Should Someone Who Had Back Surgery See a Chiropractor?

Back pain can be one of the most debilitating and nagging sources of discomfort you can experience. These ailments can restrict your mobility making it hard to exercise, stand or sit for long periods of time, or even accomplish simple tasks. Depending on your condition, you may have undergone surgery to repair the issue. Success rates can vary, and every surgery carries risks. This is why many patients get chiropractic work after an operation. This calls into question the safety of this treatment following surgery.

Common Types of Back Surgeries

Some conditions and back pain requires only moderate intervention to find relief. Stretching exercises or anti-inflammatory medication could do the trick. For more serious issues, your doctor may recommend surgery. Invasive procedures seek to correct problems such as herniated discs, slipped discs, bulging discs, and ruptured discs. These include spinal fusion and disc compression. The recovery timeframe will vary from patient to patient and will depend on the person’s overall health and the complexity of the surgery.

Chiropractic Alternatives

Getting back pain relief doesn’t have to rely on having surgery in addition to chiropractic treatment or getting surgery at all. Chiropractors offer spinal adjustments, which move the spine into its correct place. This helps promote mobility and flexibility. Adjustments can also restore the body’s proper function and reduce inflammation. To do an adjustment, the chiropractor will place his or her hands on the person’s back. Using force and pressure, the chiropractor manipulates the spine, aligning it properly. He or she may also try other techniques such as electrical stimulation, rehabilitation exercises, or massage therapy.

Combining the Two

Most chiropractors support the idea of patients getting adjustments and other treatment post-surgery. In some cases, chiropractors may recommend this approach. To determine how to best approach treatment, the chiropractor will review what surgery the patient had. There will also be a series of x-rays and other tests such as an MRI. The chiropractor can adjust the patient’s spine or pelvis to reduce any pain he or she has after surgery. The patient shouldn’t have any concerns about doing chiropractic work after an operation. It’s especially important for patients to detail their pain before and during these visits.

Despite what you may have heard, it shouldn’t be a problem to visit a reputable chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Mesa, AZ, after you’ve had a procedure on your back. The chiropractor’s work can complement the surgery and provide the relief you have been looking for.

Thanks to Lifecare Chiropractic for their insight into seeing a chiropractor after back surgery.