Disc Problems
A herniated, or slipped, disc happens when part of a spinal disc pushes through a weak spot in its outer layer. It may press on nearby nerves. Symptoms vary. Pain often sits in the low back, and if a nerve is involved there can be numbness, weakness or tingling in the neck, back, arms or legs. APTA notes that some people may feel no pain with a herniated disc. At Broadway Chiropractic and Wellness, at 1410 Broadway in Midtown Manhattan, we start with an evaluation to find out whether a disc is the likely source of your symptoms.
Common signs
- Pain in the low back or neck, often on one side
- A disc in the low back: sharp pain in one part of the leg, hip or buttocks, and numbness in other parts
- A disc in the neck: pain near the shoulder blade or down the arm to the fingers, or numbness along the shoulder, arm and fingers
- Pain that gets worse after standing or sitting, or when you sneeze, cough or laugh
See also our pages on degenerative disc disease, pinched nerve and sciatica.
Who you'll see
Your chiropractic evaluation is with Dr. Jeffrey Klein, DC, who has led the practice since 1998 and holds New York State chiropractic license 008414. Acupuncture with Yong Shuang (Sandy) Cai, an acupuncturist, can also be part of a plan. MedlinePlus says, "The first treatment for a slipped disk is a short period of rest and taking medicines for the pain. This is usually followed by physical therapy." Physical therapy at 1410 Broadway is provided by Core One Physical Therapy, brought to you by Broadway Chiropractic and Wellness.
What a visit involves
- History. We ask when it started, where you feel it, what makes it better or worse, and about your health history and medications.
- Exam. Dr. Klein checks posture, movement and the area involved. X-rays are taken only if they're needed.
- Plan. He explains what he found and what he suggests. You decide how to proceed. If something points to a problem that needs a physician, we'll tell you and suggest you see one.
Mayo Clinic advises against a chiropractic adjustment if you have numbness, tingling or loss of strength in an arm or leg. Tell us about any of these signs before your visit. Mayo adds that an adjustment can make a herniated disc worse.
When to get medical care first
Neck pain. MedlinePlus says to call 911 or go to the hospital for a fever and headache with a neck so stiff you can't touch your chin to your chest. Call 911 for heart attack signs such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or arm or jaw pain, and don't drive yourself. Call 911 if you can't move your arm or hand after a fall or blow.
Back pain. For a herniated disk, MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if you have severe back pain that does not go away, or any numbness, loss of movement, weakness, or bowel or bladder changes. APTA says, "With severe pressure on a nerve or on the spinal cord, surgery may be needed to immediately relieve that pressure."
Sources (accessed Nov 3, 2026): Mayo Clinic, Chiropractic adjustment · MedlinePlus, Herniated disk · APTA ChoosePT, Physical Therapy Guide to Herniated Disk · MedlinePlus, Neck pain · MedlinePlus, Heart attack · MedlinePlus, Herniated Disk (health topic) · Mayo Clinic, Bulging disk
Visiting us in Midtown
Broadway Chiropractic and Wellness is at 1410 Broadway, New York, NY 10018, at West 39th Street in Midtown Manhattan's Garment District.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: closed
We work with most insurance plans and help you use your benefits. Call (212) 354-2225 or use the contact form to book.
FAQs
Is a bulging disc the same as a herniated disc?
MedlinePlus lists "Bulging disk" as another name for a herniated disk, but Mayo Clinic says they differ: a bulging disc involves only the tough outer layer, while a herniated disc has a crack that lets some softer inner cartilage stick out.
Can I combine chiropractic care with physical therapy?
Yes, when it fits your plan. Physical therapy is available at the same address.
