Discover solutions with chiropractic care for herniated discs that specifically target pain relief and enhance your physical well-being.
Table of Contents
Mon cher, picture this: a spine as twisted as my tango with Morticia, yet with the right touch, it can glide back to harmony! Low back pain from herniated discs can feel like a pesky poltergeist haunting your daily routine, but fear not—chiropractic care, with its elegant adjustments and spinal decompression, offers a path to relief. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why chiropractic care is a fantastic option for easing low back pain caused by herniated discs, delve into the role of the lumbar spine, and highlight how it impacts your life when things go awry. We’ll also spotlight the expertise of Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, a distinguished chiropractor and nurse practitioner in El Paso, Texas, who waltzes between medical precision and legal documentation to help personal injury victims. With a dash of Gomez Addams’ flair, we’ll keep it lively, but rest assured, this is a serious dive into spinal health. Let’s get started, mi amor!
The lumbar spine, or lower back, is like the sturdy foundation of a haunted mansion—it supports everything above it while enduring constant pressure. Comprising five vertebrae (L1–L5), the lumbar spine is built to carry the weight of your upper body, making it the workhorse of your spine (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2025). These vertebrae are connected by intervertebral discs, which act like shock-absorbing cushions, allowing you to bend, twist, and move without your bones grinding like a creaky old door.
Each disc has two parts:
Together, these discs provide flexibility and stability, letting you dance through life (or at least walk to the kitchen). The spinal cord and nerve roots run through the spinal canal, sending signals from your brain to your muscles. When everything’s aligned, it’s a symphony of movement. But when a disc herniates, it’s like Uncle Fester flipping the wrong switch—chaos ensues.
A herniated disc, sometimes called a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc, occurs when the nucleus pulposus pushes through a tear in the annulus fibrosus, much like Lurch accidentally bursting through a door (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2025). This is most commonly observed in the lumbar spine, particularly at the L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels, where the spine bears the greatest weight (Personal Injury Doctor Group, 2017). Imagine the disc as a jelly donut: if you squeeze it too hard, the jelly squirts out, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain.
Herniated discs can result from:
When a herniated disc presses on nerve roots, it can cause radiculopathy, leading to sharp, radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, often referred to as sciatica (Frymoyer, 1988). Oh, the agony, cara mia! This pain can make simple tasks like sitting or walking feel like a gothic torture chamber.
A herniated disc in the lumbar spine can turn your daily routine into a grim fandango. The pain, often described as sharp or burning, may radiate from the lower back to the buttocks, thighs, or even feet, mimicking the path of the sciatic nerve (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2025). Here’s how it affects you:
For many, the impact is profound—60–80% of people experience low back pain at some point, with herniated discs being a common culprit (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2025). If you’re in El Paso, where active lifestyles and physical jobs are common, a herniated disc can feel like a personal injury straight out of a car crash, disrupting your vibrant life in this sunny city.
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2025). Herniated disk in the lower back. OrthoInfo. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/
Frymoyer, J. W. (1988). Back pain and sciatica. The New England Journal of Medicine, 318(5), 291–300. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2961994/
Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2017, April 3). Herniated Discs: Definition, Progression, and Diagnosis. https://personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/2017/04/03/herniated-discs-definition-progression-diagnosis/
Chiropractic care is like Gomez’s passionate kiss to Morticia—it’s targeted, effective, and brings everything back into alignment. Chiropractors focus on restoring spinal alignment and reducing nerve compression through non-invasive techniques, making it an excellent option for managing low back pain from herniated discs. Here’s the clinical rationale, straight from the experts:
Oh, cara mia, it’s like realigning the stars in our spooky sky! Chiropractic care is particularly effective for those with subacute or chronic pain, where nonsurgical options are preferred (Choi et al., 2017).
In El Paso, Dr. Alexander Jimenez is the maestro of chiropractic care, blending his expertise as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner to create personalized treatment plans. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Jimenez utilizes advanced diagnostics, including MRI and CT scans, to pinpoint the exact location of a herniated disc, ensuring precise treatment (Jimenez, 2023). His approach includes:
Dr. Jimenez’s dual licensure enables him to seamlessly integrate medical and chiropractic care, making him a trusted choice for personal injury victims in El Paso. His clinic’s testimonials highlight his success with conditions like sciatica and herniated discs, with patients praising his holistic approach (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2025). Herniated disk in the lower back. OrthoInfo. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/
Choi, J., Lee, S., & Jeon, C. (2017). Effects of spinal decompression therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(8), 1361–1365. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28878466/
El Paso Back Clinic. (2025, May 23). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez for your care? https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-dr-alex-jimenez-for-your-care/
Jiménez, A. (2023). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
Kruse, R. A., & Cambron, J. A. (2018). Spinal manipulation in the treatment of patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation and sacroiliac joint hypomobility: A quasi-experimental study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 26(1), 16. https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-018-0185-7
Rubinstein, S. M., de Zoete, A., van Middelkoop, M., Assendelft, W. J. J., de Boer, M. R., & van Tulder, M. W. (2020). Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Spine Journal, 20(2), 177–189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31669605/
Sciatica Clinic. (n.d.). The efficacy of spinal decompression for chronic low back pain. https://sciatica.clinic/the-efficacy-of-spinal-decompression-for-chronic-low-back-pain/
Spinal decompression is like a gentle stretch for your spine, as if Gomez were carefully pulling Morticia into a romantic dip. This non-surgical therapy utilizes a traction device, such as the DRX9000, to elongate the spine, thereby relieving pressure on herniated discs and pinched nerves (Sciatica Clinic, 2022). By creating negative pressure within the disc, decompression:
A 2017 study found that spinal decompression significantly reduces pain and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation, with some experiencing immediate relief (Choi et al., 2017). It’s particularly effective for subacute cases, where the disc has not yet fully degenerated.
