A disc herniation occurs when the inner, jelly-like material of the disc bulges out through a tear in the outer wall. Disc herniation is a condition that affects the discs in your spine. The discs are the cushions between the vertebrae, and they act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a tough outer layer and a soft inner core. If the outer layer tears, the inner core can bulge out and press on the nerves nearby. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs or arms.
A disc herniation is also called a slipped disc or a ruptured disc. Disc herniations are fairly common. They often happen when you lift something heavy or put stress on your back. But they can also occur due to aging or wear and tear on the discs. Disc herniations are fairly common, and they can occur at any age. However, they are most likely to occur in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
The most common symptom of disc herniation is pain. This pain can be either sharp or dull. It may radiate from the affected area and into the legs or arms. Other symptoms may include numbness, weakness, and tingling sensations. If you think you may have a disc herniation, it is crucial to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Herniated discs can herniate anywhere along the spine. The condition is typically caused by degeneration over time which weakens ligaments that hold together your spinal cord’s individual segments (discs). This allows for some minor trauma or stretching action throughout daily life – even if you’re otherwise healthy.
In most cases, a herniated disc is the result of a combination of these factors. When a disc becomes herniated, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. In severe cases, a herniated disc can cause paralysis. Treatment for a herniated disc typically involves rest, pain relief, and physical therapy.
What are the Symptoms of Herniated Disc?
Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck and other parts of the body. Symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location of the herniation. For example, a herniated disc in the lower back may cause pain that radiates down the leg. A herniated disc in the neck may cause pain that radiates into the arm. Additionally, many people with a herniated disc report experiencing general back pain and muscle spasms.
In some cases, a person will have no symptoms. However, common symptoms can include the following:
Numbness or tingling: When the disk presses on the spinal cord, it can cause pain to
shoot down one arm and then the other side of your body, this is called radiculopathy.
Muscle weakness: Herniated disks can cause a variety of symptoms, including weakness
in the muscles connected with them. This leads to stumbling when walking and other balance problems.
Arm or leg pain: Pain in the lower back is one of those common symptoms that can be
attributed to a herniated disk.
Additionally, patients sometimes report calf tenderness too because these symptoms often come along with inflammation-related nerve damage.
How can you Avoid Getting a Herniated Disc?
One of the most common causes of back pain is a herniated disc. This occurs when the outer layer of the disc ruptures, allowing the inner gel to leak out. By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent a herniated disc from developing.
Using Proper Lifting Techniques
Keep your back straight and bend the knees while supporting weight with one leg. Use strong thigh muscles to help bear down firmly on both feet simultaneously.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
The lower back is a very important area of the body. If you carry extra weight, it puts pressure on this vital region and can lead to pain in other places as well.
Good posture is more than just looking confident and standing up straight. It’s about aligning your bones and muscles properly to reduce the strain on your body. When you practice good posture, you’re less likely to suffer from pain in your back, neck, and shoulders.
Stretching
Keeping your body active and stretching helps keep you healthy. Stretching breaks are especially important if you often sit for long periods of time.
Exercising Regularly
Focus on strengthening exercises that target your back and abdomen muscles to help support the spine.
Herniated Disc Treatment in South Lake Tahoe
A herniated disc can be a very painful condition, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help ease the pain and encourage healing. One of the most common treatments is chiropractic care.
Chiropractors in South Lake Tahoe use a variety of techniques to realign the spine and relieve pressure on the discs. They may also recommend specific exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility.
Herniated discs are a common spinal injury, and can cause pain and other problems if left untreated. Chiropractic care at Tahoe Chiropractic Clinic in South Lake Tahoe is an effective treatment for herniated discs and may provide relief from symptoms without the need for surgery. If you are suffering from a herniated disc, it is important to seek chiropractic care as soon as possible. Chiropractors in South Lake Tahoe use a variety of techniques to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and reduce inflammation around the disc.
Dr. Langen, Angie, and their team have always been such a great help throughout the years. They really listen to you and explain thoroughly why the pain is there and what they do/why they do it to help you recover. Highly recommend for everyone.
