A herniated disc can be completely asymptomatic or it can cause debilitating pain, reduced mobility, and a significant impact on your quality of life. For those seeking a non-surgical treatment option, chiropractic care offers a safe and effective approach. At Remedy Wellness Centre in Victoria, BC, we provide evidence-based chiropractic care to help relieve pain and promote healing for disc herniations.
What is a Disc Herniation?
A disc herniation occurs when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc (the nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in its outer layer (the annulus fibrosus). This condition often compresses nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, typically in the neck, back, or legs. It is also common for there to be no symptoms at all, due to the direction of the herniation. Common causes include:
- Repetitive strain or overuse
- Poor posture
- Aging and degeneration
- Sudden injury or trauma
How Chiropractic Care Helps Disc Herniation
Chiropractors employ various techniques to address disc herniations by targeting the root cause of pain and reducing nerve compression. Here are the primary ways chiropractic care can help:
1. Spinal Adjustments
Spinal manipulations or adjustments aim to realign the spine, reducing pressure on the affected disc and nerve roots. Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics highlights that spinal adjustments can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with lumbar disc herniations.
2. Flexion-Distraction Technique
This gentle, non-thrusting technique uses a specialized table to stretch the spine and relieve pressure on the herniated disc. Studies have shown that flexion-distraction therapy can reduce pain and promote healing by improving spinal mobility and hydration of the discs.
3. Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression involves the use of controlled mechanical traction to create negative pressure within the affected disc, encouraging it to retract and reduce nerve compression. Clinical studies, such as those published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, support the efficacy of decompression therapy for disc-related conditions.
4. Soft Tissue Therapy
Chiropractors often incorporate soft tissue techniques, such as trigger point therapy or myofascial release, to alleviate muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area. This can enhance healing and reduce inflammation associated with disc herniations.
5. Customized Exercise Plans
Rehabilitation exercises prescribed by chiropractors help strengthen supporting muscles, improve posture, and stabilize the spine. This reduces the risk of future injuries and enhances overall recovery.
Research Supporting Chiropractic for Disc Herniation
- A study published in Spine demonstrated that patients with lumbar disc herniations experienced significant pain relief and functional improvement after receiving chiropractic adjustments.
- In a systematic review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, researchers concluded that chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for lumbar disc herniation, particularly when combined with rehabilitation exercises.
- Another study in European Spine Journal found that spinal manipulative therapy provided comparable outcomes to surgery for patients with sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Disc Herniation
- Non-Invasive: Avoid the risks and downtime associated with surgery.
- Drug-Free: Manage pain without reliance on medications.
- Targeted Relief: Focuses on the source of the problem, not just the symptoms.
- Improved Mobility: Helps restore range of motion and function.
- Preventative Care: Reduces the risk of future disc injuries through education and strengthening.
What to Expect at Remedy Wellness Centre
At Remedy Wellness Centre, we take a personalized approach to your care. During your initial consultation, our chiropractor will perform a thorough assessment, including a review of your medical history and imaging studies (if available). Based on your diagnosis, we’ll develop a tailored treatment plan that may include spinal adjustments, manual therapy and rehabilitative exercises. At the time of this article being published, we do not offer flexion-distraction or mechanical decompression, however, if these approaches would benefit you, our chiropractor can make a recommendation for a trusted local referral.
Our goal is to help you achieve long-lasting relief and regain your quality of life without invasive and expensive procedures.
Schedule Your Chiropractic Consultation Today
If you’re struggling with a herniated disc, chiropractic care could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact Remedy Wellness Centre in Victoria, BC, to book your consultation and take the first step toward pain relief and recovery.
References:
- Fritz JM, Brennan GP. “Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Review of Evidence.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
- Gordon R, Battié MC. “Research on Flexion-Distraction Therapy for Disc Herniations.” Spine.
- Leemann S et al. “Outcomes of Chiropractic Treatment for Lumbar Disc Herniation Compared to Surgery.” European Spine Journal.