Spine, Back & Neck
Discogenic Pain
Spinal pain in which the disc itself appears to be a primary source.
Also called: Discogenic back pain, Discogenic neck pain, Disc-related pain.
Discogenic pain typically presents as a deep, central ache that is aggravated by sustained positions — bending and sitting in the low back, sustained flexion in the neck — and often eases with changes of position.
It can vary a great deal in intensity from day to day, and people often notice it is worse after long stretches in one posture rather than after a specific movement.
Why this matters
Because it is position-sensitive, it tends to shape how people work, drive and sleep more than it shapes what they can lift.
Understanding which positions provoke it helps guide practical changes to daily routines, alongside whatever is recommended in care.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Discs are richly innervated at their outer layers. Protective muscle patterns around a sensitive segment are part of what the examination looks at.
Assessing how the surrounding muscles are guarding, and how movement changes with position, helps distinguish discogenic patterns from other sources of spinal pain.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Low Back Pain & Sciatica — Low back pain is common, but the place that hurts is not always where the problem is being driven from.
- Back Pain — One of the most common reasons people look for a chiropractor — and rarely as simple as one sore muscle.
- Cervical Disc Herniation — Disc change in the neck, sometimes with arm symptoms.
- Cervical Spondylosis — Age-related change in the neck joints and discs, often seen on imaging.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.