Chiropractic Methods Shown to Be Effective and More Economical Than Epidural for Herniated Disc Patients

Herniated discs have tormented a number of clients that have been treated in our Jonesboro practice. Fortunately, Dr. Alpert has helped many of them bounce back speedily and more completely. Herniated discs, or "slipped discs", can be treated with several different methods.

If you are suffering with irritation caused by a herniated disc, then you may be asking which option will provide the best outcome for you. To help you in solving that search, let's assess two of the most commonly prescribed treatment options: chiropractic/manipulative therapy and epidural.

Research Observed Results from Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) and Nerve Root Injections (NRI)

A group of researchers recruited 102 individuals, all of whom had chronically herniated discs validated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each participant chosen had already received three months of treatment via alternatively available remedies without achieving satisfaction.

The pack of patients was divided into two groups. The first half of the individuals were assigned to receive high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation treatment (chiropractic treatments). The remaining half of cohorts were treated with nerve root injections (epidural).

The researchers saved data regarding the pain levels of every individual before the treatment administered in the course of the study. Subsequently, one month after care, people in the study rated their disc herniation discomfort on the same range as previously. The difference between the two reports was used to calculate how effective the care was for relieving pain.

What did the researchers uncover in regards to chiropractic adjustments compared to epidural injections?

More than 76 percent of the cohorts who were given chiropractic care reported a decrease in their pain. In the other group, less than 63 percent of the individuals who engaged in epidurals expressed a reduction in pain. The figures imply that chiropractic care could be more successful when treating to resolve herniated disc discomfort.

Plus, there’s more. Beyond providing a greater count of patients highly desired pain relief, researchers also discovered that spinal manipulation was more cost-effective. The nerve root injection treatments cost about $730 per each individual. Chiropractic treatment was just under $560 for the same timespan. This amount of savings could surely assist with anyone’s budget. Saving money may make it easier to seek treatment of your disc herniation pain without extra burden.

If you would like a better probability of effectiveness and lesser costs when it comes to your herniated disc treatment, give Dr. Alpert a call today at (770) 472-8989 to schedule an appointment.

Reference

Peterson, CK et al. (2013, May). Symptomatic magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed lumbar disk herniation patients: a comparative effectiveness prospective observational study of 2 age-and sex-matched cohorts treated with either high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulative therapy or image-guided lumbar nerve root injections. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 36(4), 218-225, doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.04.005