Evidence-based disc bulge care at Auckland Wellness Centre, chiropractic, sports acupuncture, and rehabilitation for lumbar disc bulge, herniation, protrusion, and disc-related nerve compression.
Last clinically reviewed: May 2026 by Dr. Jun Chung, Doctor of Chiropractic, NZ College of Chiropractic Graduate, ACC-registered. Reviewed for clinical accuracy against current peer-reviewed evidence (Leemann et al., 2014, J Manipulative Physiol Ther).
Quick Answer
At Auckland Wellness Centre on the North Shore, we treat disc bulge through spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustment, sports acupuncture, and targeted rehabilitation. Our approach addresses the biomechanical root cause (disc pressure, core stability, postural patterns) rather than just the symptom. ACC patients pay a co-payment per session and no GP referral is required.
Measured Care
A disc bulge on a scan and a disc bulge that is generating symptoms are not the same finding. The assessment exists to connect the two, and to set the session count before you commit to one.
We review any existing MRI or CT report with you, record lumbar lordosis and pelvic position from a PostureScreen standing capture, and refer for X-ray where imaging is clinically indicated and none is on file. A neurological screen and straight leg raise in degrees establish what the disc is doing now, rather than what a scan showed at some earlier point.
The level, the direction of the bulge and the neurological findings set the Win Trac decompression protocol: how many sessions in the first block, the traction load, and the angle the table is set to. Adjusting is directed at the segments above and below that are compensating, and rehabilitation loading follows once symptoms centralise.
Decompression is reviewed in blocks rather than by calendar weeks. The neurological screen, straight leg raise and posture capture are repeated at the end of each block of sessions, and the next block is only booked if the numbers justify it.
Spinal measurement and X-ray analysis at Auckland Wellness Centre follow the Chiropractic BioPhysics protocol. Dr. Michael Blandy is one of about six CBP-trained chiropractors in New Zealand and reads the CBP line drawings on your images. Research into how closely structural change tracks with symptom change is still developing, so we report what we measure, what we do, and what your own follow-up numbers show. More on the method is on our posture correction page, and how a course of care is structured is on our care plans page. Every measurement named here is set out in full on our spinal and posture assessment page. The decompression protocol is set out on our spinal decompression page.
Understanding Disc Bulge
Most disc bulges resolve without surgery when conservative care is applied early. The underlying cause is usually accumulated disc stress from lifting, sustained sitting, or repetitive flexion. Identifying the pattern is what separates lasting recovery from temporary relief.
Lower back pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or sneezing. Often from a lumbar disc bulge that increases pressure on the disc when flexed. Common in office workers and tradies.
A disc pressing on the nerve root causing pain, tingling, or numbness down the leg. Many cases respond to conservative care without surgery (Leemann et al., 2014).
Sudden sharp lower back pain after lifting, bending, or twisting. Acute disc injuries respond best to early conservative care.
Persistent low-grade back pain with stiffness, often worse in the morning. Conservative care addresses both the symptom and the postural patterns driving disc stress.
Treatment Options
Each approach targets a different mechanism. Our first-visit assessment determines which combination is best for your specific disc pattern.
| Approach | Best for | ACC Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Spinal decompression | Disc bulge with nerve compression, sciatica | Yes (if injury-related) |
| Chiropractic adjustment | Adjacent segment dysfunction, postural correction | Yes (if injury-related) |
| Sports acupuncture | Chronic nerve pain, muscle compensation | Yes (if injury-related) |
| Rehabilitation exercise | Core stability, recurrence prevention | As part of ACC plan |
Our Difference
Most clinics treat disc bulges with rest and medication. We combine modalities under one roof, chiropractic, sports acupuncture, spinal decompression, and rehabilitation, to reduce disc pressure and address the root cause.
Chiropractic, sports acupuncture, spinal decompression, and rehabilitation under one roof, allowing your care team to combine treatments instead of working in silos.
No GP referral required for disc injuries. Lifting injuries, sports strains, and accident-related disc bulges fully assessed for ACC eligibility at your first visit.
Korean and Chinese-speaking practitioners available for disc bulge consultations, serving North Shore's diverse community.
