It takes 3 months for a torn disc to heal sufficiently to return to normal activities of daily living.

~ from Hirschberg:
Texas Medicine 1974, 70(12)

The 50% Rule

50% relief of pain, measured subjectively and objectively, is the goal within the first 30 days of care. If 50% relief of pain is not achieved, further imaging, testing, or surgical consultation will be arranged.
Caveat: Patients often experience relief within the first few visits. Radicular pain -- pain down a leg or arm -- may take a little longer and see relief in the second week of care.




Examination -- Diagnosis -- Treatment

A chiropractic physician is a 7 year trained specialist in musculoskeletal conditions. He will do a thorough examination of your complaint to include tests standing, sitting, lying down. She will observe you walk. As simple as knowing if the back pain came on before the leg pain or knowing which finger feels pain or numbness, the doctor can determine the affected disc and nerve. He may want to take x-rays as confirmation of his diagnosis. MRIs and other more expensive tests are often not needed unless there is progressive neurological findings or no improvement. All this effort is to ensure as exact a diagnosis as possible in order to care for your spine properly.

Depending on the diagnosis (a simple sprain or a disc herniation with sciatic pain or arm pain), a treatment plan varying from one or two visits a day to one visit a week will be recommended to you. Remember: the 50% rule is followed. If you (like many patients) find that you feel 50% relief after one or two treatments, your recommended treatment frequency will be reduced by 50%.

Ancillary treatment modalities may be recommended: hot/cold therapy, electrical stimulation ( low volt galvanism designed to reduce inflammation and sedate nerves ), massage, acupuncture, nutrition ( glucosamine sulfate/chondroitin sulfate to help cartilage repair), neck or back support braces.  Listen to the recommendations, and decide what is best for your health.

It will be encouraged that you attend a BACK WELLNESS SCHOOL to learn more about your spinal condition and how to CONTROL YOUR SPINAL PAIN CONDITION so IT doesn't control you. YOU are central to your spinal pain condition's resolution. The physician is here to support you by being knowledgeable of the most up-to-date procedure to help you regain and maintain your QUALITY OF LIFE. Your role is to understand that there isn't a cure to back pain, but there is control and consider carefully the physician's recommendations for YOUR HEALTH.