Chiropractic Care and Back Pain: Techniques

What is chiropractic "Flexion-Distraction" technique?
Flexion-distraction technique has become the most widely used approach to treating symptomatic disc injuries involving back pain and the often-accompanying leg pain. Flexion-distraction involves the use of a specialized table that gently distracts or stretches the spine and which allows the chiropractor to isolate the area of disc involvement while slightly flexing the spine in a pumping rhythm. There is no pain involved in the treatment.

Theoretically, the tractioning or distraction of the disc combined with isolation and gentle pumping of the involved area allows the central area of the disc, the nucleus pulposus, to assume its central position in the disc. Flexion-distraction is thought to improve disc height.

These actions move the disc away from the nerve, reducing inflammation of the nerve root, and eventually the associated pain and inflammation into the leg.

Flexion-distraction is applied in a series of treatments combined with adjunctive physiotherapy, supplementation, and home instructions. Eventually, specific exercises for low back disc conditions are introduced. Patients are evaluated and monitored throughout the treatment program.

In flexion-distraction technique, chiropractors follow a "50% rule": if a patient has not improved objectively and subjectively by 50% at the end of 12 sessions, then imaging studies are assigned and spine specialist referral is considered. If there is substantial worsening at any time during treatment, imaging and neurosurgical referral are the standard of care.

What are chiropractic "Pelvic Blocking" techniques?
Chiropractors use pelvic blocking techniques as part of another low back disc protocol. Under blocking technique, disc patients are categorized according to a set of findings including traditional orthopedic and neurological testing.

Treatments using pelvic blocking techniques include the use of cushioned wedges, which are placed under each side of the pelvis along with gentle maneuvers. This allows gravity and changes in mechanics to draw the disc away from the nerve. Disc injuries are treated in a series of non-force treatments with monitoring and evaluation. If subjective signs and symptoms are not improving, referral for imaging and spine specialist referral are standard of care.

Chiropractic Holistic Care and Disc Injuries
Chiropractors are holistic doctors(Complimentary Alternative Medical providers, abbreviated CAM) and even specific conditions, such as a "slipped", herniated, or ruptured discs, are treated in a whole body context. The chiropractor considers stress and nutritional and lifestyle factors, especially as they relate to pain perception and reduction of inflammation. Conditioning and exercise, stress management, and improved nutrition and eating habits are all considered when the acute phase of pain and inflammation has been resolved.

The low back disc is always seen in the context of the spine as a whole. In addition to addressing low back, the chiropractor addresses possible spinal joint restrictions in the neck, midback, and extremities that may need correction. Manual adjusting techniques can be used successfully in the neck and midback, while the low back is addressed with low force techniques.

How to Find a Chiropractor Who Treats Disc Conditions
Chiropractors are taught to treat disc conditions as a part of the curriculum at all chiropractic colleges. Patients who want to consider conservative care for their low back and leg pain should consult a chiropractor who offers a program of diagnosis and treatment using low force techniques.

To return to Part 1 or Part 2 of this three-part article, click on one of the following:

Part 1: Chiropractic Care and Back Pain: Non-Invasive Treatment for Bulging, Ruptured, or Herniated Discs (Slipped Discs)

Part 2: Chiropractic Treatment: Slipped Discs

To Find a Doctor of Chiropractic: Click Here