Chiropractic and Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)
Spinal discs are fibrous rings containing a soft gel-like ‘cushion’ between each of your spinal bones (vertebrae). Discs cannot slip, because they are attached to the vertebrae, but the term ‘slipped disc’ can mean disc damage such as a bulge, a tear or rupture. The resulting pressure or irritation on the nerves that exit your spine can cause pain in your back, or ‘referred’ pain over an area through which the nerves pass.
Common management of slipped disc pain is continuous use of painkiller medications or undergoing surgery. Chiropractic is the most used alternative in slipped disc patients to avoid surgery. Studies showed that spinal manipulation by chiropractors has been effective for pain control, including for herniated discs. A recent study found that 60% of people who were thought to require surgery for a disk herniation causing sciatica benefited equally well from chiropractic care as they would have from surgery.
Our chiropractors will thoroughly examine a patient's condition and medical history, and explain the findings clearly to the patient. The doctor will then design specific treatment plans to cater to each individual patient, incorporating various techniques to help relieve the symptoms and allow the patient to get back to their everyday activities.
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2) Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. Spine J 2006;6:131-137.
3) Liu J, Zhang S. Treatment of protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disc by pulling and turning manipulations. J Tradit Chin Med 2000;20:195-197
4) McMorland G, Suter E, Casha S, du Plessis SJ, Hurlbert RJ. 2010. Manipulation or Microdiskectomy for Sciatica? A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study. J Manip Phys Ther. Volume 33, Issue 8, Pages 576-584.