Spinal disc problems can often be treated effectively using conservative care methods. One of the most common spinal disc problems is a disc herniation or bulge. According to MayoClinic.com, a herniated disc typically gets better or resolves with conservative treatment, and surgery for herniated discs usually is not necessary. Safe, non-invasive and effective spinal disc treatments include traction, spinal manipulative therapy and McKenzie exercises.
Traction
Traction--the use of long-axis distraction to gap adjacent vertebrae and unweight the spine--is an effective treatment method for spinal disc problems, especially herniated discs. According to a 2006 study by Bulent Ozturk and colleagues published in the journal Rheumatology International, lumbar or low back traction is effective in improving symptoms and clinical findings in lumbar disc herniation patients and reducing the size of the herniated disc material, as measured by computed tomography or CT.
Flexion distraction therapy for disc problems is a special type of traction that involves simultaneous spinal flexion or bending and elongation. Flexion distraction therapy commonly is used for low back disc problems, although it may be helpful for cervical or neck disc problems, too. According to a 2003 study by Jason S. Schliesser, D.C., MPH and colleagues published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, flexion distraction therapy for cervical disc problems and arm pain produced a statistically significant reduction in pain.
Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Spinal manipulative therapy or SMT is a safe and effective method for treating spinal disc problems. SMT typically involves a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust maneuver to the spine that mobilizes the spinal joints and may reduce disc-related discomfort. According to a 2004 study by Drew Oliphant, D.C. published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, SMT is a safe method for treating lumbar disc herniations, especially when compared with other medically accepted treatments, and SMT should be an integral part of treatment plans that address lumbar disc herniations. A 2000 study by A.K. Burton and colleagues published in the European Spine Journal concludes that osteopathic manipulation or SMT can be considered as an option for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, at least when surgical intervention is not indicated--which is the majority of cases.
McKenzie Exercises
McKenzie exercises are named after Robin McKenzie, a physical therapist and researcher of mechanical spinal disorders. According to the Spine Universe website, the McKenzie approach to disc pathology doesn't necessarily involve flexion or extension exercises, but focuses on pain centralization. The Spine Universe website says you begin the McKenzie exercise program following a comprehensive assessment in which pain centralizing postures are determined. These postures are then incorporated into your exercise program. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians or AAFP, because of its individualized approach and its emphasis on minimizing radiating pain, the McKenzie exercise program may be one of the most beneficial treatment methods for a herniated lumbar disc. The AAFP notes, however, that any exercise program for disc patients should be carefully designed to maximize health benefits, and that determining the patient's limitations and therapeutic goals are also important.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Herniated Disk
- "Rheumatology International"; Effect of Continuous Lumbar Traction; Bulent Ozturk et al.; May 2006
- "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics"; Chiropractic Flexion Distraction Manipulation; Jason S. Schliesser, D.C., MPH et al.; November 2003
- "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics"; Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Lumbar Disk Herniations; Drew Oliphant, D.C.; March 2004
- "European Spine Journal"; The Treatment of Symptomatic Lumbar Disc Herniation; A. K. Burton et al.; June 2000
