Chiropractic Works for Disc Herniation

Chiropractic Care Found Effective for Disc Herniation Discomfort in Fairfax

Dr. Zapf sees many people weekly in our busy Fairfax chiropractic office who are looking for relief from the discomfort and distress they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the scientific literature verifies that chiropractic treatment is an effective way to treat herniated disc problems.

Don't Suffer! Dr. Zapf and Chiropractic Adjustments Helps With Disc Herniation

One particular research study 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 subjects documented that they were experiencing pain, reduced range of motion, and sensory issues bad enough to keep them off work.

Over the course of the research period, the individuals were managed using one of two common chiropractic practices: traction for herniated discs in the cervical area or flexion distraction for the men and women 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. Based on the severity of the disc herniation, treatment varied anywhere from six weeks to six months, with MRIs being conducted at a variety of stages to determine what impact, if any, the chiropractic care was having in regard to the disc herniation.

Research Supports Chiropractic Therapy Helps With Back Issues and Herniated Disc

The investigators found that 80% of the participants experienced a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced pain and a reduction in other symptoms, such as numbness. Additionally, 77 percent of these people also showed MRI evidence that their disc herniation was either reduced or resolved completely. This resulted in 78 percent of the study subjects being able to return to their place of employment and led the authors to conclude that chiropractic care is both "safe and helpful" for disc herniations.

If you have a herniated disc and suffer from chronic back pain and are near Dr. Zapf in Fairfax, 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.