Chiropractic Treatment Superior for Sciatica Than Surgery

Dr. Cohen works with countless sciatica patients here in our Holtsville office, and quite a few of these men and women were afraid that they might require surgery to eliminate their pain. The most recent research shows that a large number of people don't need surgery for this widespread issue, and that chiropractic treatment is more effective at resolving sciatic nerve pain.

A common surgery for sciatica is microdiscectomy, and in a 2010 study, physicians examined 80 women and men with sciatica who were referred for this operation.

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

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

In other words, chiropractic adjustments offered the same positive benefits as surgery without needing to endure the greater levels of surgery-based pain or suffer through extended recovery times often associated 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 Clients Find Comfort From Sciatica Pain

Surgery ought to be the last option for sciatica pain. If you live in Holtsville and you're being affected by back discomfort or sciatica, give Dr. Cohen a call today at (631) 360-7999. We'll help identify the origin of your issues and work hard to get you help 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.