Herniated discs, also known as slipped or ruptured discs, can cause significant pain and discomfort, often affecting daily activities and quality of life. While conventional treatments for herniated discs include medications, physical therapy, and surgery, many individuals seek alternative therapies like chiropractic care for relief. In this article, we delve into the question: Does chiropractic care help herniated discs?
Understanding Herniated Discs
Herniated discs occur when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to symptoms such as:
- Back Pain: Often localized to the affected area of the spine.
- Radiating Pain: Pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down the arms or legs, depending on the location of the herniated disc.
- Muscle Weakness: Weakness or loss of function in the muscles controlled by the affected nerves.
How Chiropractic Care Addresses Herniated Discs
1. Spinal Adjustment:
Chiropractors use gentle, targeted adjustments to realign the spine and reduce pressure on the affected disc. These adjustments help restore proper spinal alignment and function, alleviating pain and promoting healing.
2. Spinal Decompression:
Chiropractic techniques such as spinal decompression therapy aim to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure within the disc. This can help retract herniated disc material and relieve pressure on the nerves, reducing pain and promoting healing.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy:
Chiropractors may utilize soft tissue techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility around the affected area. This can help reduce secondary symptoms such as muscle spasms and stiffness.
Evidence Supporting Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs
While more research is needed to establish the effectiveness of chiropractic care specifically for herniated discs, several studies and clinical observations suggest positive outcomes:
- A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation combined with other conservative treatments was effective in reducing pain and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation.1
- Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy reported significant improvements in pain and function among patients with lumbar disc herniation who received spinal manipulation compared to those who received physical therapy alone.2
While individual responses to chiropractic care may vary, many individuals with herniated discs find relief and improved function through chiropractic interventions. By addressing spinal misalignments, reducing nerve compression, and promoting healing through non-invasive techniques, chiropractors play a valuable role in the multidisciplinary approach to managing herniated discs.
- Leemann, S., Peterson, C. K., Schmid, C., Anklin, B., Humphreys, B. K., & Leemann, S. (2014). Outcomes of acute and chronic patients with magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed symptomatic lumbar disc herniations receiving high-velocity, low-amplitude, spinal manipulative therapy: a prospective observational cohort study with one-year follow-up. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 37(3), 155-163.
- Blanchette, M. A., Rivard, M., Dionne, C. E., & Hogg-Johnson, S. (2017). Association between the type of first healthcare provider and the duration of financial compensation for occupational back pain. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 27(3), 382-392.