Disc Bulge Treatment in Longmont, CO
We assess what’s driving your disc bulge symptoms and create a clear plan to help you feel better and move forward.
What Is a Disc Bulge?
A disc bulge happens when a spinal disc pushes outward beyond its usual boundary. A herniated disc is more “focal,” where the inner material pushes further through the outer layer, and it’s more likely to irritate a nerve.
Here’s the tricky part: disc bulges can exist without symptoms, and many people only learn about them after imaging for something else.
Common disc bulge symptoms (when it is symptomatic):
- Back or neck pain that feels sharp, deep, or stubborn
- Pain that travels into an arm or leg
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness (signs a nerve may be irritated)
When to seek urgent medical care: new loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle numbness, progressive weakness, fever, major trauma, or unexplained weight loss should be evaluated urgently.
Relief You Can Trust. A Plan You Can Follow.
Disc bulge pain is not just uncomfortable, it’s unsettling. You can’t always predict it. You start moving cautiously, sitting weird, sleeping guarded, and quietly wondering, “Am I making this worse?”.
If you’re in Longmont, or coming from Firestone, Frederick, Niwot, Gunbarrel, Hygiene, Lyons, Mead, or Boulder, we treat disc bulge cases with a calm, practical approach. We listen carefully, assess thoroughly, and explain what’s happening so you’re not stuck in guesswork. And because we have a broad network of practitioners we work with, if your case needs imaging, a referral, or a different specialist lane, we help connect the dots.
Our standard is simple: you should feel genuinely cared for, supported, and confident in the plan.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Clear steps. No mystery. No chaos.
From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel welcomed, supported, and confident in your care and understanding of the process.
Arrive and Get Settled
You’ll walk into a bright, energetic space, get greeted by our front desk team, and we’ll offer sparkling water and a quality snack while you get comfortable.
Prepare for Your Assessment
At your appointment time, your doctor will meet you in the lobby, introduce themselves and walk you back to an adjusting room. We start by explaining exactly what to expect during your appointment. The first 10 minutes of the conversation are simply to confirm you qualify for our care and that we’re the right clinic for what you need. If we’re not, we’ll give you the contact information for exactly who you need to see.
Assessment and Exam
You’ll share what’s bringing you in, and we’ll ask thorough questions to get closer to a clear direction. If we’re confident we can help, we’ll move into an exam right there in the same room, and you stay fully dressed.
Next Steps, Clearly Explained
Based on what we find, we may provide an adjustment that day if it’s safe and appropriate, or refer you out for X-rays if needed. Either way, you’ll leave understanding what’s going on and what we recommend.
Schedule and Support
Your doctor will walk you back to the front, say goodbye, and our team will help schedule your next visit so you know exactly what happens next.
What Outcomes Can Look Like:
- Less pain and less nerve irritation
- Better movement and confidence with daily activity
- Reduced flare-ups and better tolerance for sitting, lifting, training, and sleep
- A simple plan between visits to help your body hold onto progress
How We Treat Disc Bulge Symptoms
Disc bulge symptoms need more than generic advice. They need a careful exam, clear explanations, and a plan that matches your nervous system and your lifestyle. Dr. Drew Illman and Dr. Christine Illman are known for being thorough and direct: we help you understand what’s driving your symptoms, choose conservative care when it makes sense, and refer out when it does not.
Meet The Team
Dr. Christine Illman, DC | Chiropractor & Co-Owner
Dr. Christine is known for her focused, supportive care for pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatric chiropractic, with advanced training that helps moms and kids feel more comfortable and more confident in their bodies. She is Webster Technique certified and has completed additional pediatric and prenatal training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Christine also specializes in working with neck pain, headaches, and migraines, and brings a calm, capable energy to every visit
Dr. Drew Illman, DC | Chiropractor & Co-Owner
Dr. Drew blends traditional chiropractic with a whole-body approach that supports both performance and long-term health. He works closely with athletes of all levels, including professional cyclists and world champions, and he is widely known for his expertise in Endonasal Balloon Therapy, supported by ongoing learning and collaboration with global practitioners. He also integrates functional medicine thinking when appropriate, aiming to understand root causes and support stronger systems, not just short-term symptom relief.
Dr. Pat Larabee, DC | Chiropractor
Dr. Patrick Larabee brings over 30 years of experience in chiropractic care and more than two decades as a Professor of Anatomy & Physiology. His career has been deeply rooted in health, fitness, and human performance—first as an athlete and coach, and later as a trusted mentor to patient athletes of all ages and levels. Dr. Larabee has played a key role in helping patients and athletes build strong foundations for pain free movement and life. His approach blends deep anatomical & physiological knowledge with real-world chiropractic & athletic experience. A USA Cycling Level 1 Coach and two-time Masters National Track Cycling Champion, Dr. Larabee has competed across a wide range of sports including volleyball, track and field, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and cycling. He continues to compete at the national and world level in track cycling, bringing current, high-performance insight to every patient & athlete he works with.
Ann | Patient Care Coordinator
Ann keeps the clinic running smoothly and helps make sure patients feel taken care of from start to finish. You’ll see her supporting the flow of care and helping ensure visits feel organized, welcoming, and efficient.
Amy | Practice Success Manager
Amy is often the first friendly face you'll meet. She greets patients and helps them feel comfortable as soon as you step through our door. Amy supports scheduling, answering phones and taking care of patients (with a side of humor)!
Doza | Director of Pawsitive Vibes
Meet our mini Goldendoodle, Doza. Hypoallergenic and endlessly friendly, Doza helps patients feel at ease with her calm presence, happy greetings, and impeccable listening skills.
Common Questions We Hear Every Week
Transparency builds trust — we’re here to help you understand your care before, during, and after treatment.