Chiropractic vs. Injections for Disc Herniation (Video)
A new study shows chiropractic is as effective as epidural steroid injections for lumbar disc herniation, but with fewer side effects and cost.
Epidural steroid injections are frequently used to treat disc herniations and other conditions causing low-back pain. Unfortunately, the injections only provide temporary relief and come with the potential for adverse effects like dizziness, headache, and weakening of the spinal bones and muscles.
To see whether patients could avoid these risks, a new study compared the efficacy of epidural injections to chiropractic adjustments in 102 patients with lumbar disc herniation. Of the chiropractic patients, 76% reported feeling "better" or "much better" after treatment, compared to 62.5% of the injection patients. Chiropractic patients also had better improvements in pain; 60% of chiropractic patients had significant reductions in pain, compared to 53% of injection patients.
Additionally, chiropractic patients had lower medical costs, with an average savings of 23%.
Patients with lumbar disc herniation don't have to be stuck with the side effects and costs of epidural steroid injections. A doctor of chiropractic can help you find safe, effective relief.
Reference
Peterson, CK, et al. 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 imaging-guided lumbar nerve root injections. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2013; doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.04.005.
