Can chiropractic therapy help with herniated discs?
May 26, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Bernd Ziegler
Dear Doctor,
My name is Jens Pilz and I have been suffering from severe back pain radiating into my legs for some time. After an examination, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc. This condition significantly affects my quality of life, as I can barely sit, stand, or walk without pain. I am very worried about how I will manage my daily life and whether it is possible to alleviate or even cure my symptoms.
I have heard about chiropractic therapy and wonder if this treatment method can also help with herniated discs. I am very interested as I have read that chiropractic therapy is supposed to be a gentle and effective form of treatment for spinal problems. However, I wonder if this technique is safe and effective for my specific case.
My question to you as an expert in chiropractic therapy is therefore: Can chiropractic therapy actually help with herniated discs? What specific techniques or methods are used, and what is the success rate? Are there any possible risks or side effects that I should be aware of? And how many treatments would I likely need to achieve an improvement in my symptoms?
I would be very grateful if you could answer these questions to help me make a decision on a suitable treatment option.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Jens Pilz
Dear Mr. Pilz,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as a chiropractor. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe back pain due to a herniated disc. Herniated discs can indeed be very painful and significantly affect quality of life. It is understandable that you are concerned and seeking a suitable treatment method to alleviate or heal your symptoms.
Chiropractic, also known as manual medicine, is a treatment method that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. In the case of herniated discs, chiropractic treatment can often help to alleviate symptoms and improve mobility.
Various techniques are used in chiropractic to treat spinal problems. These include targeted manipulations or mobilizations of the spine to release blockages and improve spinal function. These techniques are usually gentle and painless, but can still be very effective.
The success rate of chiropractic in treating herniated discs can vary and depends on various factors, such as the severity of the disc herniation, the individual physical condition of the patient, and the regularity of treatments. In many cases, chiropractic treatments can help alleviate symptoms and improve spinal function.
However, it is important to mention that there may be possible risks or side effects associated with chiropractic treatment, especially if it is not performed by a trained and experienced chiropractor. Possible risks may include pain after treatment, muscle soreness, or temporary worsening of symptoms. Therefore, it is important to be informed about potential risks before starting treatment and to ensure that you are in the hands of a qualified chiropractor.
The number of treatments needed may vary depending on the individual case. Typically, several treatments at intervals of several days or weeks are recommended to achieve long-term improvement of symptoms. Your chiropractor will create an individual treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
I hope that I have been able to answer your questions comprehensively and assist you in your decision for a suitable form of therapy. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment for chiropractic treatment, I am at your disposal.
Thank you for your trust and best wishes for your recovery.
Sincerely,
Bernd Ziegler
