Herniated & degenerative disc treatment in Stamford, CT
Hearing “herniated disc” or “degenerative disc disease” can be frightening, especially if someone has mentioned surgery. Most disc problems improve with non-surgical care. Here's what the diagnosis really means and what you can do about it.
- Back or neck pain
- Pain into arm or leg
- Worse bending forward
Does this sound like you?
Disc problems can cause any of these:
- Back or neck pain that's worse when bending, sitting or lifting
- Pain, numbness or tingling into an arm or leg
- Pain that flares when you cough or sneeze
- Stiffness that's worse in the morning
- Muscle weakness in an arm or leg
- An MRI report mentioning a “bulge”, “herniation” or “degeneration”
What's actually going on
Discs are the cushions between your vertebrae. A herniated or bulging disc happens when the soft center pushes outward, sometimes pressing on a nerve. Degenerative disc disease is a label for the normal drying and thinning of discs with age. Many people have it without any pain at all.
Imaging findings don't always match symptoms, and many herniations shrink on their own over time. What matters most is how you move and function, and that's what non-surgical care works on.
When to see a medical doctor first
Call 911 or go to the ER now if you have:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Weakness in an arm or leg that's getting worse quickly
See your doctor within a day or two if you have:
- Severe pain after a fall, car accident or other injury
These signs can mean a nerve is under serious pressure. Get medical care first.
How Dr. Burstein treats herniated & degenerative discs
Discs need the right kind of movement, so the plan is gentle and specific:
What recovery usually looks like
- First visits Calming the flare-up and finding positions that relieve pressure.
- Weeks 2–6 Gradual improvement in pain and function for most patients.
- Months 2–3 Strengthening and returning to normal activities. Herniations often continue to improve over this time.
Disc pain often improves over weeks to months. Progress is checked along the way so the plan can change if needed.
What you can do today
- Short, frequent walks are usually better than long periods of sitting.
- Avoid heavy lifting and repeated bending during a flare-up.
- Change positions often and use a lumbar roll when sitting.
- Don't panic about your MRI report. Many findings are common in people without pain.
Common questions
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Very often, yes. Many herniated discs improve over weeks to months with non-surgical care, and some shrink on their own. Surgery is usually considered only for severe or progressive nerve problems, or when non-surgical care hasn't helped.
Is chiropractic safe with a herniated disc?
For most people, yes, with the right technique. Dr. Burstein uses gentle, disc-appropriate methods and avoids movements that aggravate the disc. Your exam and any imaging guide the plan.
Is degenerative disc disease permanent?
The disc changes are part of normal aging, but pain from them often isn't permanent. Improving movement, strength and posture can make a big difference in how you feel.
Early-morning and after-hours visits. No referral needed.
Book a visit or call (203) 325-8112Other problems Dr. Burstein treats
Sciatica
Pain, burning or tingling that travels from the low back or buttock down the leg.
Low back pain
Aching, stiffness or sharp pain in the lower back, from a sudden strain or slowly building over time.
Neck pain
Stiffness, soreness or sharp pain in the neck, often from desk work, sleep position or stress.
Let's find out what's behind your back or neck pain
Tell us a little about what's going on. The office will call you back to find a time, and can look up your insurance benefits before you come in.
- A call back from the office to set a time
- Help looking up your insurance benefits
- A complimentary first evaluation for new patients