Disc Injury Chiropractic Care in Victoria Park, Perth
Disc injuries are a common cause of back pain, neck pain, and nerve-related symptoms. While many people associate a disc injury with a sudden event, symptoms often develop gradually over time due to a combination of repetitive loading, movement patterns, and age-related changes within the spine.
The spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, helping absorb forces and support movement. When a disc becomes irritated or injured, it can contribute to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and in some cases symptoms that travel into the arms or legs.
At Freeman Chiropractic, we don't just focus on the area where symptoms are felt. We assess how the spine, pelvis, surrounding joints, and muscles are functioning together to better understand the factors that may be contributing to ongoing stress on the affected area.
Is a disc injury affecting your work, sleep or sitting?
Book an assessment with Dr Alex or Dr Joel – no GP referral needed, and private health rebates are available on most extras policies. Prefer to talk? Call 0493 290 505.
Why do disc injuries occur?
Disc injuries can occur for a variety of reasons. While some people notice symptoms after lifting, bending, or a sporting injury, many cases develop gradually due to accumulated stress on the spine.
Common contributing factors seen in practice include:
Repetitive bending and lifting
Prolonged sitting and sedentary work
Reduced spinal mobility
Poor lifting mechanics
Previous back or neck injuries
Repetitive occupational demands
Limited movement variation throughout the day
Age-related changes within the spine
In many cases, a disc injury is not caused by one single event. Rather, symptoms can develop when the spine is exposed to repeated stress over time.
What is a disc injury?
A disc injury refers to irritation or damage affecting one of the intervertebral discs located between the bones of the spine.
Discs help absorb shock and allow movement throughout the spine. When a disc becomes irritated, inflamed, or changes in structure, it may contribute to local pain, stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms.
Disc injuries can occur in both the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine), with symptoms varying depending on the location and structures involved.
What are the common types of disc injuries?
Disc-related conditions can present in several different ways.
Disc Bulge
A disc bulge occurs when the outer portion of the disc extends beyond its normal boundary. Some disc bulges cause symptoms, while others may be present without pain.
Disc Protrusion
A more focal disc injury where part of the disc extends outward and may contribute to irritation of nearby structures.
Disc Herniation
A more significant disc injury involving disruption of the outer disc fibres, which may be associated with pain, inflammation, or nerve irritation.
Cervical Disc Injury
A disc injury affecting the neck that may contribute to neck pain, headaches, or symptoms travelling into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Lumbar Disc Injury
A disc injury affecting the lower back that may contribute to lower back pain, sciatica, or symptoms extending into the buttock, leg, or foot.
What symptoms can a disc injury cause?
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the disc injury but may include:
Localised neck or back pain
Stiffness and reduced movement
Pain when bending, lifting, or sitting
Pain travelling into the arms or legs
Tingling or pins and needles
Numbness
Muscle weakness
Difficulty performing everyday activities
Not all disc injuries cause nerve symptoms, and not all disc changes seen on imaging are responsible for pain. Our guide to reading your MRI report explains why.
Signs it's time to get a disc injury checked
You may consider having your symptoms assessed if:
Back or neck pain is not improving
Symptoms keep returning
Pain is travelling into the arms or legs
Sitting becomes increasingly uncomfortable
Movement feels restricted
Daily activities are being affected
Symptoms are gradually worsening
Early assessment is often less about the diagnosis itself and more about understanding what factors may be contributing to ongoing stress within the spine.
How we can help with a disc injury
Your first visit is a thorough assessment – a detailed health history, a physical, neurological and orthopaedic examination, and muscle activity scans (sEMG). If imaging is needed, we'll refer you for an X-ray, and if your symptoms need medical review, we'll tell you and refer you to your GP.
Depending on your assessment, your care may include gentle chiropractic techniques, soft tissue therapy and dry needling, along with advice on movement, sitting and lifting so you know what you can do between visits.
No GP referral needed · Private health rebates available
Your Trusted Chiropractors
Dr Alex Freeman
Firm, hands-on adjustments, dry needling and soft tissue work. Experienced with disc injuries and long-standing back pain.
Dr Joel Maylor
Exercise science and sports rehab background. Practical, movement-focused care for active people.
Your Disc Injury Questions, Answered
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Not necessarily. Disc bulges are common on scans of people who have no back pain at all. Your chiropractor interprets imaging alongside your history and physical examination to judge whether a disc is the likely source of your symptoms. Our guide to reading your MRI report explains the common terms.
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Imaging is not required for every suspected disc injury. Your chiropractor recommends it only when it is clinically indicated, such as when symptoms are severe, worsening, or not improving as expected. When imaging is needed, Freeman Chiropractic can refer you for X-rays, which are bulk billed through Medicare for eligible patients.
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Many disc injuries improve over time as irritated tissues settle and movement and strength return, and herniated disc material can reduce in size naturally. Care at our Victoria Park clinic aims to support this process by improving spinal movement, easing protective muscle tension, and gradually restoring your tolerance for bending, sitting, and lifting.
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Repeated or sustained bending, lifting while twisting, and long periods of sitting commonly aggravate disc-related pain in the early stages. Modifying these activities, rather than stopping all movement, is usually recommended. Your chiropractor will help you identify which positions ease your symptoms and how to reintroduce aggravating activities safely.
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Cervical disc injuries can cause neck pain and symptoms that travel into the shoulder, arm, or hand. When assessment shows chiropractic care is appropriate, care may involve gentle techniques for the neck and upper back, soft tissue therapy, and advice on workstation and sleeping positions. Your chiropractor monitors arm strength and sensation at each visit so care can be adjusted as your symptoms change.