Is Chiropractic Safe After Spinal Surgery?

If you have had back surgery, chances are you are still in pain.  Studies show that 53% of patients who have undergone spinal surgery are still in pain or feeling worse.

In my opinion, spinal surgery has such a high failure rate because it fails to address the spinal alignment problems that created the need for the surgery in the first place.

I have had many patients tell me that their surgeon warned them to “Never see a chiropractor !”  But, out of desperation, they came to see me anyway, just to try and get some relief.  Unfortunately, if you asked these same surgeons, “what does a chiropractor do that is so bad ?”  they probably wouldn’t have much of an answer for you.

The good news is, chiropractic procedures can be done on patients after they have had spinal surgery.  The bad news is, it is more difficult to get a good outcome.  Difficult, but not impossible.

It is more difficult because structures that were once there, are now removed.  This is the case when a laminectomy is done.  Or, vertebrae have been fused together, which makes it more difficult to work around that area.

However, realigning the areas above and below the surgery sight can provide a great deal of relief.  I have had many patients get excellent pain relief, freedom of movement and reduction in pain medication after a good course of chiropractic treatment.

If you are in pain after spinal surgery, I would definitely suggest trying specific chiropractic techniques.  And, I would look for someone who has training and experience in treating post-surgical spinal cases.  If the treatment is working, you should feel at least some relief after a couple of weeks of treatment.  From there, your doctor should be able to make further recommendations for treatment, based on his findings and how you have responded.

For more information on the care I provide, log on to www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com.

The best thing to do, if you have had spinal surgery is to get a hold of any X-rays, CT’s or MRI’s you have had since your surgery and bring them with you to the free evaluation.  Then, I can tell you what I can do for you.  Some people with spinal fusions, I can’t treat.  Almost all laminectomy patients can be treated.  Basically, I need to see what was done, and the only way for me to do that is to see films.

If you don’t have access to your films, come in for the free evaluation anyway and we can talk about your situation.  I can get a good idea of what is going on and then send you for imaging if I think I might be able to help.