Chiropractic for herniated discs: Can it help?
Chiropractic can be a gentle alternative to medical or surgical treatment for a damaged disc. Specific techniques are used to correct misalignments, reduce the strain on the intervertebral discs and support the body's natural healing process. How does it work? Let's get started.
Research shows that most people over the age of 35 have some type of disc degeneration, including signs of a herniated disc, even if they have no pain or symptoms. This can be detected during an MRI scan and is often referred to as an incidental finding because it is either unrelated to the patient's pain or does not pose an immediate neurological threat. A doctor may choose not to operate on this type of herniated disc and instead try injections or physiotherapy or do nothing at all, which can be frustrating for patients who are still in pain.
If you have had no success with other therapies, have not received a diagnosis, or simply want to try conservative therapy first, chiropractic could be your solution.
Many patients with disc problems opt for chiropractic treatment at ACH for the following reasons:
1. traction therapy and adjustments
2. movement therapy and stability training
3. treatment of associated symptoms
“Traction therapy is very helpful and healthy for the intervertebral discs, even if they are not damaged or herniated,” says chiropractor Freya Moran. “It involves using a special treatment table, of which we have two at ACH.” The table (pictured below) can be automatically programmed to move slowly up and down as the therapist moves the soft tissues into a new, supportive position. There is usually no cracking noise during this phase of treatment, making it suitable for almost all patients. However, most patients enjoy the “realignment” or adjustment they receive once the tissues are relaxed.
After an adjustment, your chiropractor will determine what exercises you should do at home. “Typically, patients with herniated discs have a loss of pressure in the abdomen,” says Ms. Moran, ”and need stability exercises. We usually start by teaching them how to stabilize their pelvic floor and correct their breathing habits. We advise low-intensity activities to maintain strength, but new and safe movement patterns are introduced gradually and in a controlled manner to improve the patient's overall mobility.”
Over the course of treatment, which usually lasts around 6-8 weeks, patients are gradually introduced to more difficult exercises. As they learn new, healthier movement patterns, it is expected that their general activity level will also slowly return.
“My typical exercise protocol comes from DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization), which can be applied to almost any sports movement,” says Ms Moran. “We work together to decide when to resume activity and what passive therapies to use at home.”
Patients are given a high degree of autonomy and are encouraged to do as much as possible without medication, straps or surgery.
Patients with bulging and herniated discs often suffer from other types of pain, usually caused by a relieving posture or short, tight muscles. Trigger points, which often occur in the hip and back muscles, can restrict normal movement that would otherwise help patients heal faster. Chiropractors are very good at treating these painful knots as well as other related symptoms such as locking of the surrounding joints in the knee, foot, hip or spine.
For patients with herniated discs
The treatment approach described above has been very successful for therapists at ACH.
Although each herniated disc is unique and requires an individualized approach, the above plan is a very good starting point.
„It's important to remember that there is not just one therapy that is the answer. Patients often need a combination of therapies and ACH is well prepared with a network of professionals who can help when needed.“
Most back pain is not related to herniated discs, but when it is, chiropractic is there to help.
About the Author:
Freya Moran is a specialist in lower back pain. Whether chronic like stenosis or acute like lumbago, she specializes in getting patients - and their joints - moving. Because when you move better, you heal faster.
As a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP) with a Masters work in Sports Medicine (USA), she is experienced in treating pain caused by injury or poor movement patterns that may lead to injury in the future.
For consultation and treatment, you can book an appointment online using the button above.
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