Well the answer is YES ……. However, there are some conditions to this answer which I will elaborate further. Commonly we hear that GP’s and surgeons are telling their patients that they cannot have Chiropractic care and this is simply not true. This causes confusion for patients, doctors and chiropractors and here’s why:
A chiro would NEVER manipulate a surgical site… But we can treat “carefully” around the site… There are 24 other vertebrae in the spine… So, there is a lot of other things we can look at!
Firstly, chiropractors NEED to know your exact history of spinal surgery and will have to look at appropriate scans of your spine before and after the surgery to understand the problem and how the rest of the body works. Additionally, the chiropractor needs to analyse what has changed after the surgery.
This will give us our ‘scope of practice’ so we know what we “can” and what we “can’t” do.
Here are some reasons why you should consider chiropractic care after spinal surgery:
- Recovery: you will use other areas of your body more while you recover, so we can look after those areas to progress your recovery.
- Spinal surgery can result in structural changes to the spine and surrounding tissues: Depending on the type of surgery you’ve had, there may be concerns about the stability of other areas in the spine… And this is where a Chiropractor can step in… For example: if you fuse a segment other vertebra will have to take the load. We can definitely help with that!
- If we understand why, you needed the surgery in the first place: For example, if it was an injury there could be other problems resulting from this injury. These other problems could have been ignored because your spine took priority. Through our thorough assessment we are able to address those other injuries now.
- Compensations can occur: If you think of hip surgery, you could be walking differently for ages, which could affect things all the way up even to the shoulder… Chiropractors can help your body react to the changes and make the rest of the spine work better also.
- You still have to deal with posture, work, and subconscious habits: You can use chiropractic care for maintenance – so that other areas of your body don’t need surgery also .
- Different techniques: We can modify the technique also… We just might have to be more gentle
Before considering chiropractic care after spinal surgery, you should:
- Choose a qualified chiropractor: Ensure that you choose a chiropractor who has experience working with post-surgical patients and who is willing to collaborate with your medical team.
- Share medical history: Provide your chiropractor with detailed information about your surgical history, including the type of surgery, date of surgery, and any follow-up care you’ve received. And be sure that your chiropractor has seen your before, and after scans.
- Communicate openly: Throughout your chiropractic treatment, communicate any discomfort or concerns you may experience. Be prepared to change your treatment plan if you feel any pain or if your condition worsens.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority when considering any type of healthcare treatment, especially after a surgical procedure. Always follow the advice and recommendations of your medical professionals.
Lastly, I guess at the end of the day it’s always better to prevent surgery than it is to have surgery. And this is one of the things that chiropractors do best. However, in some cases we can’t avoid surgery, but if we can delay it for as many years as possible.
So, if you’re about to have surgery and want to know whether you can prevent it…
If you’d like to get your body ready for having surgery so that you’re going to have the best outcome possible.
If you’ve just had surgery and you’ve got other problems that you need addressing it.
Why don’t you give us a call or use the BOOK ONLINE button to come into the clinic!