Dr. Vinick works with many sciatica patients here in our Redondo Beach office, and many of these men and women were concerned that they might require surgery to eliminate their pain. The latest research shows that a large number of people don't require surgery for this prevalent problem, and that chiropractic is more effective at clearing up sciatic nerve pain.
A common surgery for sciatica is microdiscectomy, and in a 2010 study, researchers examined 80 patients with sciatica who were referred for this procedure.
Forty patients were then randomly sorted into one of two groups. The first group received surgical microdiscectomy and the second group received chiropractic care.
Both groups improved; however, no noticeable difference in outcome was recorded one year post-treatment between either group. Additionally, roughly 60% of the participating patients who could not find assistance from any other treatment method "benefited from spinal manipulation to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention."
In other words, chiropractic offered the same positive benefits as surgery without having to endure the higher amounts of surgery-based pain or suffer through extended recovery times often associated with that particular treatment method. Plus, you also don't run the risks linked to surgical microdiscectomy, which includes nerve root damage, bowel or bladder incontinence, bleeding, or infection.
Surgery ought to be the last resort for sciatica pain. If you live in Redondo Beach and you're suffering from back pain or sciatica, give Dr. Vinick a call today at (310) 375-4325. We'll help determine the start of your pain and work hard to get you relief.
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