Many people suffer from lower back disc problems. To some, it might be surprising that chiropractic care can help with back pain relief of this condition. This article will discuss disc problems of the back, how chiropractic treatment can help and a scientific study confirming improvement of disc conditions when treated with manipulation.
Let’s begin with some basic anatomy of the lower spine. The bones of the spine are called vertebrae. There are 24 vertebrae from top to bottom. The lower five spinal bones are called the lumbar spine. Between each vertebrae is a lumbar disc. These intervertebral discs function like pads or shock absorbers between the bones.
At times, a problem can occur with the disc, where a portion of the disc may bulge or protrude backwards into the spinal canal containing spinal nerves. If the protrusion is large enough and, in a location where it is impinges upon a nerve it can create a great deal of lower back pain and possibly pain running down the leg, which is called sciatica.
Pain of the low back accounts for one third of all orthopedic outpatient visits and is often related to problems with the intervertebral discs.
A study in the research journal Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, 1987 discussed scholarship in which 517 patients with protruded lumbar discs were treated by manipulative therapy. 84% of the patients responded well to the treatment. The authors conclude, “manipulation of the spine can be effective treatment for lumbar disc protrusions.” “Most lumbar disc protrusions could be effectively treated by manipulation.”
The authors note how important it is for the doctor who is treating the disc protrusion to be extremely proficient in spinal manipulation techniques. Chiropractors are doctors who extensively study and have a great deal of training and experience in treating conditions of the spine. Chiropractors are known for their ability to perform manipulations, sometimes called chiropractic adjustments, to correct abnormal alignments and improper movement of the vertebrae of the spine.
Manipulation or chiropractic spinal adjustments are treatment techniques that involve realignment of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. Treatment also restores proper movement of the spinal bones and joints and relieves pressure of the lumbar disc. Manipulation, when performed by a chiropractor is very gentle and is extremely safe. Most times a series of treatments are needed to complete the healing process. Obviously, the treatment does not involve the use of medication or surgery.
Anyone suffering from protruded or bulged lumbar disc pain and/or sciatic leg pain would be well advised to consult with a doctor of chiropractic for possible lower back pain relief.