Chiropractic Works for Disc Herniation

Dr. Baker sees many patients weekly in our busy Parma chiropractic office who are searching for relief from the pain and suffering they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the medical research verifies that chiropractic care is a great way to treat herniated disc pain.

One particular research study involved 27 people, 8 male and 19 female, who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirming a disc herniation in either their neck or lower back. The patients reported that they were experiencing pain, limited range of motion, and sensory problems bad enough to keep them off work.

During the course of the research study, the subjects were treated using one of two common chiropractic methods: traction for herniated discs in the cervical area or flexion distraction for the men and women who had herniation issues in the lumbar area.

Each man or woman was treated four or five times per week for the first two weeks, then three times weekly, and then as needed for the remainder of the study. Depending on the extent of the disc herniation, treatment varied anywhere from six weeks to six months, with MRIs being conducted at a variety of stages to identify what effect, if any, the chiropractic care was having in regard to the disc herniation.

The researchers reported that 80 percent of the participants experienced a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced pain and a reduction in other symptoms, such as numbness. Additionally, 77 percent of these men and women also showed MRI evidence that their disc herniation was either reduced or resolved completely. This resulted in 78 percent of the study subjects being able to return to their place of employment and led the researchers to conclude that chiropractic care is both "safe and helpful" for disc herniations.

If you have a herniated disc and you're near Dr. Baker in Parma, contact our office today to see what chiropractic can do for you!

Reference
BenEliyahu, DJ. Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical follow-up: study of 27 patients receiving chiropractic care for cervical and lumbar disc herniations. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1996;19(9):597-606.