Friday, September 23, 2016

Lower Back Disc Herniations

        Treatment with spinal manipulation of lower back conditions can be extremely effective, both for new problems and older ones.  One type of lower back condition is a herniated disc.  The disc is a gelatinous type of material that lies between the vertebra and is contained by a ligament known as the annulus.  When the annulus tears, it allows the disc material to move out of its normal position or space, creating symptoms.  Sometimes herniated discs are also referred to as slipped, bulging, protruded, or extruded.  Unfortunately, these terms seem to be used interchangeably by patients and healthcare providers, thereby creating some confusion.

        A recent article in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics entitled Safety of Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniations: a Systematic Review and Risk Assessment provided a qualitative systematic review of the risk factors in treating lumbar disc herniations with spinal manipulation in contrast to other forms of treatment such as anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery.

        The article found that only 1 in 3.7 million lumbar herniated discs actually worsened with spinal manipulation and concluded, when comparing risk factors of other commonly used treatments, that the use of spinal manipulation should be used more frequently in the management of lumbar herniated discs.

Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard.  For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com.  If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone.  You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.

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