Same-week appointments available. Free parking on-site. Wheelchair accessible. Two minutes off Albany Expressway.
From Our Clinical Team
In our clinical experience treating disc bulge in North Shore Auckland, we've seen a clear pattern: conservative care produces meaningful improvements when applied early. The 2014 systematic review in J Manipulative Physiol Ther (Leemann et al.) showed most disc bulges improve with conservative care alone, avoiding the risks of surgery, and the ACC Clinical Pathway explicitly recommends conservative management before more invasive options.
At AWC, every disc bulge case follows our three-step integrated approach: (1) Biomechanical assessment to identify the root cause, we examine disc level, nerve root involvement, core stability, and postural patterns. (2) Targeted intervention combining chiropractic adjustment, sports acupuncture, and rehabilitation under one roof. (3) Functional rehabilitation with home exercises to prevent recurrence. This integrated model is what separates lasting recovery from temporary relief.
- The clinical team at Auckland Wellness Centre
Your Disc Care Team
Chiropractors and acupuncturists working together at one clinic, registered with their respective NZ professional bodies.
Principal Chiropractor
NZ College of Chiropractic Graduate, Registered with the Chiropractic Board of New Zealand. Founded AWC in 2013. Specialises in lumbar disc assessment, conservative disc care, and post-lifting injury recovery.
Chiropractor
NZ College of Chiropractic Graduate, Registered with the Chiropractic Board of New Zealand. Korean-speaking. Focuses on conservative disc care, disc-related sciatica, and postural patterns driving disc stress.
Acupuncturist (PhD)
Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand, Specialist Scope (Registration #1926). NZ's only PhD-qualified acupuncturist with CMCNZ Specialist scope. Treats chronic disc pain and chronic nerve root irritation with focus on chronic pain pathways.
Acupuncturist
ACC Registered Treatment Provider. Specialises in sports-related and work-related disc injuries, including acute lumbar disc strain.
ACC Coverage
If your disc bulge resulted from a lifting injury, fall, sport, or workplace incident, ACC covers most of the treatment cost. No GP referral required. We handle the ACC paperwork at your first visit.
Learn About ACC Coverage →Disc Treatment Across North Shore
Located just 2 minutes off the Albany Expressway with free on-site parking, we frequently welcome patients driving from across North Shore Auckland for disc bulge treatment. Wheelchair accessible, EFTPOS & bank transfer accepted.
Common Questions
Related Treatments
Disc Bulge is often connected to other musculoskeletal issues. If you also experience these symptoms, the underlying cause may be shared.
Our general guide to disc bulges, herniation and degeneration, and how we treat each across North Shore.
Disc bulges are a major cause of back pain. Treating both addresses the shared root cause.
Disc bulges are the most common cause of sciatica. Conservative care addresses both.
Non-surgical decompression directly reduces disc pressure.
A comparison of conservative decompression and surgical options.
Visit Us
The same treatments run at both North Shore clinics. Free parking on-site. Wheelchair accessible at Rosedale. EFTPOS, debit, and bank transfer accepted.
E2/27 William Pickering Drive
Rosedale, Auckland 0632
Phone: 09 600 1939
Opening hours
| Monday | 9:00am – 7:00pm |
| Tuesday | 7:00am – 9:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am – 7:00pm |
| Thursday | 7:00am – 7:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am – 7:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Sunday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
177B Shakespeare Road
Milford, Auckland 0620
Phone: 09 281 3687
Open seven days. Hours match Rosedale.
Get directionsTwo clinics on the North Shore
Auckland Wellness Centre Rosedale
E2/27 William Pickering Drive
Rosedale, Auckland 0632
Auckland Wellness Centre Milford
177B Shakespeare Road
Milford, Auckland 0620
Book a Practitioner Directly
Founder · Chiropractor · TPI/ART
Book with Dr. Jun →Senior Chiropractor · CBP-trained · 20 yrs
Book with Dr. Michael Blandy →Chiropractor · NZCC · Korean-speaking
Book with Dr. Brian Bae →ACC-accredited · No GP referral required · Same-week appointments usually available