Herniated & Bulging Disc Treatment in Stow, MA — Do You Really Need Surgery?

By Dr. Todd Whittemore  |  June 2, 2026

A herniated or bulging disc is one of the most common sources of stubborn back and leg pain — and most cases can be treated successfully without surgery. When a spinal disc presses on a nearby nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates from the back into the buttock or leg. The encouraging news is that the large majority of these cases improve with conservative care such as spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustments, and targeted exercise. At Stow Family Chiropractic, we focus on relieving pressure on the affected disc and nerve so your body can heal naturally.

What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?

The discs between your vertebrae act as cushions for your spine. A bulging disc is one that has flattened and pushed outward beyond its normal boundary, a bit like a tire that is low on air. A herniated disc goes a step further: the soft inner material pushes through a crack in the tougher outer wall. Both can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, but they are slightly different problems — and a proper evaluation tells us exactly what we are dealing with.

What are the symptoms of a herniated or bulging disc?

Disc problems often cause more than just local back pain. Common symptoms include:

• Pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, or leg — often called sciatica when it follows the sciatic nerve.
• Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” feeling in the leg or foot.
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg.
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, coughing, or sneezing.

If your pain is mostly local and does not radiate, the cause may be muscular or joint-related rather than a disc. Our guide to lower back pain covers the full range of causes.

Do herniated discs require surgery?

For most people, no. Surgery is generally considered a last resort, reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative care or that involve progressive nerve damage. The majority of herniated and bulging discs improve with non-surgical treatment over time. That is why it is worth exploring conservative options first — even if you have already been told surgery might be on the table.

Non-surgical treatment options for disc problems

At Stow Family Chiropractic, disc care is built around taking pressure off the affected disc and nerve and supporting the body’s natural healing. Depending on your evaluation, your care may include:

• Spinal decompression using our KDT Neural Flex tables — a gentle, non-surgical therapy designed specifically for disc-related pain.
• Chiropractic adjustments to restore healthy movement and relieve nerve irritation.
• Erchonia cold laser therapy to support tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
• Therapeutic exercise to strengthen and stabilize the spine for the long term.

Spinal decompression for herniated and bulging discs

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy that gently stretches the spine to create space between the vertebrae. This reduces pressure on the disc and the nerves around it, which can help relieve pain and support healing. It is one of the reasons many patients dealing with disc-related pain choose to explore conservative care before considering surgery. For a deeper look at non-surgical disc treatment — including what to expect if you've been given a surgical referral — see our complete guide to non-surgical herniated disc treatment.

Decompression is appropriate for many people with disc problems, but not everyone is a candidate. In particular, spinal decompression is not recommended during pregnancy. A thorough evaluation lets us determine whether decompression is the right fit for you or whether another approach would serve you better.

When should you see a chiropractor for a suspected disc problem?

It is worth getting evaluated when you have back pain that radiates into your leg, numbness or tingling that does not resolve, or pain that limits your daily activities. Earlier care often makes for a simpler recovery. As with any back issue, severe or worsening weakness, numbness in the groin area, or loss of bladder or bowel control calls for immediate medical attention.

Disc care for Stow and the surrounding communities

Stow Family Chiropractic serves patients throughout Stow, Maynard, Acton, Bolton, Hudson, Concord, Sudbury, Boxborough, and Marlborough. If you are dealing with a herniated or bulging disc — or have been told you might need surgery and want to understand your non-surgical options — we would be glad to help you figure out the right path.

Frequently asked questions about herniated and bulging discs

What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?

A bulging disc has flattened and pushed outward beyond its normal boundary, while a herniated disc has cracked, allowing the soft inner material to push through the outer wall. Both can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness, but they are slightly different conditions that a proper evaluation can distinguish.

Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?

In most cases, yes. The majority of herniated and bulging discs improve with conservative, non-surgical care over time. Surgery is generally reserved for cases that do not respond to other treatment or that involve progressive nerve damage, so it is worth exploring non-surgical options first.

What is spinal decompression and how does it help disc problems?

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy that gently stretches the spine to create space between the vertebrae. This reduces pressure on the disc and surrounding nerves, which can relieve pain and support the body’s natural healing. It is designed specifically for disc-related pain and is a common alternative to surgery for the right candidates.

Is spinal decompression safe during pregnancy?

No. Spinal decompression is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and dealing with back or disc-related pain, we can evaluate your situation and recommend safe, appropriate alternatives.

Is spinal decompression covered by insurance?

Spinal decompression is typically not covered by insurance and is paid out of pocket. That said, Stow Family Chiropractic accepts insurance for chiropractic care, and our team is happy to verify your benefits and explain your options before you begin.