Objective: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent and disabling condition costing health systems hundreds of millions of dollars and vital resources annually. Our paper reports on the non-surgical resorption of a massive LDH following a comprehensive plan of chiropractic care.
Clinical Features: An elderly male presented to a chiropractic clinic with severe low back and leg pain. An MRI was ordered and revealed a massive herniation at L3-4 that measured 10mm AP with 19mm of caudal migration.
Intervention and Outcome: The patient was treated with a comprehensive plan of chiropractic care to include spinal manipulation therapy. Significant patient improvement was noted throughout re-examination intervals. 6-months after the initial visit, a repeat MRI showed a reduction of the massive LDH from 10mm to 4.7mm.
Conclusion: Without the presence of severe neurological deficit or cauda equina syndrome, chiropractic care is not contraindicated and is a safe choice for LDH intervention, even with massively sized herniations.
Author keywords: Chiropractic; Spinal Manipulation; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Back Pain
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