Andrew S.
|
Herniated Disc
SYMPTOM
Herniated Disc
SITUATION
Andrew, a 29-year-old competitive power lifter, came to KIRO after injuring his lower back during a heavy squat session at the gym. He felt a sharp pain at the bottom of the lift, followed by immediate stiffness and difficulty standing upright. Over the following days, the pain intensified, especially with bending, sitting, and bracing his core. He also began experiencing radiating pain and intermittent tingling into his right hip and upper leg.
Andrew had already stopped training and tried rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication, but symptoms persisted and limited his daily activities. Concerned about long-term damage and eager to safely return to lifting, Andrew sought chiropractic care to reduce pain, protect his spine, and rebuild strength without rushing the recovery process.
TREATMENT
Care began with a comprehensive examination performed by our team of doctors. The evaluation revealed significantly reduced lumbar range of motion, particularly with flexion and rotation, along with protective muscle guarding throughout the lower back. Orthopedic testing reproduced Andrew’s symptoms, leading to a suspected diagnosis of a herniated lumbar disc, and postural assessment showed difficulty maintaining neutral spinal alignment due to pain and instability.
To further assess function, our doctors completed a nervous system scan, which showed elevated tension levels in the mid and lower back. These findings aligned with Andrew’s symptoms and supported the diagnosis of a herniated disc resulting from excessive spinal load during squatting.
Based on these findings, our doctors designed a personalized three-month care plan focused on reducing nerve irritation, restoring controlled spinal motion, and gradually rebuilding stability for high-load lifting demands. Care began with thrice-weekly gentle chiropractic adjustments aimed at improving joint motion while avoiding excessive stress on the injured disc. This was paired with lumbar decompression on KIRO’s flexion distraction tables to open up the joint spaces and introduce some passive motion into the spine. Soft tissue therapy was performed as needed to reduce muscle guarding and improve circulation in the affected area.
After one month, our doctors performed a reassessment and repeated the nervous system scan. They also re-evaluated Andrew’s mobility, pain levels, and tolerance for daily movement. The scan demonstrated a reduction in lower back tension, and Andrew reported decreasing radiating symptoms and improved ability to sit, walk, and brace his core. Based on these objective improvements, care was transitioned to twice per week.
Over the following month, treatment progressed to include a structured rehabilitation program emphasizing core stabilization, hip mobility, and controlled spinal loading. Our doctors introduced gradual strength-building exercises and coached proper bracing mechanics to support Andrew’s return to lifting while minimizing disc stress.
The final month of care consisted of once-weekly adjustments after it was determined Andrew could go a week between visits without any relapse of symptoms.
By the end of the three-month care plan, a final nervous system scan showed tension levels within a normal range throughout the lumbar spine, confirming improved spinal function and resilience.
RESULT
During his initial three months with KIRO, Andrew experienced significant reductions in pain, improved control during squat patterning, and a full resolution of radiating symptoms. He safely returned to strength training with confidence in his movement and technique. Andrew now continues with maintenance chiropractic care and structured strength progression to support long-term spinal health and prevent future lifting-related injuries—allowing him to train smarter, stronger, and pain-free.
DURATION
3 months
