Can Chiropractic Help Disc Herniations?

There are many possible treatments for a disc herniation, no matter where in the spine it is located. Our chiropractic thought process is very simple, however: what is the simplest, least invasive way to ease your symptoms and restore health to your nervous system and disc? Or, is a conservative course of treatment appropriate for a disc herniation?

A recent study in Spine Journal states, based on cost and the likelihood of recovery: "given that many patients will improve with nonoperative therapy, a trial of conservative management is appropriate."

Conservative management for a disc herniation at Johnson Family Chiropractic consists of the chiropractic adjustment, spinal decompression therapy, ice, rehabilitative exercises, anti-inflammatory measures, and other therapies as needed.

The chiropractic adjustment alone has been shown in studies to be as effective as back surgery for 60% of patients who had not responded to other medical interventions. Some published cases where disc herniation patients have been successfully treated with the Activator Methods chiropractic technique can be found here and here. The chiropractic adjustment is safe and effective in the presence of a disc herniation, and works by restoring proper motion to the disc-vertebra motion unit.

Spinal decompression is a nonsurgical and noninvasive treatment that gently pulls the vertebrae apart, creating a vacuum inside the disc which, after several treatments, is designed to gradually bring the disc back into place. This therapy removes the pressure put on nerves, and can therefore help to relieve symptoms.

Ask Dr. Johnson today if the gentle treatments available at Johnson Family Chiropractic can help your disc herniation.