When most people hear the words herniated disc, they imagine a single, dramatic moment: lifting a heavy box, bending awkwardly, or twisting too far in the gym. But in reality, most disc injuries aren’t caused by one wrong move. They’re the result of thousands of small ones.

A herniated disc develops gradually, often due to years of wear and tear. It’s not about what you did yesterday; it’s about what your body has been doing every day. At Functional Restoration Institute in Newport Beach, CA, we specialize in helping people understand the root causes of disc problems and empower them to take control of their spinal health before and after pain sets in.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) separated by discs that act as cushions and shock absorbers. Each disc has a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) and a tougher outer shell (annulus fibrosus). A herniated disc happens when the inner gel pushes through a tear in the outer shell. This can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness—especially in the neck, lower back, arms, or legs.

Symptoms vary depending on the disc’s location and severity. Some people experience intense, radiating pain; others have mild discomfort or even no symptoms at all. The herniation itself isn’t always the problem; it’s what it represents: a breakdown in the structure and function of your spine.

It’s Not Just Aging—It’s Accumulation

One of the biggest myths about herniated discs is that they’re a normal part of aging. While age does play a role, it’s not the only factor. The real culprits are the movements and habits we repeat every single day without realizing their impact.

Repetitive bending, prolonged sitting, and twisting under load are among the most damaging patterns. These stressors are amplified when we move without proper core stability, flexibility, or alignment. Over time, this creates microtrauma, tiny injuries, that weaken the discs until one day, the structure gives way.

Think of your spine like a credit card: bend it once and nothing happens. But bend it back and forth every day, and eventually, it cracks. Disc injuries are less about one bad lift and more about years of poor mechanics and neglect.

Chemical Stress Matters Too

While mechanical stress plays a significant role in disc herniation, chemical factors are just as important. Several internal conditions can weaken spinal discs, including:

• Aging – As we get older, discs lose water content and elasticity, making them more prone to tearing and herniation.
• Smoking – Tobacco use reduces blood flow and oxygen to the spine, accelerating degeneration.
• Obesity – Excess weight increases pressure on the discs, especially in the lower back.
• Genetics – Some people are genetically predisposed to weaker discs or early spinal degeneration.

All of these factors combine over time, creating a perfect storm for disc damage. That’s why it’s critical to look beyond symptoms and examine the whole-body picture which is something we do every day at Functional Restoration Institute.

Prevention Starts with Movement Awareness

The good news? Herniated discs are not inevitable. You have more control than you think, and it starts with how you move. Becoming aware of your posture, your habits, and your core stability is the first step toward protecting your spine.

At Functional Restoration Institute, we teach our patients how to move smarter. Whether you’re sitting at a desk, lifting weights, or chasing your kids around, your spine needs support. Learning proper lifting techniques, avoiding sustained poor posture, and strengthening your core can dramatically reduce the risk of injury.

We also encourage our patients to build movement variability into their day. Sitting for hours in the same position or doing the same repetitive motions at work can fatigue the spine. Microbreaks, posture resets, and stretching routines can keep your discs healthy and hydrated.

How We Treat Herniated Discs at Functional Restoration Institute

Every herniated disc is different, which is why our approach is never one-size-fits-all. At Functional Restoration Institute, Dr. Kohen and our experienced team focus on identifying the root cause of your issue and creating a personalized treatment plan to help your body heal naturally.

Our treatment options include:

Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle, targeted spinal adjustments can relieve pressure on nerves, improve spinal alignment, and restore range of motion. We use advanced techniques tailored to your body and comfort level.

1. Functional Rehabilitation: We provide neuromuscular retraining and corrective exercises to restore stability and reduce recurrence. Our rehab programs focus on building a resilient spine from the ground up.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy: Manual therapy techniques like myofascial release and trigger point therapy help reduce tension, break up scar tissue, and improve blood flow to injured areas.
3. Lifestyle and Movement Coaching: We’ll assess your daily routines, workstation setup, sleep posture, and activity habits to help you make simple, powerful changes that support long-term spinal health.
4. Functional Medicine Integration: If needed, we also explore contributing factors like inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances that may impair your body’s ability to heal.

We don’t just treat symptoms—we treat people. Our goal is to help you feel better, move better, and understand your body better, so you can stay out of pain for the long haul.

Don’t Wait for the “Big Injury”

One of the most important takeaways is this: don’t wait until you’re in agony to take care of your spine. Herniated discs often give warning signs (tightness, stiffness, mild aches) that we brush off until the problem becomes severe.

If you’re experiencing lower back pain, neck pain, numbness, tingling, or reduced mobility, it’s time to take it seriously. Even if you feel fine now, you may be repeating harmful movement patterns that could lead to disc issues in the future.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Dr. Kohen

Whether you’re currently dealing with a herniated disc or simply want to protect your spine from future injury, Functional Restoration Institute is here to help. We offer compassionate, evidence-based care that goes beyond temporary fixes.

Take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free life by scheduling your free consultation with Dr. Kohen today. During your visit, we’ll take the time to understand your unique needs, assess your movement and spinal health, and develop a plan to get you back to doing what you love with confidence.