Disc Herniation Relief in Andersonville | Class IV Laser Therapy & Spinal Decompression

Published by Dr. Todd Renn, D.C. | June 30, 2025

Relief That Fits Real Chicago Life

Living with a herniated disc can be life-altering. The ache, sharp nerve pain, and limited movement can make simple tasks such as sitting at your desk, walking the dog down Clark Street, or sleeping feel impossible.

For years, the typical options were injections or surgery. Today, evidence-informed, non-surgical healthcare gives many patients a different path. At Ravenswood Chiropractic (RennWellness) in Andersonville, we use Class IV Laser Therapy, sometimes paired with non-surgical spinal decompression to help your body heal naturally while you stay active.

“Our goal isn’t just to numb pain. With Class IV Laser Therapy and targeted decompression, we support your body’s own repair systems so you can return to the activities you love.” – Dr. Todd Renn, D.C.

What Exactly Is a Disc Herniation and Why Does It Heal Slowly?

 

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core (nucleus pulposus) of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened outer layer (annulus fibrosus). If that material irritates or compresses nearby nerves, you can feel pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, or limbs.

Discs are slow healers. They have limited direct blood supply and live under constant mechanical pressure, so the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, the fuel for repair can lag behind demand.

 

 

 

“Because discs lack a direct blood supply, recovery depends on movement, hydration, and cellular energy precisely the areas we target with Class IV Laser Therapy and decompression.” – Dr. Todd Renn, D.C.

Class IV Laser Therapy 101: Photobiomodulation for Deep Tissues

Class IV Laser Therapy uses therapeutic wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular processes a phenomenon known as photobiomodulation.

How Laser Therapy supports healing at the cellular level:

• Light is absorbed by mitochondria (“power plants” inside cells).

• ATP production increases, delivering more energy for tissue repair.

• Inflammation modulates, microcirculation improves, and oxygen delivery rises.

• Collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling are supported over time.

Why Class IV laser vs. “cold” lasers?

• Class IV lasers can deliver energy to deeper spinal tissues, which is essential when our target includes the disc region and surrounding structures.

• The goal is not just short-term pain relief it’s to support structural healing, comfort, and function.

A Powerful Combination: Class IV Laser & Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

For many of our patients, pairing Class IV Laser Therapy with non-surgical spinal decompression yields the best results for them.

Why the combo works well:

• Decompression gently reduces intradiscal pressure to improve hydration and nutrient exchange.

• Laser then supports cellular energy and repair signaling in the tissues we want to heal.

• Together they can help lower inflammatory irritants, support collagen repair in the annulus, and encourage more normal disc height and mechanics over time.

“Think of decompression as creating room and circulation for healing—and laser as the energy boost that helps tissues rebuild.” – Dr. Todd Renn, D.C.

 

Related care: Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression | Class IV Laser Therapy | Disc Injury Care

What Results Do Patients Commonly Report?

Every case is unique, but at our Andersonville clinic, we frequently see:

 

 

 

 

 

• Noticeable pain reduction and improved range of motion

• Reduced muscle tension and nerve irritation

• Better tolerance for sitting, standing, and walking

• Gradual return to work, exercise, and sleep routines

Typical plan: 12–24 laser sessions, often alongside a personalized spinal decompression schedule and home care plan.

Who’s a Good Candidate?

Patients who often benefit include those with:

• Herniated or bulging discs (neck or low back)

• Sciatica or nerve compression patterns

• Degenerative disc changes with stiffness or recurring pain

• Failed previous care where pain relief never fully “sticks”

Contraindications & Safety: We screen for conditions that are contraindicated during your examination and our team guides treatment to your comfort and safety profile.

What to Expect During Treatment

• You’ll feel a gentle, soothing warmth as light penetrates the area.

• Most patients report no downtime and return to regular activity right away.

• Improvements are typically progressive: the benefits compound as the tissues respond and remodel.

Your plan may also include: targeted physical therapy, core stabilization, ergonomic coaching, and hydration/nutrition strategies to support disc metabolism.

