You can try several medical treatments for back pain relief, including chiropractic care, medications, and even surgical procedures. What happens if you go under the knife to remove impacted discs and fuse your vertebrae together? Can you get chiropractic adjustments after spinal fusion surgery?
Learn how patients in this situation can continue to care for their spinal health after surgery.
Many people seek chiropractic care for back pain, but that’s not the only issue these medical professionals treat. You could visit a chiropractor in Port St. Lucie, FL, for everything from treating wrist pain, sore shoulders, and even migraines. Many of these conditions stem from nerve pressure or soft tissue strain.
Doctors of chiropractic treat the musculoskeletal system as a whole, not just the spine. That’s why many people schedule appointments for treating conditions like whiplash or common sports injuries. Professionals can even help with relieving pregnancy-related discomfort.
If you experience any sudden symptoms impacting your musculoskeletal system, it may be in your best interest to seek chiropractic care.
Imagine you regularly receive chiropractic adjustments to ease the pain caused by degenerative disc disease. However, when the condition becomes too much to bear, your doctor recommends spinal fusion surgery. Can you still get chiropractic adjustments after spinal fusion?
This procedure involves connecting vertebrae with metal plates or screws for stabilization after degenerating discs have left a gap between them. It’s a major surgery that comes with a lengthy recovery time, usually six to 12 months. As part of your recovery, you’ll need extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation after back surgery.
So, can you get chiropractic adjustments after spinal fusion surgery? It’s entirely possible, though you’ll need to collaborate with your care team for your health and safety. Check out the ways that different medical professionals handle this situation.
Ask for medical clearance from your surgeon before you even think about making an appointment with a chiropractor. Getting an adjustment in the days immediately after your surgery might not be permitted. However, if your operation was several months ago and you’re committed to rehabilitation efforts, your medical team could give you the green light for receiving chiropractic treatment.
Once your surgeon gives their approval, you can consult a chiropractor. At your appointment, tell them your full medical history, including:
Being fully transparent with your provider is vital for receiving safe and effective care. They’ll need this information to determine the best approach. When treating patients who have had spinal fusion surgery, practitioners typically use modified chiropractic techniques.
They may rely on soft tissue therapy to ease any pain or discomfort in the neck and back. Rather than targeting the fused vertebrae, chiropractors may focus on the surrounding joints and tissue.
Many people visit a chiropractor to treat back pain and consider surgery a last resort. However, it’s possible that you may undergo spinal fusion surgery without ever visiting a chiropractic clinic. What should you do if you’ve never received a chiropractic adjustment before?
If you’re interested in this holistic treatment after your procedure, keep the following tips in mind:
Your choice of chiropractor matters, especially if you’re recovering from surgery. Providers must be aware of the risks and use gentle techniques to avoid injuring the fused vertebrae.
Not only can you get chiropractic adjustments after spinal fusion surgery, but with the right techniques, you can undergo other chiropractic treatments. At ChiroCare of Florida, we’re committed to improving your spinal health. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or hoping to avoid going under the knife, our team will come up with a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
Locals come to our clinic for help with treating carpal tunnel syndrome, strained muscles, whiplash, and more. To schedule an appointment, call (772) 279-8048 today.