Chiropractic adjustments, cervical traction and rehabilitation correct cervical spine herniated disc. Breakiron G. Journal of Chiropractic Case Reports. Vol. 1 No. 1 Jan 1993. Abstract: A 43 year old female suffered C5-6 and C6-7 nuclear herniations as a result of an automobile collision. The patient suffered a hyperextension/hyperflexion trauma to the cervical spine which resulted in a reversal of her cervical lordosis, thus causing extensive soft tissue damage and herniations as seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. Specific spinal adjustments were administered with a hand held adjusting instrument to correct her posterior and lateral cervical subluxations. A therapeutic exercise program was prescribed along with cervical traction and soft tissue rehabilitation. After 6 months, a repeat MRI revealed that there was a mild posterior bulging of the C5-6 level in the mid line with no evidence for significant disc herniation. The C5-6 area appears to be essentially normal.
Resorption of a herniated cervical disc following chiropractic treatment utilizing the atlas orthogonal technique: a case report. Robinson, G.Kevin. Abstracts from the 14th annual upper cervical spine conference Nov 22-23, 1997 Life University, Marietta, Ga. Pub. In Chiropractic Research Journal, Vol. 5, No.1, spring 1998. A case of a herniated cervical disc as diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizing chiropractic care (atlas orthogonal technique). Comparative MRI post adjustment revealed complete resolution of the herniated cervical disc. This is the case of a 44 year-old man whose symptoms were as follows: severe neck pain, constant burning, left arm pain and left shoulder pain plus paresthesia in the index finger of the left hand. Patient also had diminished grip strength on left hand using dynamometer testing. Tests also revealed hyporeflexive biceps and triceps on the left as well as a C6 and C7 sensory deficit on the left. The MRI scan revealed a large left lateral herniated disc at the C6-7 level. By the fifth week of care the patient’s symptoms of severe neck, shoulder, and arm pain were completely resolved. The patient’s numbness and grip strength improved consistently during the following six months. Comparative MRI obtained 14 months following the initial exam revealed total resolution of the herniated cervical disc.
The point is... In your statement you said chiropractic care would NOT HELP, but it seems all the studies beg to differ. If its only the traction therapy thats helping, not spinal manipulation thats a different discussion.
If a chiropractor offers traction therapy, and traction therapy works. Then chiropractic care can help/resolve disc herniations.
As far as spinal manipulation goes... There is study upon study upon study that proves its as effective and cheaper than traditional medicine to help with back pain. Depending on the underlying issue of course.