Most of the studies dealing with the effect of complementary approaches, such as chiropractic or osteopathy, for the treatment of herniated disc are small case studies or clinical studies. Despite encouraging results, more quality clinical studies will need to be performed before we can have more certainty about the efficacy and safety of these approaches. For more details, consult the sheets in question.

Note that, since the hernia can cause sciatica, low back pain or musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, you can consult the Complementary approaches sections of these sheets.

 Chiropractic. There is controversy over the effect of spinal manipulation on herniated discs^1,2. Some researchers believe these techniques are safe and effective, while others claim the opposite. The main risk claimed by some clinicians is that handling a hernia could lead to cauda equina syndrome (cauda equina)^1,3. However, the author of a systematic review published in 2004 estimates the risk of complications resulting from spinal manipulation at less than one in 3,7 million cases.⁴.