Non-Surgical Spinal Disorder Treatment in Opelika That Works
Many people around East Alabama have been diagnosed with herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease and told surgery is their only option. Sometimes surgery is necessary. But often, conservative treatment can provide real relief and help you avoid the risks, recovery time, and costs associated with spinal surgery.
Since 1981, we’ve treated thousands of patients with spinal disorders. Whether you’re dealing with a recent disc injury from an accident on I-85, gradual degeneration from years of physical work, scoliosis that’s causing pain, or stenosis that’s limiting your mobility, proper conservative care can make a significant difference. We have four Cox decompression tables in our Gateway Drive office specifically for treating disc problems—that’s how central this work is to what we do.
Common Spinal Disorders We Treat
Herniated discs happen when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs depending on where the herniation occurs. Bulging discs are similar but less severe—the disc protrudes but hasn’t ruptured. Both conditions can cause significant pain and limit your daily activities.
Degenerative disc disease isn’t really a disease—it’s the natural wear and tear on spinal discs as you age. The discs lose height and flexibility, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This condition is extremely common around Opelika and Auburn, especially among people who’ve worked physical jobs at the automotive plants, construction sites, or farms throughout East Alabama.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This typically happens in the lower back or neck and can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Walking often makes symptoms worse, while sitting or leaning forward provides relief. Many patients describe their legs feeling heavy or weak after walking short distances.
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. While severe cases develop during childhood, adult scoliosis can worsen over time or cause pain even if the curve has been stable for years. The uneven spinal alignment creates muscle imbalances and can lead to disc problems or nerve compression.
Sciatica—pain that radiates down your leg along the sciatic nerve—usually results from a herniated disc, bone spur, or stenosis in your lower back. The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation. Some people experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg.
How We Diagnose Spinal Disorders
When you come in with symptoms that might indicate a spinal disorder, we start with a detailed discussion of your symptoms. When did the pain start? What makes it better or worse? Do you have numbness or tingling? Does the pain radiate into your arms or legs? These details help us identify which area of your spine might be affected and what type of problem we’re dealing with.
The physical examination includes orthopedic and neurological tests that identify nerve compression, muscle weakness, or restricted movement. We check your reflexes, test sensation in your arms and legs, and assess your range of motion. Often, specific movements or positions reproduce your symptoms, which helps us pinpoint the exact location of the problem.
Our on-site X-rays at our Gateway Drive office reveal structural issues like loss of disc height, bone spurs, vertebral misalignment, or scoliotic curves. We read these X-rays the same day, so you get answers immediately instead of waiting days or weeks while your condition worsens.
For disc problems, our doctors use their auxiliary staff privileges at East Alabama Health to order MRIs when needed. MRI imaging shows soft tissue in detail—herniated discs, bulging discs, nerve compression, and spinal cord involvement all appear clearly. Getting the right imaging helps us create an accurate treatment plan and track your progress as you heal.
If Dr. Ronald J. Herring or nurse practitioner Jeff Sanders suspects a medical condition contributing to your spinal disorder—like osteoporosis, arthritis, or infection—they can order additional tests and provide medical treatment alongside chiropractic care.
Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Treatment
Spinal decompression therapy is our primary treatment for disc-related disorders. We have four Cox tables in our office specifically designed for this technique. The table uses gentle, controlled movements to stretch your spine, creating negative pressure inside the discs. This negative pressure helps herniated or bulging disc material retract, takes pressure off compressed nerves, and allows nutrients to flow into the damaged discs to promote healing.
The treatment is gentle and pain-free. You lie on the table while it slowly flexes and extends your spine in a rhythmic motion. Most patients find it relaxing. Many notice improvement after just a few sessions, though complete healing typically takes several weeks of regular treatment.
Chiropractic adjustments work alongside decompression to restore proper spinal alignment and function. When vertebrae are misaligned, they can contribute to disc problems and nerve compression. Gentle, precise adjustments reduce pressure on discs and nerves, improve mobility, and support your body’s natural healing process.
For scoliosis, we focus on improving spinal flexibility and reducing the muscle imbalances that develop from the abnormal curve. While we can’t eliminate an established scoliotic curve in adults, we can often reduce pain and improve function significantly. Regular adjustments, stretching exercises, and postural training help many scoliosis patients manage their condition without surgery.
Spinal stenosis responds well to decompression combined with exercises that improve flexibility and core strength. Opening up the narrowed spaces in your spine relieves pressure on nerves and often allows patients to walk farther and move more comfortably.
We also use therapies that support spinal healing. Electrical muscle stimulation reduces muscle spasms that develop around injured spinal segments. Ultrasound therapy promotes tissue repair in damaged discs and ligaments. Cold laser therapy decreases inflammation around compressed nerves. Strengthening exercises build the core muscles that support and stabilize your spine.
Our medical team can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants when needed to manage pain during your recovery. For severe inflammation, epidural steroid injections provide targeted relief while conservative care addresses the underlying mechanical problems.
When Surgery Might Be Necessary
We’re honest about what conservative care can and can’t accomplish. Most spinal disorders respond well to our approach, but some cases need surgical intervention. Progressive neurological symptoms like worsening weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or severe nerve compression that isn’t improving with treatment may require surgery.
When surgery is necessary, our thorough conservative care often still helps. Going into surgery with better spinal function, stronger core muscles, and reduced inflammation typically leads to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery. We also provide post-surgical rehabilitation to help you heal completely and prevent future problems.
Having Dr. Ronald J. Herring, who completed his residency at Mayo Clinic, in our facility means we can coordinate with surgeons when needed and provide seamless care whether you’re avoiding surgery or recovering from it.
Why East Alabama Trusts Us for Spinal Disorders
Since 1981, treating spinal disorders has been a cornerstone of our work. The four Cox decompression tables in our office reflect our commitment to helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery through proven conservative care.
Both Dr. Ron and Dr. Rod Herring earned Young Chiropractor of the Year awards from the Alabama State Chiropractic Association—Dr. Ron in 1989 and Dr. Rod in 1996. Dr. Rod later received Chiropractor of the Year in 2019. Our doctors hold auxiliary staff privileges at East Alabama Health, which allows us to order advanced imaging and coordinate with medical specialists when your condition requires it.
We’ve treated everyone from Auburn University athletes with disc injuries to retirees managing degenerative disc disease, factory workers with herniated discs from lifting injuries, and people with scoliosis who thought surgery was inevitable. Unlike many practices, we don’t require contracts. You pay by the visit, and we accept most insurance including BCBS, Aetna, Humana, United Healthcare, and Medicare.
Our hundreds of five-star reviews reflect patients who avoided surgery and got their lives back.
Ready to Address Your Spinal Disorder Without Surgery?
Effective conservative treatment for spinal disorders is available right here in Opelika. We’re located at 2011 Gateway Drive, just minutes from Tiger Town, the Auburn Mall, and Saugahatchee Country Club.
Our office hours:
- Monday through Friday: 8am–12pm and 1:30pm–5:30pm
- Saturday: 8am–12pm
Call us at 334-745-5321 to schedule your first appointment. Our staff will verify your insurance coverage and answer any questions before you come in.
Serving patients throughout East Alabama, including Opelika, Auburn, Phenix City, Valley, Columbus (GA), and surrounding communities. Same-day X-rays available. Four Cox decompression tables on-site. No contracts required.