Bulging Discs / Sports Chiropractic Care and Conservative Treatment

At Minnesota Movement Sports Chiropractic in Excelsior, we provide specialized care for bulging discs, herniated discs, and related spinal conditions. Whether your symptoms began after a workout, long hours at a desk, or something as simple as bending down to pick up a pencil, our trained Sports Chiropractors are here to help you recover—without the need for invasive procedures.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

Often referred to as a herniated disc, slipped disc, or prolapsed disc, a bulging disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes outward and places pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. While bulging discs are VERY common—even natural with age—they can cause significant discomfort when aggravated.

Many people don’t realize that bulging discs can present without any symptoms, while others experience pain, tingling, or numbness that disrupts daily life. This is where an expert diagnosis from our team becomes critical. From this diagnosis and assessment of severity, we can work together on making the decision to consult with one of our trusted Spinal Surgeons for referral or continue with Conservative Care and Physical Therapy.

Although most people think a herniated disc necessitates surgical intervention, rehab and Chiropractic Care has shown to provide equal if not better results. Research is showing that the timeline under conservative care for bulging discs to typically get back to 100% is about 3-4 months on average. Which is why surgeons are now recommending that individuals proceed with at least 6 weeks of conservative care and rehab prior to considering surgery.

Another intervention that sometimes aid in allowing more movement tolerance to allow for more progressive rehab movements is utilizing pain mitigation procedures like a Cortisone, or Steroid (Corticosteroid) Injection. These work by ‘masking’ the pain intensity so that in the meantime, we’re able to work through a little more aggressive corrective exercises.

Bulging or herniated disc injuries can happen very easily. Of course, I’m not saying that we’re fragile beings or need to “brace at our core” before we lift anything. But without the right stability and mobility necessary, even something as mundane as bending over to tie your shoes has the possibility to cause a disc to bulge outwards.

Our Approach to Bulging Disc Treatment

There is no magic “snap-it-back-into-place” therapy—but conservative care through chiropractic and movement-based rehab has been shown to significantly reduce pain and restore function over time. In fact, current research recommends 6 weeks of conservative care before considering surgery.

At Minnesota Movement, we offer an evidence-based, movement-forward approach tailored to your body’s needs and activity goals. Our goal is to move you from pain to performance, safely and efficiently.

Common Bulging Disc Symptoms

Depending on the location of the disc (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine), symptoms may include:

• ✅ Low back pain (often very intense)

• ✅ Pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs or feet

• ✅ Weakness into extremity

• ✅ Sciatica-like symptoms (if the bulging disc irritates the sciatic nerve)

Treatment Options We Use at Our Excelsior Clinic

• Chiropractic Adjustments / Spinal Manipulation
  Restore alignment and reduce nerve pressure.

• Active Release Technique (ART®)
  Break down scar tissue and adhesions in soft tissue.

• RockBlades® & Graston® IASTM
  Target fascial restrictions with instrument-assisted therapy.

• Manual Muscle Therapy & Cross-Friction Massage

• Corrective Exercise & Core Stabilization Training
  Improve strength, control, and pressure management.

• Neuromuscular Re-education & Postural Retraining

• Kinesiology Taping with RockTape®
  Supports posture and reduces discomfort during activity.

• Red Light Therapy
  Accelerates healing and reduces inflammation at the cellular level.

• Functional Dry Needling
  Improves inflammatory response and mitigates muscle tension around the area of herniation

Why Choose Minnesota Movement for Bulging Disc Relief?

✅ We specialize in sports chiropractic and active recovery which has proven to provide successful recovery
✅ We serve the Lake Minnetonka, Excelsior, Wayzata, Deephaven, and Chanhassen communities
✅ We blend hands-on care, movement rehab, and real results

Real Patient Success

"After months of dealing with sciatica from a herniated disc, I found relief with the team at Minnesota Movement. Their approach was different from anything I’d tried—and it worked. I'm now back to running and feeling stronger than ever!"
— Bryant J.

Get Back to Living Pain-Free and Free from Pain!

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a bulging or herniated disc, don’t wait for it to worsen. Get a personalized care plan that gets results—without waiting for unnecessary imaging or depending on medication.

📍 Book your New Patient Exam today and start your recovery journey with trusted sports chiropractors near Lake Minnetonka.

👉 Schedule Your Appointment
📞 Or call us at (651) 447-8898