If you are diagnosed with a bulging disc in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) regions of your spine, one of the nonsurgical treatment options available to you is chiropractic therapy. Although chiropractics is not for everyone, millions of people who experience neck or back conditions rely on this treatment to ease their pain and discomfort. Talk to your doctor about the history and long-term effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation, then start researching chiropractors before making your choice. Read on for more information on how chiropractic care can be used to help you find relief.

Do your research on chiropractors

Before you choose a chiropractor for your bulging disc, ask your doctor for a recommendation. Check to make sure your potential choices have a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. After earning a degree, a graduate must pass the four levels of examination administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners as well as a physical therapy exam. Many chiropractors also complete additional training through residency to specialize in areas like orthopedics, sports injuries, radiology, geriatrics or pediatrics.

That only covers the on-paper qualifications. If all those are in order, continue your research into the following areas:

• Have this chiropractor’s patients complained of manipulation-related complications?
• How well have this chiropractor’s methods worked and how often are treatments required?
• Does this chiropractor embrace scientific diagnosis methods, as well as other conservative treatments, such as physical therapy?
• Have there been actions taken against this chiropractor by an examining board?

The minimally invasive alternative to chiropractors

If chiropractic therapy proves ineffective for managing neck or back pain caused by a bulging disc, contact USA Spine Care today. Our board-certified surgeons have helped thousands of patients find relief from neck and back pain, setting us apart as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery.

At USA Spine Care, our dedicated team can use a minimally invasive discectomy to remove a small portion of the bulging disc that has protruded into the spinal canal, thereby providing you with lasting relief from your symptoms. If you would like to find out whether you are a potential candidate for one of our minimally invasive bulging disc procedures, reach out to us to set up your free MRI review.*