I had my first Softwave session with Angi and she was great! She was extremely professional, knowledgeable and explained in detail, how Softwave works. I noticed a difference in my pain level immediately after the treatment.<br><br>The office is inviting and comfortable with a friendly atmosphere.<br>I highly recommend Tahoe Chiropractic Clinic!
Dr. Tim Langan is the most amazing and professional chiropractor I have ever been too. He took the time to thoroughly go over my spine MRI which even my neurologist/spine specialist hadn't done with me! He is really the best in this profession and each visit is alleviating the stiffness and pain I've been enduring.
Dr. Langan is a great chiropracter! With his knowledge, he effectively evaluates the problems & treats in a timely manner for quick appointments with good results!
Love Tim an his wife the office manager. Very caring always working people around to get them in. I am constantly getting out of place Jujitsu doesn’t help my neck an back thank goodness for Tim!
Angie was sooooo knowledgeable and kind.<br>The Softwave treatment on my lumbar was the BOMB!!!<br>Went in with pain and today, 24hrs later , I’m blown away of how effective the treatment was.<br>And easy peasy time wise.<br>Short lil visit and badabing<br>, pain was reduced significantly!! I will be going back for sure.<br>Vanessa , the receptionist, was also very kind.<br>Highly recommend!
Strongly recommend Tahoe Chiropractic and Dr Tim Langan because of: very broad and deep experience with whole body, all ages and all types of patients, impeccable welcome and service, easy communication.<br>First time that I feel completely safe with a chiropractor doing adjustments, they were able to cure a strong back pain and allow me to resume sports competition.
I am having great results where my plantar fasciitis is concerned thanks to the Soft tWave procedure.<br><br>The staff is efficient and kind. The office is well maintained.
Tim and his entire team have always been very friendly and professional. We love seeing them, though not for the reason we have to see them. Tim is truly friendly, professional and very informative. He's great at listening and getting an understand of the problem. Then he explains what could be causing the issue and how he's fixing it.<br>They are great to work with and are all so caring for your healing journey.<br>Our family recommends Tahoe Chiropractic Clinic to everyone!
Annie and Tim were fantastic. My wife and I own Tahoe Hyperbaric Wellness in Truckee, and we came down to check out their Soft Wave therapy for my broken toe and my wife's planter fasciitis. We were also looking to get a Softwave unit for our practice in Truckee. Annie and Tim were very knowledgeable, and I can honestly say that after 48 hours my foot feels better as does my wife's. We enjoyed our experience and would highly recommend it!
Dr.Langan is very thorough and detailed to exactly what is going on with your body, before him I never had a good experience with chiropractors but he has definitely changed my mind about that.. they make you feel like you are family.. highly recommend.. when my wife was pregnant and couldn’t get in to see him we ran into him at the store and he did a quick adjustment to her right there.. that’s just awesome..
I love dr. langan and all of the staff. dr langan is a good listener and had many techniques to address all issues that one may have. his bedside manners are the best. he has alot of experience from all his years of practice in texas. he gives helpful recommendations regarding activities and exercises.<br>Jamo the office mascot is the best and cutest pooch anyone could have. the environment is comfortable and welcoming. I give tahoe chiropractic 5 stars. they are awesome.
Dr. Tim and Angie are remarkable professionals and a great help to orient new patients into treatment care and the community. I’m really grateful to have started treatment with them, after moving to SLT from Monterey, CA.<br>Excellent care, manners and intentionality. It really emoted me to tears, as I was in great pain for a chronic condition.
Dr Langdon is the best. If you have back pain he will do everything he can to help you. The best in South Lake Tahoe. He has helped me many times. Him and his wife are very sweet. They also have a very sweet family. Very very nice.
Dr. Tim Langan, DC is BEST. CHIROPRACTOR. EVER. Initially helped me with a severe case of TMJ. Two months later, I had severe muscular pain in my shoulder. He was able to fit me in right away and take care of it. His office staff is also wonderful.
I had less 10 days to run a marathon and my whole body was hurting. Tim worked on my neck and knee. It was incredible! I was so impressed how well I felt. I was able to run my race. Thank you
Visiting Tahoe for the week and needed an adjustment for relief from travel, and to support enjoying some long hikes. So grateful to get scheduled within 24 hours. Dr. Langan and Angi were both so personable, knowledgeable, and thorough. I left with great relief, none of the pain I came in with, and exercises to support the adjustment. Definitely returning on the next trip!
