Hernia and Chiropractic: A Conservative and Effective Treatment Option

A hernia, also known as a hernia nuclei pulposi (HNP), occurs when the soft core of a disc bulges through its outer fibers and puts pressure on surrounding structures, such as nerves. This can cause pain, tingling, muscle weakness, and decreased function, often in the back, legs (sciatica), or arms, depending on the location.

Traditional treatments, such as medications, pain management interventions, or surgery, focus primarily on symptom relief. Chiropractic, on the other hand, offers a conservative approach that focuses on restoring biomechanical function without the risks of invasive procedures or long-term medication use.

Hernia: Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of a Hernia:

• Back or neck pain that radiates to an arm or leg.
• Tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
• Restrictions on movement and increased pain in certain positions.

Traditional Treatment Options:

• Medication: Painkillers and anti-inflammatories suppress pain but do not solve the underlying biomechanical problem. Long-term use carries risks such as stomach upset, liver problems and addiction.
• Pain Clinic: Corticosteroid injections or nerve blocks provide temporary relief, but do not address the cause.
• Surgery: Although sometimes necessary, back surgery is invasive and carries risks such as infection, nerve damage, and long-term rehabilitation. In addition, success rates vary, and in some cases, pain can return.

How Chiropractic Differs

Chiropractic is a non-invasive and safe approach that focuses on restoring the biomechanical function of the spine. Unlike other treatment options, it looks at the movement and stability of the entire spinal segment.

Chiropractic Treatment for Hernia:

1. Personalized Evaluation: A customized treatment plan is created based on a thorough analysis of your posture, movement patterns, and any imaging (such as MRI).
2. Targeted Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments restore normal motion function of spinal segments, reduce pressure on nerves, and improve biomechanics.
3. Healing Support: The focus is on activating the body’s natural healing capacity, without external intervention.
4. Exercises and Lifestyle Advice: In addition to adjustments, you will receive exercises and advice to improve the stability and functionality of your spine and prevent further hernias.
   1. Scientifically Supported Effectiveness; Chiropractic is recognized as a safe and effective conservative treatment option for herniated discs, with evidence that proper adjustment can reduce pain and improve function.
   2. Research from Spine: Chiropractic manipulation was found to be significantly more effective in reducing pain than non-manipulative treatments, such as physical therapy.
   3. Cochrane Review: Conservative treatment is recommended as first choice for hernia, with manipulations playing a prominent role.
   4. Comparison to Surgery: A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that patients with herniated discs who received chiropractic care often achieved similar or better results than those who had surgery, without the risks of surgery.

Why Chiropractic as a First Choice?

1. Safety: Chiropractic is non-invasive and has a very low risk of complications, especially when compared to medications and surgery.
2. Focus on Cause: Unlike pain clinic treatments, chiropractic focuses on correcting biomechanical abnormalities, not just relieving symptoms.
3. Long-Lasting Results: By focusing on restoring normal function, further problems and relapse are prevented.
4. Individual Attention: Chiropractic looks at the total movement pattern of your body, not just the specific location of the hernia.

Are you suffering from a herniated disc or considering surgery? First, consider the benefits of chiropractic as a proven and safe conservative treatment. Contact us for a consultation and discover how we can help you restore your back health without invasive interventions.