As we age, spinal discs lose water content, becoming less flexible and more prone to injury—like Morticia’s roses wilting without water. Spinal decompression creates a vacuum effect, allowing water, oxygen, and nutrients to flow back into the disc, increasing its height and elasticity (Sciatica Clinic, 2022). This rehydration process:
Dr. Jimenez integrates spinal decompression into his treatment plans, using devices like the DRX9000 to provide precise, controlled traction. His patients often report improved mobility and reduced pain, allowing them to tango through life again (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
Dr. Jimenez’s approach to spinal decompression is as meticulous as Gomez crafting a love letter. He utilizes advanced imaging to assess the disc’s condition and tailors decompression sessions to each patient’s specific needs. His clinic’s integrative approach combines decompression with chiropractic adjustments and functional medicine, addressing biomechanical and systemic factors (Jimenez, 2023). For example:
Oh, the joy of a spine that moves like a well-choreographed dance! Dr. Jimenez’s expertise ensures patients not only feel better but also understand their condition, empowering them to maintain spinal health (Sciatica Clinic, n.d.).
References
Choi, J., Lee, S., & Jeon, C. (2017). Effects of spinal decompression therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(8), 1361–1365. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28878466/
El Paso Back Clinic. (2025, May 23). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez for your care? https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-dr-alex-jimenez-for-your-care/
Jiménez, A. (2023). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
Sciatica Clinic. (2022, April 11). The efficacy of spinal decompression for chronic low back pain. https://sciatica.clinic/the-efficacy-of-spinal-decompression-for-chronic-low-back-pain/
In El Paso, personal injury cases—often from car accidents or workplace incidents—are as common as Gomez’s declarations of love for Morticia. Herniated discs are frequent in these cases, especially after motor vehicle accidents, where sudden jolts can cause discs to rupture (Jimenez, 2025). Chiropractic care is a cornerstone for recovery, offering non-invasive relief and supporting legal claims by documenting injuries.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez stands out as a trusted practitioner for individuals seeking compensation for personal injuries. His dual licensure as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner allows him to:
Dr. Jimenez’s unique ability to act as a liaison between the medical and legal realms is akin to Gomez balancing his passion for Morticia with his fencing finesse. His dual-scope procedures include:
His clinic’s testimonials highlight his success, with patients praising his ability to restore mobility and provide legal support, making him a beacon for El Paso’s personal injury community (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
El Paso’s vibrant community, surrounded by its stunning desert beauty, thrives on an active lifestyle. A herniated disc can disrupt this, but Dr. Jimenez’s holistic approach—combining chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and functional medicine—helps patients return to their passions, whether it’s hiking or dancing like Gomez and Morticia. His commitment to education empowers patients to maintain spinal health, ensuring long-term wellness (Sciatica Clinic, n.d.).
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2025). Herniated disk in the lower back. OrthoInfo. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/
El Paso Back Clinic. (2025, May 23). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez for your care? https://elpasobackclinic.com/why-choose-dr-alex-jimenez-for-your-care/
Jiménez, A. (2023). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2017, April 3). Herniated Discs: Definition, Progression, and Diagnosis. https://personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/2017/04/03/herniated-discs-definition-progression-diagnosis/
Sciatica Clinic. (n.d.). The efficacy of spinal decompression for chronic low back pain. https://sciatica.clinic/the-efficacy-of-spinal-decompression-for-chronic-low-back-pain/
Diagnosing a herniated disc is like Gomez sleuthing for Morticia’s missing tiara—it requires precision and the right tools. Dr. Jimenez uses:
These tools ensure an accurate diagnosis, guiding treatment and legal documentation for personal injury cases.
Dr. Jimenez’s treatment protocols are as tailored as Gomez’s suits, combining:
Most patients see improvement within weeks, with many avoiding surgery altogether (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2025).
While chiropractic care works for most, severe cases—like those with significant neurological deficits (e.g., loss of bladder control)—may require surgery, such as microdiskectomy or endoscopic diskectomy (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2025). Dr. Jimenez collaborates with specialists to ensure patients get the right care, acting as a liaison to streamline the process.
