Relieving Neck and Back Pain Caused By Disc Herniation

We often see patients suffering from neck or back pain as result of disc herniation in our Salem clinic. Disc herniation, sometimes called a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc, occurs when the soft inside of a spinal disc protrudes or leaks out of the tougher exterior. This leakage irritates the surrounding spinal nerves and tissues, leading to pain and inflammation. Common causes of disc herniation include spinal degeneration associated with aging and osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and auto injury. Herniated discs most often occur in the lumbar spine in the lower back or in the cervical spine within the neck.

A 1996 study from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics evaluated the effectiveness of chiropractic care for disc herniation in 27 patients. The participants were treated with therapies we often offer our patients in Salem, including: flexion, traction, spinal manipulation, and exercise rehabilitation.

 

By the end of treatment, 80% of patients had good clinical outcomes. On average, patient pain scores dropped from a 6.9 to 1.9. MRI scans revealed that 63% of patients had reduced size or completely resorbed disc herniation. Additionally 78% of patients were able to return to work.

 

More recent research has demonstrated that chiropractic care is often more effective than epidural steroid injections for alleviating lumbar disc herniation.

 

At Michels Spinal Rehab Center, we offer non-invasive, non-drug methods of treating disc herniation in Salem, OR. Dr. Geary Michels is skilled in using evidence-based treatments to successfully provide lasting relief of back pain and neck pain.

 

 

References


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.

 

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