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Chiropractic Care Considered Effective and More Economical Than Epidural for Treating Herniated Disc Pain

Herniated Disc Treatment in Downtown St. Louis, MO

Herniated discs have bothered a number of clients that have visited our Downtown St. Louis, MO office. Fortunately, Dr. Holland has assisted many of them recover quickly and more completely. Herniated discs, or "slipped discs", can be treated with several different strategies.

If you are experiencing discomfort caused by a herniated disc, then you are likely wondering which choice will provide the best outcome for you. To support you in solving that query, let's look at two of the most popularly selected treatment options: chiropractic and epidural injections.

Research Analyzed Improvements from Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) and Nerve Root Injections (NRI)

A group of researchers compared 102 individuals, every one of them had chronically herniated discs confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Any participant chosen had already undergone ninety days of treatment through alternatively available treatment options without achieving success.

The body of individuals was divided into two subdivision. One half of the cohorts were assigned to receive high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation treatment (chiropractic treatments). The second half of cohorts were given nerve root injections (epidural).

The organizers of the study obtained ratings regarding the pain levels of each patient prior to the care provided at the time of the study. Subsequently, one month after the receiving of treatment, patients graded their disc herniation discomfort on the same scoring system as previously. The change between the two ratings was applied to gauge how useful the remedy may have been for relieving discomfort.

What did the researchers conclude in regards to spinal manipulations against nerve root injections?

Greater than 76 percent of the cohorts who were provided chiropractic care reported an improvement in their discomfort. On the other side, less than 63% of the cohorts who received epidurals indicated an improvement in discomfort. These results imply that chiropractic adjustments could be more successful for looking to reduce herniated disc pain.

On top of that, there’s more. Beyond giving a larger count of individuals greatly appreciated relief from pain, researchers also gleaned that chiropractic care was more affordable. Epidural treatments approximately cost $730 for a single patient. Chiropractic care ran just under $560 for the same duration. This amount of savings may certainly assist with your medical expenses. A lower cost can make it more viable to look for care for your disc herniation pain without additional worry.

If you would like a greater chance of pain relief and lower costs associated with your herniated disc treatment, give Dr. Holland a call today at (314) 588-9100 to schedule an appointment.

Reference

Peterson, CK et al. (2013, May). Symptomatic magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed lumbar disk herniation patients: a comparative effectiveness prospective observational study of 2 age-and sex-matched cohorts treated with either high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulative therapy or image-guided lumbar nerve root injections. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 36(4), 218-225, doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.04.005

March 03, 2025
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Dr. Holland

We have a long-standing track record or helping people get out of pain with chiropractic care. Whether you were injured last week, or have been suffering from chronic pain for years - It might only take one visit to our office in Downtown Saint Louis, MO to get you back on the path to everyday health.