When a patient comes to see Dr. Nathen Horst, they have often been to other physicians to help relieve their pain, particularly if it is back pain. Many of these patients have already their primary care physician and one or more specialists. The most frustrating part is that many doctors recommend medication or invasive treatment options.

In fact, there has been a steady rise in the number of spinal fusion surgeries to reduce back pain, in some cases by as much as 220 percent over the course of 10 years. Instead, Dr. Horst recommends chiropractic care as a far less invasive, safer alternative to surgery to treat back pain.

How can chiropractic relieve back pain more effectively than surgery, and what does the latest research show in terms of how much benefit a chiropractic may offer over surgery for back pain?

Spinal Fusion Surgery versus Chiropractic Techniques

A herniated disc, sometimes known as a slipped disc, is one of the more common reasons for spinal fusion surgery or chiropractic treatment. This common source of back pain occurs when the tough, outer part of one or more of the vertebral discs develops a tear, which allows the soft center to painfully press against the nerves that lead out of the spinal column and through the vertebrae to the various organs and other parts of the body.

Spinal fusion surgery removes the herniated disc, and also fuses together the vertebrae above and below the disc into one unit that does not move. This is usually achieved with a graft, which can come from another bone in the body or a bone bank (similar to a blood bank).

In comparison, chiropractic treatment focuses on getting the vertebrae back into proper alignment, thereby relieving pressure on the nerves. Dr. Horst does this by opening up the space between the affected vertebrae, which gives them the room necessary to align properly. He will do this with either his hands or the use of a small, metal, spring-loaded tool.

Does Chiropractic Care Work Better Than Surgery?

There’s no question that chiropractic care is less invasive than spinal fusion therapy. But can it actually treat back pain more effectively than surgery? A study from the journal Spine followed a group of people who had work-related back injuries. The researchers found that almost 43 percent of those who first saw a surgeon ended up undergoing surgery. However, only 1.5 percent of those who saw a chiropractor first went on to have surgery.

Another study found that when a group of patients with herniated discs, who had been told that they needed lower back surgery, first underwent chiropractic treatment, 60 percent showed improvement. Furthermore, the authors of the study estimated that there could be a savings of more than $2 billion a year if all patients with herniated discs were able to try chiropractic adjustments before undergoing surgery.

No matter how you look at it, spinal fusion surgery is riskier and more expensive. Chiropractic care is a good option for patients before surgery.