Chiropractic Found to Be Safe and Helpful for Disc Herniation

Chiropractic Methods Shown as Effective for Treating Disc Herniation Patients in Asheville

Dr. Myers sees many people weekly in our busy Asheville chiropractic office who are searching for relief from the discomfort and issues they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the scientific literature verifies that chiropractic therapy is a great way to treat herniated disc problems.

Don't Suffer! Dr. Myers and Chiropractic Treatment Helps With Disc Herniation

One particular research project 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 problems bad enough to keep them off work.

Over 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 patients who had herniation issues in the lumbar area.

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

Research Supports Chiropractic Care Helps With Back Issues and Herniated Disc

The investigators found that 80% of the subjects enjoyed a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced discomfort 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% of the study subjects 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. Myers in Asheville, contact our office today to see what chiropractic care 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.