Chiropractic Therapy More Effective for Sciatica Than Surgery

Drs. Matt & Annie Reyes works with many sciatica patients here in our State College office, and quite a few of these patients were nervous that they might require surgery to eliminate their pain. The latest research reveals that many people don't require surgery for this widespread problem, and that chiropractic adjustments is more successful at clearing up sciatic nerve issues.

A typical surgery for sciatica is microdiscectomy, and in a 2010 study, specialists looked at 80 individuals with sciatica who were referred for this procedure.

Forty patients were then randomly sorted into one of two groups. The first group received surgical microdiscectomy and the second group received chiropractic therapy.

Both groups got better; however, no noticeable difference in outcome was reported one year post-treatment between either group. In addition, roughly 60% of the participating patients who could not find assistance from any other treatment method "benefited from spinal manipulation to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention."

Simply put, chiropractic care provided the same positive advantages as surgery without having to go through the increased amounts of surgery-based pain or suffer through drawn-out recovery times often affiliated with that specific treatment method. Additionally, you also don't run the risks affiliated with surgical microdiscectomy, including nerve root damage, bowel or bladder incontinence, bleeding, or infection.

We Can Help People Find Relief From Sciatica Pain

Surgery ought to be the last resort for sciatica pain. If you live in State College and you're suffering from back discomfort or sciatica, give Drs. Matt & Annie Reyes a call today at (814) 308-9352. We'll help identify the source of your problems and work hard to get you relief and living pain free.

References

• McMorland, G et al. Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2010;33(8):576-584.
• Solberg TK, Nygaard OP, Sjaavik K, Hofoss D, Ingebrigtsen T. The risk of "getting worse" after lumbar microdiscectomy. European Spine Journal 2005;14(1):49-54.