Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy for Herniated Disc

Chiropractic Care for Herniated Disc

Herniated Disc

Chiropractors believe that back pain and tenderness is caused by restricted movement in the spine.  Spinal manipulation is a technique that restores mobility in the spine and is used for lower back pain.  Some types of spinal manipulation will help relieve pain from a herniated disc, but it some cases it may not help at all.  Many medical doctors do not recommend chiropractic treatment as a solution to a herniated disc problem.  If a patient chooses to receive chiropractic treatment, the physician will ask them about their pain and examine the spine.  These questions help determine what kind of spinal manipulation the patient will need.  During a spinal manipulation treatment, the physician will apply pressure along the spine, causing a cracking or popping noise to occur.  This is a painless process that may or may not provide pain relief for patients with a herniated disc.   

Massage Therapy for Herniated Disc

Massage therapy is used to treat and relieve symptoms of back pain.  It provides temporary relief, but may not have a long term effect on the patient.  Massages will help stretch tissues and restore different muscles, allowing patients to return back to normal activities.  Massage therapy has not been proven to be an effective treatment for a herniated disc, but it may provide temporary relief.  There are no side effects from massage therapy, which is why many medical doctors will suggest this type of treatment.