Non-Surgical Relief for Bulging Discs, Neck & Back Disc Herniations
If you've been told you have a herniated disc—or you're dealing with pain that radiates from your back down your leg, or from your neck into your arm—you know how much it can take over your life. The constant aching. The sharp flare-ups that stop you cold. The fear that everyday movements might make it worse. Maybe you've started avoiding things you love because you're not sure what's safe to do.
At Bay View Chiropractic in Milwaukee, herniated disc treatment is one of the things we do best. With dual Triton DTS decompression tables—the most advanced non-surgical disc treatment available—we've helped hundreds of disc patients over 15 years avoid surgery and achieve lasting relief.
86% success rate for disc-related conditions — most patients feel improvement within 2-3 weeks
Here's what most disc patients don't know: the large majority of herniated discs can be resolved without surgery. The key is the right treatment—one that addresses the disc itself, not just the pain it's causing. That's exactly what spinal decompression does, and it's why our outcomes for disc patients are so strong.
These terms get used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing—and the distinction matters for treatment.
The outer disc wall weakens and the disc expands beyond its normal boundary—like a tire that's gone slightly flat. The disc wall is still intact, but the disc is pressing into territory it shouldn't be. Often causes local pain and stiffness, and can press on nearby nerves.
The inner gel-like core of the disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the outer disc wall. This is more serious—the extruded material can directly contact and inflame nearby nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates into the arm or leg.
Both conditions respond well to spinal decompression therapy. The good news: even true herniations—where the disc material has broken through—can often retract with sustained decompression treatment.
The location of your herniated disc determines where you feel symptoms. We treat both cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) disc herniations with our dual Triton DTS decompression tables.
Our dual table system is one of the key reasons patients choose us: both Triton DTS tables can treat either the lumbar or cervical spine. If you have issues at both levels—which is not uncommon—we can address them in the same appointment.
Discs don't typically herniate from one dramatic event—they usually fail after years of accumulated stress. Common contributing factors include:
Understanding what caused your herniation matters— because it affects how we treat it and what we recommend to prevent it from happening again. Your assessment will help us identify not just what's wrong, but why it happened.
Most herniated disc treatments—medications, injections, even surgery—are aimed at managing pain, not resolving the disc problem. Our approach is different. We use a combination of spinal decompression and chiropractic adjustments to address the structural problem directly.
Spinal decompression is the cornerstone of our disc treatment. Using the Triton DTS table, we apply computer-controlled traction that creates a specific, rhythmic negative pressure inside the affected disc.
What's actually happening inside the disc:
This is why decompression has an 86% success rate for disc conditions—it's not masking the pain, it's giving the disc what it needs to actually heal.
Decompression handles the disc—adjustments handle the biomechanics. Spinal misalignment and restricted joint motion are often contributing factors to disc herniations in the first place, and they need to be corrected for lasting results.
What adjustments add to the treatment:
We believe in being upfront about what recovery actually looks like—because too many patients stop treatment too soon and wonder why they keep having flare-ups.
This is standard for herniated disc treatment.
Disc healing requires consistent, sustained pressure relief. Treating less frequently—1-2 times per week—doesn't give the disc enough sustained decompression to actually draw material back in and begin rehydrating. The disc needs regular input to respond. Three times a week is the minimum for meaningful results.
Mild-Moderate Herniation (4-6 weeks):
Moderate-Severe Herniation (6-8 weeks):
Weeks 1-2: Initial improvement. Pain and inflammation begin decreasing. Many patients notice less morning stiffness and improved sleep.
Weeks 2-4: Significant improvement. You're feeling 50-70% better. This is the critical point—don't stop here.
Weeks 4-8: Full resolution. The remaining symptoms clear as the disc continues to heal and biomechanics are corrected. You're back to full function.
After completing acute care, many patients transition to periodic maintenance care to keep their spine healthy and prevent future disc problems.
Walking into a new provider can feel like a leap of faith. Here's exactly what to expect—no surprises.
Duration: About 30-45 minutes
Step 1: Detailed Consultation
We'll go through your history. When did the disc problem start? What makes it better or worse? Where exactly is the pain? Does it radiate? This conversation helps determine whether your symptoms are likely disc-related and where the problem is.