Dr. Langan and his wife are an asset to our community. I’ve been going for about 2 years with very positive results. They both are knowledgeable, professional and conscientious. We need more businesses run like their operation. Highly recommended!
Great first experience, came in with no expectations and left with knowledge along with feeling flexible. I will be coming back when I can. They make you feel comfortable while juggling multiple people at once
I was in pain on my lower back when we arrived to South Lake Tahoe from Las Vegas. I started to look for a chiropractor near the area. I called a couple of places but I needed an appointment unfortunately. But when I called Tahoe Chiropractic Clinic, Angy was able to take me in the next hour from my call. I couldn't be any happier than that. I met with Dr Tim and he really took care of my situation. He was so polite and compassionate. Cracked my back and did an adjustment. I walked out feeling much better. I would definitely recommend this clinic if you are in the area and need of a chiropractic while visiting beautiful Tahoe. Thank you Dr. Tim and Angy, you are so awesome!
Great service and very friendly staff. I feel better every time I go. Tim and Angie are very accommodating when it comes to getting me in at the last minute.
I hadn't seen Dr. Langan in a couple years. He helped me with some chronic pain today, feeling better finally. He explained clearly what he was doing, and provided a flexible treatment plan. Angela gave me a heads up about a minor issue with my insurance account numbering, and I appreciate her courtesy in taking the time to explain a potential headache in the future. Great doctor, great manager. 👍
I have loved coming here from day one. My massage therapist Recommended Tim. Tim cares for his patients and will always listen, give any needed advice for extra issues that may arise that he can treat and show you how to do on your own to get relief. Besides getting put in proper alignment, the office is welcoming and inviting and Angi is always super friendly and helpful. Wonderful family practice who cares!
I’ve been seeing Dr. Tim for nearly six years now, and even after moving out of town and off the mountain, I remain a loyal client. He’s an essential part of my team of alternative care providers, and I’m deeply grateful for his knowledge, experience, and the genuine care he offers—not just for my body, but for my overall well-being.<br><br>Whether I’ve injured myself doing something careless or simply need to maintain alignment, Dr. Tim is always ready to help. His treatments consistently restore my body’s mechanics and provide lasting relief. One example: I used to struggle with tingling in my hands and fingers from prior nerve damage—his adjustments resolve it immediately.<br><br>If you’re serious about your health and wellness, do yourself a favor and make Dr. Tim a part of your ongoing care. You’ll be better for it.
Brenda Negley (Nelder Grove Non Profit)06/04/2025 13:58:55
I was happy to have found someone that could help me while I was on vacation in Tahoe. DR. Tim Langan was professional and personable. He was able to help me with the pain I was experiencing and gave me undivided attention and guidance.
This place is awesome! I through my back out 3 weeks ago. I had been trying to fix it myself , didn’t work . I started searching for a new chiropractor after my old one moved his business off the hill . I called and spoke with Angie , she must have heard the pain in my voice and squeezed me in that afternoon. What a life saver ! They put me on 2 different machines to loosen up my locked lower back . WOW ! I’m still sore and going back this week to readjust it . However after my visit , I felt a ton better . Looking forward to my next treatment. It seems like this doc can get me on the right track of feeling less pain soon. Thank you Dr. Langan & Angie 🤙🤙☕️
Tahoe chiropractic South Lake Tahoe is the the best chiropractic place I have been to. Finding a chiropractor that you can trust is very hard. Dr Timothy Langan listens to his patients needs while doing what ia required to heal. His staff is amazing. My husband threw his back out and they went above and beyond to get ya in to be seen. He went from crawling on the floor to walking and returning to every day activities the next day. Can’t say enough about them
Came in last minute with some back and shoulder pain and Tim and his wife Angie were great! Made me feel right at home and took care of the problem right away.<br>Thank you so much.
My favorite chiropractor! An amazing environment, super kind and supportive, and takes the time to explain a bit of what’s going on which is so helpful. Dr. Langan is the best chiropractor out there
