Is it possible to reduce a herniated disc in the lower back with chiropractic or osteopathic type mobilization and manipulation? This article published in the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine says that mobilization applications applied in lumbar disc herniation patients may have a positive effect on radiological (x-ray and MRI) findings, functional status, pain, ROM, and flexibility. ~ Dr. Broussard
Taşkaya B. Is regression in lumbar disk herniation possible by spinal mobilization? A single-blind randomized controlled clinical study
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2025; 56
Highlights
• Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common degenerative spine disease that affects patients’ quality of life and workforce potential. According to World Health Organization data, LDH has become an important cause of disability in developed and developing countries.
• In lumbar disc herniation, lumbar region mobilization applications are recommended to relax the patient’s spasmed muscles due to pain and to break the pain-spasm-pain cycle.
• In this study, mobilization applications were found to have positive effects on regression of herniation distance, increase in disc height and facet joint distance, functional status, pain, ROM and flexibility in patients with LDH.
Abstract
Aims
This study aims to examine the impacts of spinal mobilization practices on herniation distance, disc height, and facet joint distance, as well as functional status, pain, range of motion (ROM), and flexibility in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients.
Methods
Thirty-two participants participated in the study, divided into an Intervention and Control Group. Radiological findings were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging before and after the study. The Back Performance Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, The S, and The Sit and Reach Test were assessed before, after, and at three months. The control group received ten sessions of stabilization exercises for five weeks, two sessions per week. In the intervention group, spinal mobilization applications were applied in addition to stabilization exercises
Results
Intra-group analysis revealed significant reductions in herniation distance, increases in facet joint distance, pain alleviation, functional improvement, enhanced flexibility, and extended ROM in both groups (p < 0.05). Notably, a significant increase in disc height was observed exclusively in the Intervention Group (p < 0.05). Inter-group analysis revealed no significant differences between the groups post-intervention (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Mobilization applications applied in LDH patients may have a positive effect on radiological findings, functional status, pain, ROM, and flexibility.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier
NCT05753579 (03.02.2023)