Occasionally the question arises if spinal manipulation of the lumbar spine is safe in the presence of disc herniation(s).  Below is a repost of an abstract (summary) of a study that was done on this topic. The findings of the study confirm that chiropractic manipulation is extremely safe. Please read, and email us should there be any questions.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2004 Mar-Apr;27(3):197-210.

Safety of spinal manipulation in the treatment of lumbar disk herniations: a systematic review and risk assessment.

Oliphant D.

Source

Comfort Health, 4607 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G 0A6.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To provide a qualitative systematic review of the risk of spinal manipulation in the treatment of lumbar disk herniations (LDH) and to estimate the risk of spinal manipulation causing a severe adverse reaction in a patient presenting with LDH.

DATA SOURCES:

Relevant case reports, review articles, surveys, and investigations regarding treatment of lumbar disk herniations with spinal manipulation and adverse effects and associated risks were found with a search of the literature.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Prospective/retrospective studies and review papers were graded according to quality, and results and conclusions were tabulated. From the data published, an estimate of the risk of spinal manipulation causing a clinically worsened disk herniation or cauda equina syndrome (CES) in patients presenting with LDH was calculated. This was compared with estimates of the safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and surgery in the treatment of LDH.

RESULTS:

An estimate of the risk of spinal manipulation causing a clinically worsened disk herniation or CES in a patient presenting with LDH is calculated from published data to be less than 1 in 3.7 million.

CONCLUSION:

The apparent safety of spinal manipulation, especially when compared with other “medically accepted” treatments for LDH, should stimulate its use in the conservative treatment plan of LDH.

PMID:

15129202

[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

(Should you or anyone you know have intervertebral disc herniation(s) consider receiving an exam and consultation at Dr. Eshanov Chiropractic, in Montclair, NJ.   Dr. Gary Eshanov, is a Montclair chiropractor and  treats patients from Bergen, Essex, and Union Counties. We are centrally located and minutes away from towns such as Glen Ridge, Cedar Grove, Verona, Bloomfield, Nutley, Paramus and Fair  Lawn.  Dr. Eshanov is a family chiropractor and treats patients of all ages.)