Chiropractic Works for Disc Herniation

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

Don't Suffer! Dr. Scharf and Chiropractic Therapy 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 individuals reported that they were experiencing pain, reduced range of motion, and sensory issues bad enough to keep them off work.

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

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. Depending on the severity of the disc herniation, therapy ranged anywhere from six weeks to six months, with MRIs being performed at a variety of stages to determine what effect, if any, the chiropractic care was having in regard to the disc herniation.

Research Shows Chiropractic Adjustments Helps With Back Issues and Herniated Disc

The authors found that 80% of the participants enjoyed a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced pain and a reduction in other issues, such as numbness. Furthermore, 77% of these people 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 work and led the researchers to conclude that chiropractic care is both "safe and helpful" for disc herniations.

If you have a herniated disc and suffer from chronic back pain and are near Dr. Scharf in Parkland, contact our office today to see what chiropractic treatment 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.