Chiropractic Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniations

Lately there has been a rash of inaccurate reports about the safety of chiropractic. Most of these reports come from “groups” that are already opposed to chiropractic treatment. And all of these reports are ignoring the actual studies proving how safe and effective chiropractic truly is.
A study in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics proved the safety of chiropractic in treating lumbar disc herniations. The study was designed to determine the risk of spinal manipulation causing a severe adverse reaction in a patient presenting with a lumbar disk herniation.
This study showed that the risk of spinal manipulation causing a clinically worsened disk herniation was less than 1 in 3.7 million. Compare this to epidural injections which have an adverse reaction rate of 2-5%. Even more interesting is lumbar disc surgery can have adverse reactions in over 10% of the time with the surgery either failing to improve a patient’s symptoms or make them worse about half the time.
“After a thorough evaluation, I will adjust most of my patients that have a lumbar disc herniation,” explained Dr. Steven Read, Clinic Director of Ortega Chiropractic Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. “Every case is different and I evaluate each case differently, but about 85% of my patients receive some type of improvement, “he added.
Dr. Read went on to explain that he also uses spinal decompression and other physical therapy and exercise techniques to achieve his success.
“There are certain instances when I have referred patients for epidural injections and surgery, but those instances are very rare and should always be a last resort, but is very important to have all back pain, especially pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, hips or legs properly evaluated,” he stated.
In conclusion, studies have proved how safe and effective chiropractic is in treating lumbar disc herniations. In addition, studies have also shown it to be very cost-effective. With all the scientific proof, chiropractic should be the first plan of treatment for lumbar disc herniations.
About Dr. Read…
Dr. Read is a 1988 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. He has practiced in Jacksonville, FL for over 20 years. He treats patients from all over Jacksonville, including Orange Park, Argyle, Middleburg, Riverside, Ortega and Green Cove Springs. He offers a no cost no obligation way to determine if chiropractic can help his patients. By going to his new website www.FreeExamJacksonville.com , prospective patients can download a certificate that entitles them to a free chiropractic examination and medically necessary x-rays. Ortega Chiropractic is located just north of NAS Jax on Highway 17. Dr. Read can be reached at 904-425-4545.