Dr. Helton sees many people weekly in our busy Portland chiropractic office who are searching for relief from the discomfort and suffering they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the scientific literature confirms that chiropractic treatment is a great way to treat herniated disc pain.
One particular 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 individuals documented that they were experiencing pain, limited range of motion, and sensory problems bad enough to keep them off work.
During the course of the research study, the individuals were managed using one of two common chiropractic practices: traction for herniated discs in the cervical area or flexion distraction for the people who had herniation issues in the lumbar area.
Each person was treated four or five times per week for the first two weeks, then three times weekly, and then as needed for the rest of the study. Based on the severity of the disc herniation, therapy ranged anywhere from six weeks to six months, with MRIs being carried out at a variety of stages to determine what effect, if any, the chiropractic care was having in regard to the disc herniation.
The investigators reported that 80 percent of the patients enjoyed a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced pain and a reduction in other symptoms, such as numbness. Additionally, 77% of these individuals also showed MRI evidence that their disc herniation was either reduced or resolved completely. This resulted in 78% of the study subjects being able to return to their place of work and led the researchers 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. Helton in Portland, contact our office today to see what chiropractic treatment 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.
Dr. Helton, a Portland chiropractor, has been providing chiropractic health care and treatment for accident injuries for over 30 years. Dr. Helton specializes and is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of injuries from auto accidents. He has passed advanced certification training and testing by the Spine Research Institute of San Diego in the evaluation, treatment, and management of injuries from whiplash and brain traumatology.
