A comparison of different treatments for a herniated disc
It is always recommended to thoroughly trial conservative treatments before seeking surgical intervention for a herniated disc. Fortunately there are some different choices available that can be helpful in resolving disc pain and problems:
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques to assist recovery of a herniated disc. These interventions include massage, gentle mobilization, ultrasound and heat. Physiotherapists are experts at prescribing exercises and will teach those that will be beneficial. Many of these will be based on Pilates exercises.
CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractors are well known for their ability to perform joint manipulations through the body. However, forceful manipulations are discouraged when a disc injury is suspected. Also, a chiropractor cannot “pop” a disc back in. Chiropractic treatment for disc injuries often involves traction of the lower back and pelvis. This is usually accomplished by a traction machine or a special bed. Chiropractors trained in Clinical Pilates may also teach special exercises to stabilize and support the back.
OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy uses similar techniques to physiotherapists and chiropractors. For a disc injury, this would include mobilization, massage manipulation and exercise therapy. Osteopaths focus particularly on the inter-relationship between different body parts. For example, a disc injury may have been partly caused by a weakness in the hip and pelvis, and this will be thoroughly investigated by an osteopathic practitioner. Osteopaths also help to encourage blood flow and drainage of chemical irritants which can relieve pain.
MYOTHERAPY
Myotherapists are experts in the field of muscle and soft tissue (ligament, tendon, fascia) therapy. They focus their assessment on the palpation of different muscles to determine if there is a contribution from the myo (muscle) fascia (the thin sleeve of tissue that wraps around the muscle). Muscle spasm and tightness is very common in disc injuries, and can often refer pain into the leg. Myotherapists also utilize interventions such as ultrasound, TENS machines and cupping.
WHAT TREATMENT IS BEST?
As we are all unique individuals, what works for one person may not necessarily work with another. Of the treatments described, physiotherapy is widely recognized and accepted by western medicine. Chiropractic and Osteopathy are offshoots of western medicine dating back to the late 19th century but they are not overly supported by western medicine. Along with chiropractic and osteopathy, myotherapy is also considered a complementary health approach.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A THERAPIST?
Always choose a therapist that is registered with a professional body (such as the Australian Physiotherapy Association). It is important to find a therapist who really cares about you and your injury. Be wary of practitioners who refute the value of other interventions. All philosophies and sciences have something unique and valuable, and in a comprehensive treatment plan, this will be acknowledged by a competent therapist.
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Suite 4/75 Bay St Brighton, Victoria, Australia.
03 9530 6353
http://www.baysidetherapies.com.au
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August 18th, 2007 at 1:56 am
Hi Matt,
This is an awesome blog.. I’ve recently been diagnosed with a herniated disc and everything you’d mentioned in the earlier posts sounds exactly like me…. also the more specialist posts you can get that are good quality like the ones you’ve got the better (good work Nat).
I’d be interested to read the opinions of a surgeon at some stage.
Also, can you please post some more information on what you went through when you had the epidural?
Lastly, are there any products, creams, pills etc you can recommend or review for us? Things like the back braces etc… You should ask for freebie products to review, they would do it too, because you’d link to their website where we can all purchase it after you’ve given it a rave review.
Keep posting for all of us lazy non-posters, and commenters.
Thanks
Clare
August 18th, 2007 at 8:08 am
Hi Clare,
I have found disc injury patients have responded well to a couple of creams. One is tiger balm which is available in supermarkets and chemists - be warned that the red is very, very hot. The other is called Flexall which you would need to get through a physiotherapist (it’s not available in chemists or supermarkets).
Glad to hear you enjoyed my articles. I am just about to finish another article on breaking news in the world of disc herniations, so stay tuned!
Cheers
Natalie
B.Physio
January 30th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Sweet blog and thanks for highlighting chiropractors in the article. Indeed chiropractic medicine has a variety of opportunities to help people in such circumstance. Just wanted to let people know that a good chiropractor isn’t about forceful bone popping and reckless treatment of the human body is anyone is nervous about that. Seek out one that is not just low-impact, but also has a holistic plan so you won’t need constant treatment the rest of your life. That is the goal, after all.