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2025). Herniated disk in the lower back. OrthoInfo. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/
Choi, J., Lee, S., & Jeon, C. (2017). Effects of spinal decompression therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(8), 1361–1365. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28878466/
Frymoyer, J. W. (1988). Back pain and sciatica. The New England Journal of Medicine, 318(5), 291–300. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2961994/
Jiménez, A. (2023). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2017, April 3). Herniated Discs: Definition, Progression, and Diagnosis. https://personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/2017/04/03/herniated-discs-definition-progression-diagnosis/
Spinal manipulation involves applying controlled force to specific spinal joints, correcting misalignments, and improving mobility. It’s like Gomez adjusting the family chandelier to shine just right. The science shows:
Decompression therapy creates negative intradiscal pressure, pulling herniated material back into place and promoting disc rehydration. Studies show:
It’s like magic, cara mia, but backed by science! Dr. Jimenez’s use of decompression ensures that patients receive evidence-based care tailored to their specific needs.
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2025). Herniated disk in the lower back. OrthoInfo. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/
Apfel, C. C., Cakmakkaya, O. S., Martin, W., Richmond, C., Macario, A., George, E., … & Pergolizzi, J. V. (2010). Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with a decrease in discogenic low back pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 11(1), 155. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20615252/
Choi, J., Lee, S., & Jeon, C. (2017). Effects of spinal decompression therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(8), 1361–1365. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28878466/
Kruse, R. A., & Cambron, J. A. (2018). Spinal manipulation in the treatment of patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation and sacroiliac joint hypomobility: A quasi-experimental study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 26(1), 16. https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-018-0185-7
Rubinstein, S. M., de Zoete, A., van Middelkoop, M., Assendelft, W. J. J., de Boer, M. R., & van Tulder, M. W. (2020). Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Spine Journal, 20(2), 177–189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31669605/
Teodorczyk-Injeyan, J. A., Injeyan, H. S., & Ruegg, R. (2019). Spinal manipulative therapy reduces inflammatory cytokines but not substance P production in normal subjects. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 42(4), 245–252. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31262553/
To keep your spine happy, try these tips, as recommended by Dr. Jimenez:
If pain persists, radiates, or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder control, see a chiropractor like Dr. Jimenez immediately. These could signal severe nerve compression requiring urgent care (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2025).
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2025). Herniated disk in the lower back. OrthoInfo. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/
Jiménez, A. (2023). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
Low back pain from herniated discs can disrupt your life, but chiropractic care and spinal decompression offer a path to relief without surgery. The lumbar spine’s role as the body’s foundation makes it vulnerable to injury. Still, with expert care from practitioners like Dr. Alexander Jimenez in El Paso, you can regain mobility and live a pain-free life. His dual expertise, advanced diagnostics, and ability to bridge the gap between medical and legal needs make him a trusted ally for personal injury victims. By addressing nerve compression, improving spinal mobility, and promoting disc rehydration, chiropractic care restores function and quality of life.
Serious Note and Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or a physician, before starting any treatment for low back pain or a herniated disc. Individual results may vary, and severe symptoms require immediate medical attention. For personalized care in El Paso, contact Dr. Alexander Jimenez at 915-850-0900 or visit dralexjimenez.com.
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2025). Herniated disk in the lower back. OrthoInfo. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/
Choi, J., Lee, S., & Jeon, C. (2017). Effects of spinal decompression therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(8), 1361–1365. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28878466/
Frymoyer, J. W. (1988). Back pain and sciatica. The New England Journal of Medicine, 318(5), 291–300. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2961994/
Jiménez, A. (2023). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
Kruse, R. A., & Cambron, J. A. (2018). Spinal manipulation in the treatment of patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation and sacroiliac joint hypomobility: A quasi-experimental study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 26(1), 16. https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-018-0185-7
Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2017, April 3). Herniated Discs: Definition, Progression, and Diagnosis. https://personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/2017/04/03/herniated-discs-definition-progression-diagnosis/
Rubinstein, S. M., de Zoete, A., van Middelkoop, M., Assendelft, W. J. J., de Boer, M. R., & van Tulder, M. W. (2020). Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Spine Journal, 20(2), 177–189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31669605/
Sciatica Clinic. (2022, April 11). The efficacy of spinal decompression for chronic low back pain. https://sciatica.clinic/the-efficacy-of-spinal-decompression-for-chronic-low-back-pain/
Xu, Q., & Wang, Y. (2023). Discogenic back pain: Literature review of definition, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic Translation, 43(1), 8–16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37872990/
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Chiropractic Care Techniques and Tips for Herniated Discs" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & Wellness Blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a Multi-State board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on this site and our family practice-based chiromed.com site, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of multidisciplinary practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
Our information scope is multidisciplinary, focusing on musculoskeletal and physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders.
Our videos, posts, topics, and insights address clinical matters and issues that are directly or indirectly related to our clinical scope of practice.
Our office has made a reasonable effort to provide supportive citations and has identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Multidisciplinary Licensing & Board Certifications:
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License #: TX5807, Verified: TX5807
New Mexico DC License #: NM-DC2182, Verified: NM-DC2182
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Multistate Compact RN License by Endorsement (42 States)
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ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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RN: Registered Nurse
APRNP: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
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