Chiropractic Care for Disc Bulge/Herniations

Disc herniations and bulges are common causes of neck and lower back pain, often leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms and legs. When a disc herniates, it can press on nearby nerves, causing significant discomfort and potentially limiting mobility. Chiropractic care has shown promise in alleviating symptoms related to these conditions, with numerous case studies and clinical trials demonstrating positive outcomes.

Chiropractors use various techniques, including spinal manipulation and specific protocols like the Atlas Orthogonal method, to address misalignments and alleviate nerve pressure. Research indicates that chiropractic care may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and even promote the reabsorption of herniated discs.

Recurrent Low Back Pain and Early Disc Degeneration in the Young

Researchers tracked 1,503 teenagers starting at age 14 to study the relationship between early disc degeneration and low back pain. Participants had MRIs and were asked about their back pain at ages 15, 18, and 22. Children who showed early signs of disc degeneration at age 15 were 16 times more likely to report ongoing low back pain by age 23. The study concluded that early disc degeneration significantly increases the risk of long-term, recurrent low back pain into early adulthood.

Source: Salminen JJ, Erkintalo MO, Pentti J, et al. Recurrent low back pain and early disc degeneration in the young. Spine. 1999;24(3):1316-1321.

Management of Cervical Disc Herniation with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Case Study.

This case study followed a 34-year-old man with severe neck pain, lower back pain, and radiating arm pain (radiculopathy) lasting one year. Imaging confirmed a herniated disc at C6-C7 and nerve involvement from C4-C7. He had previously seen multiple medical specialists with little improvement.

After receiving upper cervical chiropractic care (specifically Grostic technique adjustments), the patient showed dramatic improvement in symptoms and objective testing within one month. At a one-year follow-up, surgery was no longer needed.

Source: Eriksen K. Management of cervical disc herniation with upper cervical chiropractic care: a case study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1998;21(1):51-56.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical follow-up: Study of 27 patients receiving Chiropractic Care for Cervical and Lumbar Disc Herniations

This study tracked 27 patients with MRI-confirmed disc herniations in the neck or lower back. Patients received chiropractic spinal care, flexion-distraction therapy, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation exercises. Researchers used MRI imaging and clinical follow-up to monitor changes. After chiropractic and supportive care, 63% of patients showed reduced or completely resolved disc herniations on MRI. Additionally, 78% of the patients were able to return to their original jobs after care.

Source: Ben Eliyahu 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).

Reduction of a Confirmed C5-C6 Disc Herniation following Specific Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation: A Case Study.

This case involved a 39-year-old man with chronic neck and arm pain linked to a past football injury. Tests including MRI, thermography, and muscle testing confirmed a C5-C6 disc herniation. He received specific chiropractic spinal manipulation. After chiropractic care, the patient’s symptoms completely resolved. A follow-up MRI showed that the disc herniation had reduced.

Source: Siciliano MA, Bernard TA. Reduction of a confirmed C5-C6 disc herniation following specific chiropractic spinal manipulation: a case study. Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation. 1992;8(1).

Disc Regeneration: Reversibility is possible in Spinal Osteoarthritis

This paper discussed how chiropractic care might impact spinal osteoarthritis, which is often thought of as a result of "wear and tear" over time. The findings suggest that with chiropractic management, the progression of spinal osteoarthritis can be slowed (arrested) and, in some cases, even reversed.

Source: Ressel OJ. Disc regeneration: reversibility is possible in spinal osteoarthritis. ICA Review. 1989; March/April:39-61.

Reabsorption of a Herniated Cervical Disc following Chiropractic treatment utilizing the Atlas Orthogonal Technique: A Case Report

This case report described a 44-year-old man with a herniated cervical disc causing severe neck, shoulder, and arm pain, along with numbness and weakness in the left hand. Chiropractic care using the atlas orthogonal technique was provided. After five weeks of chiropractic care, the patient's severe pain was completely resolved. His numbness and grip strength continued to improve over six months. A follow-up MRI 14 months later showed complete resolution of the herniated disc.

Source: Robinson GK. Reabsorption of a herniated cervical disc following chiropractic treatment utilizing the atlas orthogonal technique: a case report. Chiropractic Research Journal. Spring 1998; 5(1).

Correction of Multiple Herniated Lumbar Disc by Chiropractic Intervention

This case report involves a 39-year-old patient with severe lower back pain radiating into the buttocks, thigh, and left calf and foot. MRI confirmed herniated discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1, and surgery was initially recommended. Chiropractic care using the Atlas Orthogonal Percussion Instrument was initiated. After four weeks of chiropractic care, the patient reported a 50% improvement and had stopped using medications. Six months later, a follow-up MRI revealed that the herniated discs were no longer present.

Source: Sweat R. Correction of multiple herniated lumbar disc by chiropractic intervention. Journal of Chiropractic Case Reports. Jan 1993; 1(1).