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Writer's pictureEmrecan İlter

Lumbar Herniated Disc and Chiropractic

Chiropractors are specialists in non-invasive, drug-free treatment that focuses on the origin of your pain and discomfort, rather than just masking the symptoms. They help the body's self-healing process. They approach the individual from a completely holistic perspective and can make lifestyle changes and recommendations.


Does chiropractic treatment relieve herniated discs and pain?


Chiropractic treatment does not reverse the hernia (only surgery does that), but it can eliminate painful symptoms and numbness, so you may not need surgery, medications and other treatment options (1).


Should I have an operation for a herniated disc?


Up to 97% of herniated discs are successfully treated by chiropractors without surgery.


The results of a study involving approximately 280,000 people concluded that 97% of herniated disc cases can be successfully treated by chiropractors without the need for surgery (2).


In a study conducted in 2022, a study of newly diagnosed herniated disc patients showed that chiropractic treatment greatly reduced the likelihood of surgery during the 2-year follow-up period compared to other treatments (3).


However, surgery may be recommended in the following cases:


  1. The person has difficulty in maintaining daily functions such as standing or walking at a reasonable level

  2. The person has progressive neurological symptoms such as worsening leg weakness

  3. Loss of bowel and bladder function

  4. Medication, physiotherapy and/or other non-surgical treatments have not significantly alleviated the symptoms


If you think you have a pinched nerve or herniated disc, you should see a chiropractor.


 
References
1. Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. Spine J. 2006;6(2):131-137. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2005.08.001
2. Lilly DT, Eldridge CM, Singh R, Montgomery EY, Bagley C, Adogwa O. An assessment of non-operative management strategies in a herniated lumbar disc population: successes versus failure. Global Spine J. 2020 Jul 7;2192568220936217. doi: 10.1177/2192568220936217.
3. Trager RJ, Daniels CJ, Perez JA, Casselberry RM, Dusek JA. Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation and lumbar discectomy in adults with lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy: retrospective cohort study using United States' data. BMJ Open. 2022 Dec 16;12(12):e068262. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068262. PMID: 36526306; PMCID: PMC9764600.

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