Disc Herniation and Chiropractic

Disc Herniation and Chiropractic

Dr. Jerrad Swanson DC, FMT, DN1 sees many patients weekly in our busy Lincoln chiropractic office who are searching for relief from the pain and distress they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the medical literature verifies that chiropractic care is a successful way to treat herniated disc problems.

Don't Suffer! Dr. Jerrad Swanson DC, FMT, DN1 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 individuals 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 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 individual was treated 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 seriousness of the disc herniation, therapy 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 Supports Chiropractic Helps With Back Pain and Herniated Disc

The authors found that 80 percent of the subjects enjoyed 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 employment and led the authors 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. Jerrad Swanson DC, FMT, DN1 in Lincoln, 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.