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If you experience persistent lower back pain that repeatedly returns—or discomfort that radiates down your leg into your foot—it may signal a slipped disc.
Often referred to as a herniated disc, this condition can produce severe, and at times debilitating, pain.
Pain Caused by a Herniated Disc
A slipped disc can significantly disrupt daily life. In many cases, however, symptoms improve within six weeks. In fact, roughly 90% of herniated disc cases resolve during that timeframe.
If your pain continues beyond six weeks or repeatedly flares up over months or years, it may indicate the issue will not correct itself. At that point, additional treatment options—such as gentle, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy—should be explored.
What Causes Discs to Slip?
The spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. The front portion of each vertebra is known as the vertebral body. Positioned between these bones are soft spinal discs with a tough outer layer and a gel-like inner core called the nucleus pulposus.
These discs provide flexibility, allowing you to bend forward and rotate your torso. They also function as shock absorbers, cushioning the spine during activities like running and jumping.
A slipped disc occurs when one of these discs protrudes beyond the boundaries of the vertebrae above and below it. There are three primary classifications:
- Prolapsed Disc — The disc bulges outward, but the outer layer remains intact.
- Extruded Disc — A tear forms in the outer layer, allowing disc material to push outward, though it remains connected.
- Sequestration — The most severe form, where disc material breaks free and enters the spinal canal.
Although each type can cause significant discomfort, many individuals find meaningful relief through gentle, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy.
If you are dealing with recurring disc-related pain and suspect a slipped disc, it is important to consult a qualified medical professional.
By carefully restoring proper spinal alignment, our spinal disc specialists work to reduce pressure on affected nerves and discs, helping to alleviate pain efficiently and safely.
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of a herniated disc, contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our experienced team can determine whether gentle, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is the right solution for your condition.
Contact Windy City Disc Center at 312-658-0658 to Schedule Your Consultation Today!





