Research demonstrates the larger the disc herniation the better the results from Non Surgical Conservative Interventions.
It is not new information that an astonishing 500,000 Americans undergo surgery each year for low back problems alone. One of the primary reasons for these surgeries is herniated disc issues. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, we spend more than $11 billion each year on operations to relieve back pain. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always buy relief. John Hopkins Medicine reported that more than 95% of people with back pain are not good candidates for surgery.
Who are good candidates? We would naturally think that those with the largest or more serious cases of disc herniation would surely be in that category, right? According to the research that is not the case. There are hundreds of studies showing the benefits of conservative treatments for disc herniation. Treatments such as chiropractic, exercises, yoga, massage, and osteopathy have all been shown to help minimize disc herniation. But to what degree?
The studies indicate that the best results from conservative care come from the largest disc herniation. In the cases that were studied 95% of the herniation improved at least by 25%, meaning almost all of the cases studied had some improvement. More than 65% of all the disc herniation studied improved 75% or completely resolved. The “large” herniation being the majority to have the most improvements.
The time period for recovery studied was between 1 month and 6 months with varying improvements noted through the course of care. Pain levels were improved or resolved in a majority of the cases from conservative treatments.
So what does this mean? This means that despite how “Large” your herniation may be, there is hope. It could even possibly suggest that the larger the herniation the more possibility for complete recovery. Additionally, that there are viable and effective alternatives to resolving your herniated discs other than surgery. Finally, that you should consider seeking a more conservative treatment option before deciding to seek surgical intervention for a herniated disc.
To find out what if you are developing postural distortion patterns that may be affecting your health get a Posture Diagnosis Online at the americanpostureinstitute.com. To contact Doctor Wade for more information on how your posture may be causing your health problems, how to stay healthy through proper posture, or for more ways to improve your posture email at: API@americanpostureinstitute.com.
Reference:
- Lumbar Disc Herniation: Computed Tomography Scan Changes After Conservative Treatment of Nerve Root Compression. Spine. August 1992 – Volume 17 – Issue 8. Delauche-Cavallier, Marie-Christine MD; Budet, Christiane MD; Laredo, Jean-Denis MD; Debie, Bruno MD; Wybier, Marc MD; Dorfmann, Henri MD; Ballner, Ingrid MD
- Computed Tomographic Follow-Up Study of Forty-Eight Cases of Nonoperatively Treated Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation. Spine. September 1992 – Volume 17 – Issue 9. Maigne, Jean-Yves; Rime, Bruno; Deligne, Bruno
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