European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Symptomatic disc herniation is the most common disc pathology and can result in substantial disability and poor quality of life. Here, we present a male patient who was diagnosed as having lumbar disc herniation at L3/L4 and L4/L5 levels with nerve root entrapment. The patient sought chiropractic treatment for severe back pain which lead to trouble walking. After 7 months of a medical/chiropractic intervention, complete pain relief and recovery of muscle weakness were achieved. At 11-month follow-up, the regression of the herniated discs was documented on MR imaging. This case presentation aims to raise a reappraisal of our knowledge of intervertebral disc herniation in regard to the natural history, the components of herniated material and possible mechanisms behind hernia regression, which holds the key to treating this problem. Through the translation of research evidence into practice, current guidelines recalibrate instructions on the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic disc herniation.