Spinal Manipulation Effective as Surgery for Sciatica Treatment

May 23, 2011

Spinal Manipulation Proves Equally Beneficial As Surgery in Sciatica Treatment

In a recent study, “Manipulation or Microdisketomy for Sciatica? A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study,” (Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, October 2010, Vol. 33 Iss. 8, p: 576-584), researchers concluded that spinal manipulation was just as effective as microdiskectomy for patients struggling with sciatica secondary to lumbar disk herniation (LDH). The patient population studied included people experiencing chronic sciatica (symptoms greater than six months) that had failed traditional, medical management. Overall, 60 percent of patients who received spinal manipulation benefited to the same degree as those who underwent surgery.

“Sciatica is a serious spinal condition that causes pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs. Many times when symptoms become debilitating and without further help, surgery is prescribed to alleviate discomfort. But surgery is not without financial and physical drawbacks.”

“To our knowledge, this is the first, randomized trial that directly compared spinal manipulation, which in this study was delivered by a doctor of chiropractic, and back surgery, two popular treatment choices for this prevalent health condition,” says Dr. Gordon McMorland, who co-authored the paper with neurosurgeons Steve Casha, MD, PhD, FRCSC, Stephan J. du Plessis, MD, and R. John Hubert, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS. “Sciatica is a serious spinal condition that causes pain, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs. Many times when symptoms become debilitating and without further help, surgery is prescribed to alleviate discomfort. But surgery is not without financial and physical drawbacks.”

According to the study, “Outpatient Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Prospective Study in 122 Patients”, more than 200,000 microdiskectomies are performed annually in the United States, at a direct cost of $5 billion, or $25,000 per procedure. In this year-long study, consenting participants were chosen randomly to receive either an average of 21 chiropractic sessions over a year or a single microdiskectomy, both with the additional integration of six supervised active rehabilitation sessions and a patient education program. If cost is assumed at $100 per chiropractic visit, there is a direct, total savings of $22,900 per manipulation patient. System-wide, this could save $2.75 billion dollars annually.

“After a year, no significant complications were seen in either treatment group, and the 60 percent patients who benefitted from spinal manipulation improved to the same degree as their surgical counterparts,” says Dr. McMorland, who also points out that, “The 40 percent of patients who were not helped by manipulation did receive subsequent surgical intervention. These patients benefitted to the same degree as those that underwent surgery initially, suggesting there was no detrimental effect caused by delaying their surgical treatment.”

“Our research supports spinal manipulation performed by a doctor of chiropractic is a valuable and safe treatment option for those experiencing symptomatic LDH, failing traditional medical management. These individuals should consider spinal manipulation as a primary treatment, followed by surgery if unsuccessful.”

Source:
Medical News Today and Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

Study Finds Back Pain Sufferers Benefit From Chiropractic Care

January 11, 2011

Study Finds Back Pain Sufferers Benefit From Chiropractic Care and Alternative Approaches

Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, Vol. 23 Number 3.

A recent study, “Perceived Benefit of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Back Pain” (Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, May – June 2010, Vol. 23 No.3), found the majority of respondents receiving complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for back pain, reported great benefit from the various treatments. Overall, 60 percent of those surveyed who had at least one CAM therapy in the last 12 months found remarkable relief using the top six CAM modalities; chiropractic care, massage, yoga/tai chi/qi Cong, acupuncture, herbal therapies, and relaxation techniques – with chiropractic care the most popular choice.

With back pain cited as the second leading reason for ambulatory visits in the U.S., the survey aimed to explore all promising CAM therapies – offering 17 possible choices. Chiropractic care was the favored approach at 74 percent, with massage second at 22 percent of all CAM options – from hypnosis to naturopathy.

“What we are seeing with these studies is compelling evidence that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for back pain sufferers – more and more, that light is chiropractic care and other CAM approaches,” advises Gerard Clum, D.C., Foundation for Chiropractic Progress spokesperson and president of Life Chiropractic College West.

While survey results were remarkable, only 24 percent of respondents who received CAM stated that their conventional medical practitioner suggested the use of CAM for back pain. Others turned to CAM treatments because they felt…“conventional medicine would not help,” when dealing with severe back pain.

“Back pain sufferers should be made aware of all treatment options, especially alternatives that have been scientifically proven to provide relief,” says Dr. Clum. “While chiropractic care has in the past been considered alternative there is now a case to be made for making it the first choice for patients and in the process making interventions like injections and surgery the alternative approach.”

Source: Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP)and Medical News Today

Grafton Chiropractic Welcomes Massage Therapy

January 8, 2011

Grafton Chiropractic Welcomes Massage Therapy to Clinic

Grafton Chiropractic is excited to announce that we have contracted with “A Healing Spirit” to provide massage therapy services. We are pleased to welcome back, Margie Ziegler, owner of “A Healing Spirit” to our clinic.
For appointments, pricing, and more information, please call 262-377-6440 or visit www.ahealingspiritmassage.com for details.