Disc Injury Treatment In West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
Disc Injury Treatment At A Glance
Disc injuries are among the most common causes of both local spinal pain and radiating nerve symptoms in patients we see in West Des Moines. They develop from sudden injury, repetitive mechanical stress, and gradual degeneration, and they range from a minor bulge that produces mild local discomfort to a significant herniation that compresses a nerve root and produces severe radiating symptoms.
At Vero Health Center, we evaluate every disc injury case with neurological scanning, orthopedic testing, and spinal motion assessment before recommending care. Our treatment options for disc-related pain include chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, and integrated rehabilitation, each targeted at reducing disc pressure and supporting recovery without invasive intervention.
What Is A Disc Injury?
The intervertebral disc is a structure between each pair of vertebrae consisting of a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). Discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between vertebrae, maintaining the height of the disc space and protecting the nerve roots that pass through nearby foramina.
A disc injury occurs when the annulus fibrosus is damaged, allowing the nucleus to bulge or push through the outer ring. A bulging disc involves the outer ring expanding beyond its normal boundary without rupturing. A herniated disc involves a tear in the outer ring through which the inner material protrudes. In both cases, the displaced disc material can press against adjacent nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, producing local pain and potentially radiating symptoms.
Disc degeneration is a related process in which discs gradually lose height and hydration over time. Degenerated discs are more vulnerable to herniation and produce both local spinal pain and reduced shock absorption during daily activity.
Common Symptoms Of A Disc Injury
Disc injury symptoms vary depending on the location of the affected disc, the direction of the herniation, and whether nerve roots are involved.
Local spinal pain at or near the level of the disc injury is common. This may present as a sharp or aching pain that worsens with specific movements, particularly forward flexion or sustained bending. Muscle spasm and protective muscle guarding around the injured level are also frequent.
Radiating symptoms occur when the disc material presses against a nerve root. In the lumbar spine, this produces pain, tingling, or numbness that travels into the buttock, leg, or foot in a pattern corresponding to the specific nerve root involved. In the cervical spine, disc herniation produces radiating symptoms into the shoulder, arm, forearm, or hand. Weakness in the affected limb can develop with significant nerve compression.
Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing is a common feature of disc-related nerve irritation, as these activities increase intradiscal pressure. Many patients find that lying flat provides the most relief during an acute disc episode.
What Causes Disc Injuries?
Disc injuries develop from a combination of structural vulnerability and mechanical loading, and they are not always the result of a single dramatic event.
Sudden mechanical stress from a lift, twist, or fall is a common trigger for acute disc herniation. The incident compresses or shears the disc in a way that damages the outer ring and allows inner material to displace. Many patients with this presentation cannot identify a single event but recall a gradual onset of worsening pain.
Repetitive loading from occupational tasks, heavy exercise, or posture-related mechanical stress accumulates over time. Discs under repeated flexion loading are particularly vulnerable to annular tears that develop gradually until a threshold is crossed.
Gradual degeneration reduces the structural integrity of the disc over years. As the nucleus loses hydration, the disc height decreases and the outer ring becomes more prone to tearing. Degeneration accelerates with poor posture, inadequate movement, and prior spinal injury.
Conditions That Can Mimic A Disc Injury
Several conditions produce symptoms that resemble disc herniation and require careful differentiation. Facet joint syndrome produces local spinal pain and referred pain that can mimic disc-related symptoms without true nerve root compression. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causes buttock and leg pain similar to sciatica. Muscle strain can produce acute, severe spinal pain that resembles a disc injury in presentation. Because the treatment approach differs significantly, accurate diagnosis through clinical evaluation is the essential first step before any care is recommended.
When To Seek Urgent Care For A Disc Injury
Most disc injuries respond to conservative chiropractic care. Seek urgent medical attention if disc-related symptoms include loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden severe weakness in the arms or legs, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or significant neurological deficits that developed rapidly. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome or cervical myelopathy and require immediate medical evaluation.
What Our Patients Are Saying
How We Diagnose Disc Injuries At Vero Health Center
Disc injury evaluation at Vero Health Center uses a combination of neurological scanning, orthopedic testing, and spinal motion assessment to determine the extent of disc involvement and whether nerve roots are affected. Orthopedic tests including the straight leg raise, Kemp’s test, and Spurling’s test help confirm disc and nerve root involvement at specific spinal levels.
We review any available imaging, including MRI reports, which are the most informative for disc visualization. Where imaging has not been obtained and the clinical evaluation suggests significant disc involvement, we may refer for appropriate diagnostic imaging to confirm the picture before finalizing the care plan.
How Vero Health Center Treats Disc Injuries
Disc injury treatment at Vero Health Center targets intradiscal pressure reduction, nerve root decompression, and the spinal stabilization that protects the disc from further injury during recovery.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression is the primary treatment modality for disc herniation and bulging at Vero Health Center. The motorized traction creates negative intradiscal pressure that allows displaced disc material to retract and reduces compression on affected nerve roots. Most candidates notice changes in their symptoms over the course of a treatment series.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjustments restore normal joint mechanics around the affected disc level, reduce muscle guarding, and support normal spinal loading patterns. Technique is adapted to avoid provocative positions for each patient’s specific disc presentation.
Rehabilitation And Spinal Stabilization
Targeted exercises build the core and spinal stability that protect the disc during daily activity. Movement pattern correction is also addressed to reduce the mechanical loading patterns that contributed to the original injury.
Why Early Treatment Matters For Disc Injuries
Disc injuries that are left unaddressed tend to progress. Ongoing nerve compression produces increasing inflammation, and chronic irritation of the nerve root can lead to changes in nerve function that are more difficult to reverse. Early conservative care can reduce disc pressure and nerve irritation before these secondary changes become established, which typically produces faster and more complete recovery.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Sources And Clinical References
- Source: Mayo Clinic: Herniated Disk
- Source: Cleveland Clinic: Herniated Disk
- Source: NCBI Bookshelf: Sciatica
- Source: Cleveland Clinic: Spinal Decompression Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need surgery for a herniated disc?
Not necessarily. Many herniated discs respond well to conservative care, including chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression, without surgery. Surgery is typically considered when conservative care has not produced adequate improvement after a reasonable trial or when significant neurological deficits are present.
How does spinal decompression help a herniated disc?
Spinal decompression creates a controlled, intermittent traction that reduces the pressure inside the disc. This negative intradiscal pressure can draw displaced disc material back toward its central position and allow nerve root irritation to subside. It also promotes rehydration of the disc, which supports healing over the course of treatment.
Can a disc heal on its own?
Disc injuries can improve over time, particularly smaller herniations. However, the underlying spinal mechanics that contributed to the injury remain unless they are specifically addressed. Conservative care speeds up the recovery process and addresses the structural factors that put the disc at risk in the first place.
How long does disc injury treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the severity of the disc injury, whether nerve roots are involved, and how your body responds to care. We will outline a specific timeline during your report of findings before you commit to a plan.
Helpful Articles
The Source:A Vero Health Center Newsletter – Volume 107
The Source: A Vero Health Center Newsletter - Volume 107 A Vero Health Center Newsletter - Volume 107 Voting is open for CityView’s Best of Des Moines 2027, and we’d...
Read This ArticleBook Disc Injury Treatment in West Des Moines
A disc injury that is producing significant pain or radiating symptoms deserves a proper evaluation before it progresses. Vero Health Center provides non-surgical disc injury care built around what your evaluation reveals. Contact us to schedule your visit.