Alternative and Integrative Therapy for Lumbar Disk Herniation

The Long-term Course of Patients Undergoing Alternative and Integrative Therapy for Lumbar Disk Herniation: A Prospective Observational Study

The investigators report management of lumbar disc herniation with severe sciatic pain using an integrative complementary and alternative medicine approach with a 5 year follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• LBP with sciatica,
• A numeral rating scale (NRS) leg pain intensity of 5 or higher
• Onset within 1 year;
• Lumbar Disk Heriation confirmed by MRI;
• Written consent to attend 6 months of integrative CAM treatment and following assessment visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Treatment regarding the current LBP and/or sciatica (e.g. surgery, nerve block, or analgesic medication) other than the CAM treatment specified in the protocol
• Non-spinal or soft tissue problem related to back pain or sciatica (e.g. pregnancy, spinal tumor, or rheumatoid arthritis)
• History of spinal surgery, vertebral dislocation, fracture, or cancer;