spinal movement—based on your symptoms and X-ray findings.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Chiropractic Adjustments - Realign spine, reduce nerve pressure, relieve pain, improve spinal function.
Mechanical Traction - Gently stretches spine, relieves compression, eases pain, improves mobility.
Graston Technique - Breaks scar tissue, reduces tension, enhances healing and mobility.
Electric Stimulation Therapy (E-Stim) - Relaxes muscles, reduces inflammation, supports nerves, speeds healing process.
Heat or Ice Therapy - Reduces swelling, soothes pain, calms inflammation, supports faster recovery.
Therapeutic Exercises - Strengthens core muscles, stabilizes spine, prevents injuries, improves posture.
These therapies are selected specifically for you—not just based on your symptoms, but on what’s actually happening inside your body.
Treatment at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC
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Chiropractic Adjustments
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Cryotherapy
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Digital Xrays
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Electric Stimulation Therapy
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Gonstead Technique
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Graston Technique
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Heat Therapy
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Intersegmental Traction Therapy
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Myofascial Release
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Ultrasound Therapy
Disc injuries can happen to anyone—but certain factors make some people more prone to disc degeneration, herniation, or bulging over time. Whether caused by a specific accident or years of wear and tear, disc problems often develop slowly and worsen without proper care.
Who Gets Disc Injuries in Shelby, NC
• Adults over 40, due to natural age-related disc degeneration
• Office workers who sit for long hours with poor posture
• Athletes and laborers with repetitive lifting, twisting, or impact
• Drivers and truckers exposed to constant vibration and spinal compression
• People with a history of spinal injuries or falls
• Anyone with chronic poor posture or core instability
People more likely to experience disc injuries include:
If you’re living in the Shelby, NC area and dealing with sharp back pain, radiating discomfort, or numbness, a disc injury may be the cause—and chiropractic care may offer relief without drugs or surgery.
Long-Term Benefits of Chiropractic for Disc Injuries in Shelby, NC
Disc injuries can lead to long-term discomfort, nerve irritation, and mobility issues if left untreated. Chiropractic care helps reduce pressure on the affected disc, restore alignment, and support better movement—so your spine stays strong, stable, and functional over time.
With consistent care, many patients experience:
Less pain and nerve irritation in the back, neck, arms, or legs
Improved posture and spinal stability
Reduced inflammation and muscle tension
Better flexibility and range of motion
Fewer flare-ups or episodes of radiating pain
Reduced dependence on pain medications
Greater ability to stay active and avoid surgery
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we focus on long-term spinal health—not just short-term relief—so you can feel better now and protect your spine for the future.
Disc Injury FAQs
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A bulging disc occurs when the disc pushes outward but the outer layer remains intact. A herniated disc involves a tear in the outer layer, allowing the inner material to leak out—often causing more severe nerve irritation.
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Some minor disc injuries may improve with rest, posture correction, and light movement. However, without addressing the underlying spinal issues, symptoms may return or worsen. Chiropractic care helps support healing by relieving pressure and improving spinal alignment.
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Yes. Dr. Lopez uses gentle, targeted techniques tailored to your specific disc condition. We never force or twist the spine—care is always based on your X-rays, mobility, and comfort level.
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Yes. At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we use in-house digital X-rays during your initial evaluation to understand the condition of your spine and guide safe, effective care.
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Many patients start to feel relief within a few visits, while others may take several weeks depending on the severity and duration of the disc injury. We monitor your progress closely and adjust care as needed.
Schedule Your Chiropractic Evaluation in Shelby, NC
If you're experiencing back pain, radiating discomfort, or numbness that won’t go away, it could be a sign of a disc injury. At Lopez Chiropractic, Dr. Luis Lopez offers comprehensive evaluations—including in-house digital X-rays—and personalized, non-invasive care to help you feel better and avoid long-term damage.
Whether your disc issue is new or something you’ve been managing for years, we’re here to help you move better, heal naturally, and protect your spinal health for the long run.
Call our Shelby office at (704) 419-3553 to schedule your chiropractic evaluation today.