Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Spinal Disc Injuries
Spinal disc injuries are a common cause of neck pain, back pain, arm pain, and sciatica. Whether the result of aging, repetitive stress, sports activities, or an accident, disc injuries can significantly affect mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, many patients can achieve meaningful improvement through conservative, non-surgical treatment options.
At our Virginia Beach, VA practice, Dr. Gregory Schierer provides evidence-based chiropractic care and acupuncture services designed to help patients manage pain, improve function, and support the body's natural healing processes.
Understanding Spinal Disc Injuries
Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the bones of the spine. When a disc becomes injured, bulges, herniates, or degenerates, it can place pressure on nearby nerves and tissues. Common symptoms may include:
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Neck or low back pain
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Radiating arm or leg pain (sciatica)
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Numbness and tingling
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Muscle weakness
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Reduced flexibility and mobility
Early evaluation and appropriate treatment can help reduce pain and prevent long-term functional limitations.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
Chiropractic treatment focuses on restoring normal movement and function within the spine and surrounding joints. Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include:
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Spinal manipulation and mobilization
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Flexibility and mobility exercises
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Postural correction strategies
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Soft tissue techniques
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Lifestyle and ergonomic recommendations
Research suggests that conservative spinal care may help reduce pain and improve function in many patients with lumbar disc-related conditions. [frontiersin.org], [link.springer.com]
The Role of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapeutic approach that involves the placement of very thin needles at specific points on the body. It is commonly used to help:
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Reduce pain
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Improve circulation
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Decrease muscle tension
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Support nervous system regulation
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Enhance overall recovery
Studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective conservative treatment option for patients with lumbar disc herniation and associated pain symptoms. [frontiersin.org], [frontiersin.org]
Combining Chiropractic and Acupuncture
Many patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. Chiropractic care and acupuncture may complement one another by addressing different aspects of spinal health, pain management, and functional recovery.
Recent research has demonstrated that patients receiving a combination of acupuncture and spinal manipulation experienced greater improvements in pain and function than patients receiving either treatment alone. [frontiersin.org], [link.springer.com]
References
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Shi F, Wen H, Liu Y, et al. (2025).
Comparative Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture Combined with Manipulation and Other Non-Pharmacological Interventions in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Frontiers in Medicine.
Findings: Combination acupuncture and spinal manipulation produced the greatest improvements in pain and functional outcomes among treatment groups. [frontiersin.org] -
Yan L, Zhang J, Wang X, et al. (2024).
Efficacy of Acupuncture for Lumbar Disc Herniation: Changes in Paravertebral Muscle and Fat Infiltration – A Multicenter Cohort Study. Frontiers in Endocrinology.
Findings: Acupuncture improved pain, function, and several MRI-based measures associated with lumbar disc herniation. [frontiersin.org] -
Niu L, Ma H, Wang H. (2025).
Efficacy Observation of Spinal Subtle Adjustment Manipulation Combined with Acupuncture in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science.
Findings: Combined chiropractic-style manipulation and acupuncture significantly reduced pain and disability compared with acupuncture alone. [link.springer.com] -
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
Acupuncture: What You Need to Know.
Findings: Acupuncture has demonstrated effectiveness for several chronic pain conditions and is widely used as part of integrative pain management programs. -
North American Spine Society (NASS) Clinical Guidelines for Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy.
Findings: Conservative care, including non-surgical interventions, is recommended as a first-line treatment for many patients before considering more invasive options.