~~Patients with Herniated Discs Need Chiropractic, Not Injections, Says Study
Vol 17 Issue 89
Nerve root injections are a common treatment for the swelling and pain associated with herniated discs. However, according to a recent study, Chiropractic manipulation gets better results, without the pain, side effects and risks associated with the injections.
A herniated disc – a condition where all or some of the gel inside the disc (round cushioning pads) between the vertebrae has been forced through a weakened part of the disc’s exterior - are quite common.
Some people with herniated discs experience no symptoms at all, but others can be in excruciating pain for an extended period of time. If not treated correctly, it can be a debilitating lifelong problem.
When discs in the lower back are herniated, the symptoms generally include pain that radiates to the buttocks, legs, and feet (also known as sciatica), back pain, tingling or numbness in the legs or feet, and muscle weakness.
Nerve root injections contain a combination of local anesthetic and steroids. They’re given once, and if there is any kind of sustained improvement – rather than just very temporary relief – they are repeated.
These injections can be quite painful and there is the possibility of nerve injury, as well as the risk of infection and allergic reaction which can occur with any similar procedure. Your pain can also be increased for several days after the injection, both at the injection site and in the problem area. Diabetics also have to keep an eye on their blood sugar because the injections may cause it to spike.
The study that compared the effectiveness of nerve root injections vs. Chiropractic manipulation involved 102 patients. They were separated into two groups. One was given nerve root injections, and the other Chiropractic treatment.
The results showed that 76.5 percent of the group that received Chiropractic showed improvement, compared to only 62.7 percent of the group that received the injections.
While the researchers didn’t see this as a huge difference, it is nevertheless statistically significant. More importantly, it indicates that the vast majority of those suffering from herniated discs can avoid the pain, side effects and risks associated with nerve root injections. If recommended by your Chiropractor, give manipulation a try first.