Disc Herniation and Chiropractic Care

Dr. Valente sees many people weekly in our busy New York chiropractic office who are searching for relief from the discomfort and suffering they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the medical literature confirms that chiropractic treatment is a great way to treat herniated disc pain.

Don't Suffer! Dr. Valente 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 men and women documented that they were experiencing pain, reduced range of motion, and sensory problems bad enough to keep them off work.

Over the course of the research period, the participants 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 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 remainder of the study. Based on the extent of the disc herniation, treatment ranged anywhere from six weeks to six months, with MRIs being conducted at various stages to determine what effect, if any, the chiropractic care was having in regard to the disc herniation.

Research Proves Chiropractic Care Helps With Back Issues and Herniated Disc

The authors reported that 80% of the patients experienced a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced discomfort and a reduction in other symptoms, such as numbness. Furthermore, 77 percent of these subjects 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 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. Valente in New York, contact our office today to see what chiropractic adjustments 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.