Chiropractic Provides Quick Recovery in Spinal Degeneration Patients
Spinal degeneration occurs when your discs start to lose some of their fluids, sometimes causing it to leak out through any cracks that are in their outer layer, possibly creating a bulge or rupture in the disc itself. While this can occur normally with wear and tear as you age, other factors can affect its progression as well; namely, doing hard physical labor and smoking. However, it can also begin as a result of an injury, such as slipping and falling or being involved in an auto accident.
The end result is typically pain, and sometimes osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis. As more and more pressure is put on the spinal column, it can also affect other areas of your body as your nerves can become impinged, making treating this issue a necessity for a higher quality of life. Fortunately, one study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has found that chiropractic provides a quick recovery in patients with spinal degeneration--bringing hope to patients who are afflicted with this particular condition.
A group of researchers looked at 40 male participants in the 30 to 40 year age range that had been previously diagnosed with degenerative lumbar disease. They were divided evenly into two separate groups: one of which was the treatment group and one acting as a control group. The treatment group was then subjected to one spinal manipulation technique, whereas the control group received a placebo treatment.
To determine whether the treatment had any effect, researchers measured the subjects' heights, perceived level of pain in their lower back, their neural mechanosensitivity, and their level of mobility. Some data was collected via manual tests conducted by researchers and some were collected by self-report of the study participant.
Researchers found that the treatment group noticed immediate improvements in "self-perceived pain, spinal mobility in flexion, hip flexion...and subjects' full height." Essentially, benefits were gained in every test area, even after just one treatment session.
Researchers further suggested that studies be conducted on women to determine if the same positive effects will be found. In the meantime, this is hopeful information for people suffering with spinal degeneration as relief may be just one chiropractic appointment away.
Vieira-Pellenz F, Oliva-Pascual-Vaca A, Rodriquez-Blanco C, et al. Short-term effect of spinal manipulation on pain perception, spinal mobility, and full height recovery in male subjects with degenerative disk disease: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2014;95:1613-19.
