Disc Herniation and Chiropractic Therapy

Dr. Dennis sees many people weekly in our busy West Palm Beach chiropractic office who are trying to find relief from the discomfort and distress they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the scientific literature verifies that chiropractic care is a successful way to treat herniated disc problems.

Don't Suffer! Dr. Dennis 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 people reported that they were experiencing pain, diminished 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 techniques: traction for herniated discs in the cervical area or flexion distraction for the people who had herniation issues in the low back.

Each individual 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, treatment varied anywhere from six weeks to six months, with MRIs being performed at various stages to determine what effect, if any, the chiropractic care was having in regard to the disc herniation.

Research Shows Chiropractic Therapy Helps With Back Pain and Herniated Disc

The investigators found that 80% of the participants obtained a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced pain and a reduction in other issues, such as numbness. Also, 77% of these men and women also showed MRI evidence that their disc herniation was either reduced or resolved completely. This resulted in 78% of the study participants being able to return to their place of work and led the authors to conclude that chiropractic adjustments is both "safe and helpful" for disc herniations.

If you have a herniated disc and suffer from chronic back pain and are near Dr. Dennis in West Palm Beach, contact our office today to see what chiropractic therapy 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.