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Alternative therapies for herniated disk
By Mayo Clinic staffComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes a number of therapies that aren't an integral part of conventional medicine. "Complementary" generally refers to treatments that you might choose in addition to conventional medical treatment. "Alternative" generally refers to treatment that you might choose in place of conventional treatment. In some cases, researchers haven't studied these treatments adequately using widely accepted scientific methods. Or there may be conflicting evidence as to whether a specific treatment provides relief from the symptoms of herniated disk. Even so, a growing body of evidence indicates that some complementary and alternative treatments may help manage the symptoms of herniated disk. When the science supporting the safety and efficacy of a particular treatment is strong, it's often incorporated into conventional medicine. Combining the best of both conventional medicine with the best of evidence-based CAM is referred to as integrative medicine. Here are some CAM therapies for herniated disk:
Acupuncture. Acupuncture isn't generally used to treat herniated disks. It may relieve back pain, though the scientific literature isn't conclusive about this. Pain relief may come from the release of endorphins, your body's natural painkillers, but how acupuncture works isn't known for sure. It may control pain via the gate control theory of pain, which proposes that pain is blocked in the central nervous system by the sensation of the needle in your skin. Acupuncture may also alter your brain's chemistry in a way that affects the parts of the central nervous system that relate to sensation and involuntary body functions.
Depending on your reasons for seeking acupuncture, you'll have one or several hair-thin needles inserted into your skin. Some go as deep as three inches (8 centimeters), depending on where they're placed in your body and what the treatment is for. The needles usually are left in for 15 to 30 minutes. Several sessions may be needed.
Chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic treatment is based on the rationale that restricted movement in the spine may lead to reduced function and pain. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy chiropractors use to treat restricted spinal mobility. The goal is to restore spinal movement and, as a result, improve function and decrease pain. Some types of spinal manipulation can relieve symptoms in people with a herniated disk. However, the practice remains controversial and many medical doctors don't recommend chiropractic care to treat herniated disk.
Your chiropractor may ask you questions about your pain and examine your spine. This helps her or him decide where your spine needs manipulation. To manipulate your spine, your chiropractor puts pressure on your back using her or his hands. You may feel a pinching sensation and hear a popping noise, which is normal.
Massage. Massage is widely used as treatment for low back pain. Massage may provide relief from chronic low back pain, but the effect may not be strong or long lasting. Your doctor may recommend that you receive massage therapy for the pain relief and relaxation it may provide. Massage may also help stretch soft tissues, restore your muscle length and allow you to resume various activities. Though it isn't a proven treatment for herniated disk, massage therapy generally is safe and doesn't have adverse side effects. However, it's not completely risk-free. Massage isn't advisable for some people.
Don't try massage if you have:
- Osteoporosis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Skin infections or open wounds
- Arthritis in the area to be massaged
Massage involves the kneading, stroking and manipulation of soft tissues — your skin, muscles and tendons. Your massage will vary depending on the rhythm, rate, pressure and direction of these movements. A Swedish massage uses long, gliding strokes to promote relaxation and improve your circulation. A deep-tissue massage uses slow strokes, but more pressure than a Swedish massage, to reach deeper layers of your muscle. During most massages, you'll need to take off your clothes and lie down on a padded table, though some massages can be done in a chair with your clothes on. Most massages take 30 minutes to an hour. About 100 different varieties of massage exist, and your doctor or massage therapist can help you decide which is best for you.
Do your homework and tell your doctor
If you decide to use complementary or alternative treatments, make sure you learn as much as you can about them. Find out what they are and what benefits their practitioners claim to provide. And before choosing a treatment, evaluate the benefits and risks. Lastly, if you decide to use a complementary or alternative therapy, it's important that you tell your doctor. Some treatments may alter the effect of other therapies or medications.
