Can Spinal Manipulation Help Patients with a Disc Herniation

Following a car accident, a common injury is that of a disc herniation. Some patients undergoing auto injury treatment may wonder if spinal manipulation will help their recovery. There have been some studies, though not compelling, that suggest manipulation of the spine may be effective for treating back pain. But, what if the back pain is caused by a disc herniation?

There is a big concern within the chiropractic and medical community as to whether or not spinal manipulation is an affective auto injury treatment for disc herniation – or if this procedure will only make the back pain and injury worse. Unfortunately, the most effective treatment still remains unknown to this day – and most clinicians must experience with different treatments to find what is truly effective for their patient.

What the Studies Say

There was a study completed in March of 2014 that examined this very issue. They assessed how patients with disc herniation responded to high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation therapy. The purpose of the study was to see if there was any reasonable improvement through spinal manipulation or if the treatment made it worse.

Here is what the study concluded:

• There were significant improvements at all times
• At three months, over 90 percent of patients had improved
• At one year, over 80 percent of patients had improved
• Chronic patients also reported improvement by the one year mark

So, the study has shown that a large majority of patients that receive spinal manipulation for their disc herniation (including acute and chronic cases) report a significant improvement.

Injured in an Auto Accident? Seek Treatment As Soon As Possible

If you were injured in an auto accident or suffer from a disc herniation, spinal manipulation may be the right treatment for you. But, you must first meet with a chiropractor or medical professional for assessment. Houston Injury Solutions Network can put you in touch with a chiropractor in your area for auto injury treatment – contact us today.