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Disc problems — including bulges, herniations, and degenerative disc disease — are among the most painful and debilitating spinal conditions. Pura Vida Chiropractic offers a non-surgical approach that decompresses the affected disc and supports the body's natural ability to heal.
Spinal discs are gel-filled shock absorbers that sit between each vertebra. When a disc bulges or herniates, the inner nucleus material pushes outward, irritating or compressing nearby nerves. This produces localized back pain as well as radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs depending on the location. Degenerative disc disease occurs as discs lose hydration and height over time, reducing spinal cushioning and increasing the risk of joint irritation. Most disc conditions respond very well to conservative chiropractic care, which can decompress the disc space and reduce nerve inflammation without drugs or surgery.
Dr. Foss uses SOT's pelvic blocking technique to gently decompress lumbar discs using the patient's own body weight and gravity — no forceful manipulation. For cervical discs, he applies specific low-force traction and mobilization to create space between vertebrae and reduce disc pressure. The craniosacral system is also evaluated, as dural tube tension can maintain disc compression even after alignment is restored. This comprehensive approach reduces nerve irritation, allows the disc to rehydrate, and supports long-term spinal health.
At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.
For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:
Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.
Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.
Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.
We are insurance friendly. Bring your insurance card and ID to the office to verify how your insurance can contribute to your care. New patient appointments are available promptly.
Comparing options? See how to choose a chiropractor near me in San Antonio or read our guide on how to choose the best chiropractor in San Antonio.
Spinal discs herniate when sustained axial loading, repetitive flexion, sudden lifting forces, or chronic pelvic asymmetry exceed the disc's capacity to maintain its hydraulic pressure. Sacral torsion and lumbar facet dysfunction load the discs unevenly, accelerating degeneration in patients who would otherwise tolerate the same activities without injury.
SOT chiropractic was specifically developed to manage Category III patients — those with confirmed or suspected disc involvement — without rotational force on the disc itself. Pelvic blocking unloads the lumbar discs, gentle non-rotational adjustments restore segmental motion, and SoftWave shockwave therapy reduces nerve and disc inflammation. Most disc patients avoid surgery with this protocol.
Acute disc herniations typically require 12–20 visits over 8–12 weeks for the bulge to resorb and the supporting structures to stabilize. SoftWave therapy added alongside SOT often shortens this timeline. Maintenance visits monthly help prevent re-injury during the higher-risk 12 months after the initial event.
Yes, with the right technique. SOT is widely chosen specifically for disc cases because it avoids rotational force on the lumbar spine. Dr. Foss reviews imaging when available and screens for red flags (cauda equina symptoms, progressive neurological loss) that would warrant surgical referral instead of conservative care.
Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.
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