Chiropractic Found to Be "Safe and Helpful" for Disc Herniation

Dr. Ernst sees many patients weekly in our busy Arlington, WA chiropractic office who are looking for relief from the pain and distress 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 subjects documented that they were experiencing pain, reduced range of motion, and sensory problems bad enough to keep them off work.

During the course of the research period, the individuals were treated 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 lumbar area.

Each person was seen four or five times per week for the first two weeks, then three times each week, and then as needed for the remainder of the study. Based on the severity of the disc herniation, therapy ranged anywhere from six weeks to six months, with MRIs being carried out at various stages to identify what impact, if any, the chiropractic care was having in regard to the disc herniation.

The investigators reported that 80 percent of the participants obtained a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced pain and a reduction in other symptoms, such as numbness. Additionally, 77 percent of these individuals 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 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 you're near Dr. Ernst in Arlington, WA, 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.