Chiropractic Treatment Superior for Sciatica Than Surgery

Dr. Alpert works with countless sciatica patients here in our Jonesboro office, and several of these patients were concerned that they might need surgery to relieve their pain. The most recent research indicates that many people don't need surgery for this common issue, and that chiropractic treatment is more effective at solving sciatic nerve problems.

A common surgery for sciatica is microdiscectomy, and in a 2010 study, researchers looked at 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 treatment.

Both groups got better; however, no noticeable difference in results was reported one year post-treatment between the surgery group and the chiropractic group. Additionally, about sixty 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."

Put another way, chiropractic therapy offered the same positive benefits as surgery without having to endure the increased amounts of surgery-based pain or suffer through lengthy recovery times often associated with that specific treatment option. 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 Relief From Sciatica Pain

Surgery ought to be the last resort for sciatica pain. If you live in Jonesboro and you're experiencing back discomfort or sciatica, give Dr. Alpert a call today at (770) 472-8989. We'll help pinpoint the start 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.