Dr. Wagner sees many patients weekly in our busy Alexandria chiropractic office who are trying to find relief from the discomfort and distress they feel due to herniated discs. Our experience isn't unique; the medical research confirms that chiropractic treatment is an effective way to treat herniated disc problems.
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 subjects documented that they were experiencing pain, diminished range of motion, and sensory issues bad enough to keep them off work.
During the course of the research period, the individuals were treated using one of two common chiropractic methods: traction for herniated discs in the cervical area or flexion distraction for the patients who had herniation issues in the lumbar area.
Each individual was treated four or five times per week for the first two weeks, then three times weekly, and then as needed for the remainder of the study. Based on the severity of the disc herniation, treatment ranged anywhere from six weeks to six months, with MRIs being conducted at various stages to identify what impact, if any, the chiropractic care was having in regard to the disc herniation.
The investigators discovered that 80 percent of the patients enjoyed a "good clinical outcome," meaning reduced discomfort and a reduction in other symptoms, such as numbness. Furthermore, 77% of these men and women also showed MRI evidence that their disc herniation was either reduced or resolved completely. This resulted in 78% of the study participants being able to return to their place of employment and led the researchers to conclude that chiropractic is both "safe and helpful" for disc herniations.
If you have a herniated disc and suffer from chronic back pain and are near Dr. Wagner in Alexandria, 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.
Dr. Wagner
Wagner Chiropractic in Alexandria, Kentucky provides quality care to the Northern Kentucky area through the expertise of Dr. Michael Wagner. Dr. Michael Wagner has been providing Chiropractic care to individuals and their families for over 10 years with a focus in spinal care, muscle therapy and weight loss. We also serve the people of Cold Spring and Highland Heights.