Question
I have been living with an annular tear for three years and have never seen a chiropractor.The tear is at L4-L5 sometimes my back will go crooked and is very painfull. Can chiropractic servecies help and are there any risks?  

Answer
Dear Mr. Rogers,

Thank you for your question and I hope that I can provide some help.

Over 14 years of practice, I have seen hundreds of patients with annular tears in the lumbar discs.  I have had very good results in managing them.  There are several chiropractic methods that are helpful with disc conditions in the lumbar spine and allow the patients significant periods of time without pain and with great function.  

I would recommend that you consult a chiropractor in your area and go in for a visit.  In your case, which is chronic, the DC may want to see you for multiple visits initially.  I am not aware of your status of your condition, but I would usually see someone like you about 6-8 visits initially.  This would tell me how you respond and how well your body reacts to treatment.  At that point, we may not see you again until you need it or you may need some maintenance type care, which is care performed prior to symptoms recurring.  You may just need treatment when your back goes crooked on you.

I hope this helps.  If you have any additional questions, contact me through this website.

God Bless,

Dr. Boss