Disc Herniation and Chiropractic

Dr. Conlee sees many patients weekly in our busy Tucson chiropractic office who are looking for relief from the discomfort and suffering they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the medical literature verifies that chiropractic therapy is a great way to treat herniated disc pain.

Don't Suffer! Dr. Conlee and Chiropractic Care 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, diminished 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 techniques: traction for herniated discs in the cervical area or flexion distraction for the patients who had herniation issues in the low back.

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

Research Supports Chiropractic Adjustments Helps With Back Issues and Herniated Disc

The researchers reported that 80% of the subjects enjoyed a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced pain and a reduction in other symptoms, such as numbness. Also, 77% of these subjects 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. Conlee in Tucson, 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.