Evidence Snapshot- A New Era in Disc Recovery

Peer‑reviewed research on photobiomodulation (therapeutic laser) shows that targeted laser energy can support the exact kinds of cellular changes we want when someone is dealing with disc-related irritation: better mitochondrial function, increased ATP (“cell energy”) production, and a healthier inflammatory response, all of which can line up with goals like tissue recovery and symptom relief.

Researchers have reported measurable changes after laser exposure, including increases in mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, which are often viewed as markers of improved cellular activity. Other reviews also describe downstream signaling effects that may relate to collagen remodeling/repair and anti‑inflammatory benefits.

That’s why many clinical care plans don’t rely on one tool alone. It’s common to pair laser therapy with movement-based rehab and “unloading” strategies like non‑surgical spinal decompression, to address both sides of the problem: the biology (calming irritation and supporting cellular repair processes) and the mechanics (reducing stress on sensitive spinal structures and improving how the spine moves).

At Ravenswood Chiropractic (RennWellness) in Andersonville, we use Class IV Laser Therapy to help “wake up” and support the body’s healing response, while non‑surgical spinal decompression and individualized rehabilitation help manage load, posture, and movement. Together, it’s a smart, complementary approach—supporting recovery from multiple angles.

Note: Research continues to evolve; results vary by diagnosis, severity, and adherence to the plan.

A Local Team Rooted in Andersonville

 

 

For over 20 years, Ravenswood Chiropractic has helped neighbors across Andersonville, Edgewater, and Ravenswood get back to work, family, and the lakefront without unnecessary downtime. We’re located on Ravenswood Avenue, offering convenient access from Clark, Ashland, and Foster.

 

 

 

“We love helping people regain movement they thought they’d lost. It’s why we’re here.” – Dr. Todd Renn, DC.

Ready to Move Again?

If back or neck pain from a disc herniation is holding you back, there may be a conservative path forward. We’ll evaluate your condition, explain your options in plain English, and create a plan that supports healing, not just masking symptoms.

Schedule a consultation: Call or Text (773) 878-7330 to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Class IV Laser Therapy safe?

Yes, when dosed adequately by trained clinicians. We screen for contraindications and tailor energy delivery to your case.  We are a trained AIMLA (American Institute of Medical Laser Applications) partner.

How many sessions will I need?

Most of our disc patients experience meaningful change within 2–4 weeks, with 12–24 sessions being common for a comprehensive plan. Complex cases may need longer.

Will I feel immediate relief?

Many of our patients notice gradual improvement as inflammation calms and tissues remodel. We track outcomes visit-by-visit.

Do you take insurance?

Insurance coverage varies. Our patient services team will clarify benefits and out-of-pocket options before you begin.

Do I need imaging first?

Not always. We’ll review your history and exam findings and coordinate imaging when it’s likely to change your plan.

Resources

Tache-Codreanu D-L, Trăistaru MR. The Effectiveness of High Intensity Laser in Improving Motor Deficits in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation. Life. 2024; 14(10):1302. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101302

Yoon J, Jeon J-Y, Kim J. High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) improves pain (VAS) and disability (ODI) in chronic low back pain. J Phys Ther Sci. 2017. PMCID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5468204/

Ezzati A, et al. Two laser modalities for chronic low back pain: double-blinded RCT. Lasers Med Sci. 2016;31(9):1825-1832. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27472858/

Chen L, Liu D, Zou L, Huang J, Chen J, Zou Y, Lai J, Chen J, Li H, Liu G. Efficacy of high intensity laser therapy in treatment of patients with lumbar disc protrusion: A randomized controlled trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018 Feb 6;31(1):191-196. doi: 10.3233/BMR-170793. PMID: 28854500. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28854500/

Wang L, Guo Q, Lu X, Ni B. Surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of chronic low back pain: A meta-analysis based on current evidence. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2016 Aug 10;29(3):393-401. doi: 10.3233/BMR-150632. PMID: 26406211. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26406211/

Wang X, Tian F, Soni SS, Gonzalez‑Lima F, Liu H. Interplay between up‑regulation of cytochrome‑c‑oxidase and hemoglobin oxygenation induced by near‑infrared laser. Sci Rep. 2016;6:30540. doi:10.1038/srep30540