Step 2: Physical & Neurological Examination
Orthopedic and neurological tests to assess nerve function, reflexes, muscle strength, range of motion, and pinpoint exactly which disc level is involved. For cervical cases, we test grip strength and sensation in the hands. For lumbar cases, we assess leg reflexes and straight leg raise.
Step 3: X-rays (if warranted)
X-rays give us a clear look at disc space height, spinal alignment, and overall structure. They help us rule out serious conditions and determine whether decompression is the appropriate treatment—and at which level to apply it.
Outcome: We'll schedule Day 2 the following day so we can go through your findings and start treatment right away.
Duration: About 20-30 minutes
Step 1: Review Your Findings
Dr. Fritz will walk through your x-rays and exam findings in plain English. You'll understand exactly what's happening with your disc, why you're having the symptoms you're having, and what the prognosis looks like.
Step 2: Treatment Recommendations
We'll outline the recommended approach—decompression 3x/week combined with adjustments—and set a realistic timeline. We'll also be honest about the importance of completing the full program, even when you're feeling 70% better.
Step 3: Financials & Insurance
We'll go over what your insurance covers and what the out-of-pocket cost looks like before you commit to anything. No surprises. Chiropractic care is covered by most insurance plans, and we're in-network with most major providers.
Step 4: First Treatment
If the assessment indicates you're a good candidate (no red flags or contraindications), we'll typically start your first decompression session on Day 2. You'll leave with a clear plan and a head start on recovery.
Around week 3 or 4 of treatment, something predictable happens. You're feeling significantly better—maybe 60-70% improved. The severe pain has dialed down. You're sleeping better. Daily life is manageable again.
And then the thought creeps in: "Maybe I'm done. It's mostly better. Maybe the rest will resolve on its own."
At 50-70% improvement, you've made real progress. But here's what's still happening inside your disc:
Stopping at 70% better leaves you vulnerable. The disc is still compromised. It will re-herniate more easily, with less force, than it took the first time.
Patients who complete the full treatment program achieve complete resolution. They return to everything they were doing before—without fear, without managing symptoms, without the next flare-up looming over them.
Patients who stop at 50-70%? The residual discomfort becomes a permanent companion. Small things trigger flare-ups. They're constantly managing the problem instead of resolving it.
A broken bone stops hurting before it's fully healed. If you take the cast off early because it feels fine, the bone breaks again with far less force. Your disc works the same way—pain reduction is not the same as healing completion.
That remaining 30% isn't stubborn. It's just not done yet. A few more weeks of committed care is the difference between managing a chronic disc problem and actually being done with it.
We have two Triton DTS decompression tables—one of the most advanced systems available. Both tables can treat the lumbar or cervical spine, which means we can address neck and lower back disc problems, sometimes in the same appointment.
Clinical studies on spinal decompression therapy show an 86% success rate for herniated and bulging disc conditions. That's why we make decompression the centerpiece of our disc treatment—it works, and the research backs it up.
Dr. Fritz has been treating herniated disc patients in Milwaukee's Bay View community since 2010. He's seen just about every type of disc problem imaginable—and helped hundreds of patients avoid surgery and achieve lasting results.
Your treatment is based on thorough assessment: which disc is involved, how severely, what's causing it, and what your spine looks like structurally. Not a standard protocol we use for everyone—a plan built around your specific situation.
We'll tell you upfront what to expect, including the importance of completing the full treatment plan. If decompression isn't appropriate for your case—there are some contraindications—we'll tell you that too, and refer you to the right provider.
Chiropractic care and spinal decompression are covered by most insurance plans, and we're in-network with most major providers. We'll verify your benefits and go over costs before you commit to anything.
Decompression has a high success rate, but it's not appropriate for everyone. You're likely a good candidate if you:
Decompression may not be appropriate if you have osteoporosis, spinal fractures, spinal fusion hardware, active cancer in the spine, or are pregnant. Dr. Fritz will review your history and imaging during your assessment to confirm you're a candidate before we start.
More than 90% of our disc patients achieve significant, lasting relief without surgery. Don't take our word for it—read what real patients are saying:
5.0 Star Rating on Google
Most patients feel improvement within 2-3 weeks. Let's find out exactly what's happening with your disc and build a plan to fix it—not just manage it.
Book Your Assessment Now →Or call/text: (414) 295-6045
Conveniently located in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood
In-network with most insurance providers
We're happy to talk through your situation before you commit to an appointment. Call or text us at (414) 295-6045 with any questions.
Common questions we can answer: