Home / Conditions We Treat in Lake Oswego / Herniated Disc Chiropractor in Lake Oswego
A bulging or herniated disc can cause back pain along with pain that spreads into the leg, buttock, arm or shoulder. At Form & Function Chiropractic, Dr. Jeff Devine starts with a conservative, hands-on approach. Learn how disc injury care works at our Lake Oswego clinic.
How discs cause symptoms
The discs between your vertebrae act as cushions. When one bulges or herniates, it can irritate a nearby nerve, causing sharp pain, tingling, numbness or weakness that follows the path of that nerve. Low back discs often produce sciatica, while neck discs can cause arm symptoms.
What the evaluation looks for
Dr. Devine reviews your history and examines how your spine moves. He pays attention to which positions ease your symptoms and which make them worse, because that guides the care plan.
A conservative first approach
Care centers on gentle, position-specific adjustments and directional preference exercises intended to reduce nerve irritation. Rehab and daily habits support recovery, such as changing positions often, limiting long periods of sitting, and bending from the hips and knees. Surgery is not the starting assumption. A surgical consult is considered when there are signs such as progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain that does not respond to care. Learn about our spinal care and rehab and physiotherapy.
Habits that help
- Change position every 20 to 30 minutes
- Walk in short, comfortable bouts
- Bend from the hips and knees
- Avoid heavy lifting while symptoms are strong
Why position matters
Many people notice their disc symptoms change with posture. Sitting may increase leg pain while walking or standing eases it, or the reverse. Paying attention to these patterns gives Dr. Devine useful information and helps you avoid positions that aggravate the nerve. Keep a short note of what helps and what does not and bring it to your visit.
What your first visit looks like
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your history, when your disc symptoms began, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to doing. Dr. Devine then examines you, explains what he finds in plain language, and recommends a plan before you leave. X-rays are used only when they are clinically warranted. Adjustments can use Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release or SOT techniques, so you can choose a gentler approach if you prefer.
When to get medical care first
Sudden leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or saddle area requires immediate emergency care.
Common questions
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Many disc problems improve with conservative care. Dr. Devine will tell you if you need a surgical or medical consult.
What exercises will I be given?
Often directional preference exercises, which are movements that reduce your symptoms, plus core and hip work as you improve.
Is it safe to get adjusted with a disc problem?
Dr. Devine uses gentle, position-specific methods based on your exam and refers you if anything suggests you need other care first.
Why patients choose Dr. Devine
Dr. Jeff Devine has practiced for more than 25 years and trained at Palmer West Chiropractic College. He uses a range of techniques, including Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release and SOT, so care can be gentle or more traditional depending on your comfort. Co-owner Jodi Black offers nutrition coaching for patients who want support beyond the adjustment table. Learn more about Dr. Devine, or see our new patient information.
Related care and nearby areas
Related pages: low back pain, sciatica, pinched nerve and neck pain. Read more on the main clinic site: why a disc herniation does not always mean surgery. Ask about the new patient special, and see the clinic FAQ. We welcome patients from Tigard, West Linn, Tualatin, Hillsdale and Southwest Portland and across Lake Oswego. See all services and conditions.
Form & Function Chiropractic
3 Monroe Pkwy, Suite G, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: (503) 495-3454
Mon and Wed 9 AM to 7 PM, Tue and Thu 7 AM to 3 PM, Fri 8 AM to noon
This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Talk with a qualified health professional about your own situation, and seek emergency care for severe or sudden symptoms.