Chiropractic Works for Disc Herniation

Dr. Dahlager sees many patients weekly in our busy Noblesville chiropractic office who are searching for relief from the pain and suffering they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the scientific literature verifies that chiropractic is a successful way to treat herniated disc pain.

Don't Suffer! Dr. Dahlager and Chiropractic Care Helps With Disc Herniation

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 documented that they were experiencing pain, limited range of motion, and sensory problems bad enough to keep them off work.

Over the course of the research study, the participants were managed using one of two common chiropractic practices: traction for herniated discs in the cervical area or flexion distraction for the patients who had herniation issues in the low back.

Each man or woman was seen four or five times per week for the first two weeks, then three times weekly, and then as needed for the rest of the study. Based on the extent of the disc herniation, therapy varied anywhere from six weeks to six months, with MRIs being performed at a variety of stages to determine what impact, if any, the chiropractic care was having in regard to the disc herniation.

Research Supports Chiropractic Helps With Back Pain and Herniated Disc

The investigators found that 80 percent of the subjects obtained 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 participants being able to return to their place of employment and led the researchers to conclude that chiropractic is both "safe and helpful" for disc herniations.

If you have a herniated disc and suffer from chronic back pain and are near Dr. Dahlager in Noblesville, 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.