A herniated disc is when the soft center of a spinal disc has pushed through a crack in the outer ring and presses on a nerve. Getzik Family Chiropractic, a chiropractic and non-surgical spine clinic in Washington, Pennsylvania, treats herniated discs with non-surgical spinal decompression, chiropractic care and laser therapy. Decompression is $65 per session. Decompression and laser therapy are cash only and are not covered by insurance. Call us at (724) 222-2074.
Key facts
A spinal disc is the cushion between the bones of the spine. It has a firm outer ring and a soft center. A herniated disc happens when the soft center pushes through a crack in the outer ring.
When the pushed-out material presses on a nerve, it causes pain, numbness or weakness along that nerve. In the lower back that pain often runs down a leg, which is sciatica.
A herniated disc is often confused with a bulging disc. A bulging disc has widened but the outer ring is still intact. A herniated disc has a tear in the outer ring. The examination and imaging tell them apart.
The pattern is sharp back pain that may travel down a leg, sometimes with numbness, tingling or weakness. The pain may be worse with sitting, bending or coughing. It is often on one side.
Red flag symptoms
Seek urgent medical care rather than booking with us if you have any of the following.
We treat a herniated disc by lowering the pressure inside the disc so the pushed-out material can move back and the nerve is no longer pressed. The services below are the ones we most often use.
How long it takes depends on the size of the herniation and how long it has been there. Some cases ease over weeks and others take longer. We track your response at each visit and adjust the plan. We do not promise a fixed timeline or a specific outcome.
A herniated disc is a core reason people come for decompression, so the $49 new patient decompression visit is the usual starting point. The $49 new patient decompression visit includes a new patient consultation, a comprehensive examination, one chiropractic adjustment and one spinal decompression treatment. Offer not valid for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA or other government health plan patients. See our pricing and insurance page for the full breakdown.
Next step
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The terms are often used for the same thing, though a disc does not actually slip. A herniated disc means the soft center has pushed through a crack in the outer ring. The examination and imaging show exactly what is there.
Decompression lowers the pressure inside the disc, which can help the pushed-out material move back and take the pressure off the nerve. The examination shows whether your case fits. We tell you plainly either way.
We cannot promise surgery will be avoided. Many herniated discs respond to non-surgical care, but results vary by person and condition. Whether you need surgery is a decision for you and your surgeon. We give you an honest read on whether decompression fits first.
It can come from a single strain like a lift, or from wear over years as the outer ring weakens. Sitting for long periods and repeated bending under load add to the risk. The examination helps us understand what is going on.
Some movement helps and some makes it worse. We give you specific guidance based on your examination. We tell you what to do and what to avoid so you do not aggravate the disc.
Some herniated discs improve over time as the body absorbs some of the pushed-out material. That process can be slow and is not guaranteed. Care aims to lower the pressure and support that process. We track your response at each visit.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Ask us about your specific condition.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Stefan M. Getzik, DC. Last updated September 7, 2026.
Tell us where it hurts and how long it has been going on. After the examination we give you an honest read on what is going on and what it costs. Call us at (724) 222-2074.
