Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Today, we embark on a crucial journey: understanding the role of chiropractic care after back surgery. Recovering from back surgery can be a challenging process, and it’s essential to explore every avenue for a smoother and more comfortable recovery. Chiropractic care, often overlooked, can play a pivotal role in this journey. Let’s explore how it can aid in your post-back surgery recovery.
Understanding Back Surgery Recovery
Before we dive into the benefits of chiropractic care after back surgery, let’s first grasp the complexity of the recovery process. Back surgeries vary, from herniated disc repairs to spinal fusion, each with its unique challenges. These procedures can disrupt the body’s natural balance and affect mobility. Recovery, often multi-faceted, involves managing pain, restoring functionality, and healing. It’s a path best navigated with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
Benefits of chiropractic care after back surgery
Chiropractic care after back surgery isn’t a replacement for conventional medical treatment; rather, it’s a complementary approach. Chiropractic adjustments can aid in pain management and reduce the need for medication, promoting a more natural recovery.
In particular, chiropractic adjustments aim to enhance spinal mobility and nerve function, a crucial aspect of regaining functionality after back surgery. These adjustments, performed by skilled hands, can help align the spine, improve nerve function, reduce muscle tension, and increase muscle strength, allowing for a smoother recovery process.
Chiropractic adjustments aim to enhance spinal mobility and nerve function, a crucial aspect of regaining functionality after back surgery.
When and how to start chiropractic care after back surgery
The timing of chiropractic care after back surgery is crucial. With this in mind it’s essential to consult both your surgeon and chiropractor to determine when it’s safe to begin. Typically, it’s initiated when the surgical site has sufficiently healed, ensuring your safety throughout the process.
Chiropractic care is not one-size-fits-all. Your chiropractor will assess your condition, set clear goals, and create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs. This personalized approach ensures that your recovery journey is as effective as possible.
What to expect during chiropractic sessions
During your chiropractic sessions after back surgery, you can expect a comprehensive approach. Chiropractors use various techniques, including spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy, to address your specific needs. These treatments aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, increase muscle strength, and enhance your overall well-being. (1)
Active participation is key to a successful recovery. Your chiropractor will educate you on maintaining spinal health between sessions, providing you with the knowledge and tools to contribute actively to your healing process.
Monitoring progress and adjusting the treatment plan
Tracking your progress is essential. Regular check-ins with your chiropractor will help assess improvements and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. This dynamic approach ensures that your recovery stays on the right track.
A patient success story: chiropractic care after back surgery
I would be amiss not to mention an amazing success story of a patient of mine getting chiropractic care after back surgery. Chris was in his early forties when he first came to see me with a chief complaint of chronic low back pain. He walked slowly into the office using cane. His story was that he had low back pain for over ten years and tried numerous treatments. Further, one of the procedures he had done in his early thirties was invasive spinal fusion. Unfortunately, the surgery failed and he was left walking with a cane. I will let Chris tell the rest of his story.
“The past 13 years have been full of struggles due to chronic pain. I had spinal surgery in 1994 which left me crippled and unable to walk without the assistance of a cane. With an extremely high level of pain, unable to work, and barely surviving, all the specialists gave up. Then I met Dr. Collins. After 3 sessions I improved so much that I no longer needed my cane, my pain level went way down, and my quality of life improved ten fold. It has now been almost three months without my cane, and I am walking faster and sitting for longer periods. My wife finally gets back the man she met 15 years ago. Thank you Dr. Collins for giving me my life back, miracles do happen.“
Chris F.
Added benefits for Chris and his wife
This story doesn’t end. Him and his wife became pregnant with their first child. He told me that sexual intercourse was too painful for him during his years of chronic pain and they never conceived. So they had their first child and eventually had a second child as well.
Chris never told me about not using his cane until about 3 months after he began treatments. However, I will never forget the day he came into the office and gave me his cane. It’s now hanging on the wall in my office.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chiropractic care after back surgery is a valuable component of your recovery journey. It complements traditional medical treatments, aids in pain management, and enhances mobility and functionality. If you’re considering chiropractic care as part of your post-back surgery recovery plan, consult with a qualified chiropractor and work collaboratively with your medical team for a comprehensive approach to healing. Your journey to a healthier, more comfortable life after surgery is within reach.
For more information on how chiropractic care can help you and your family read Edmonton chiropractor Dr. Dean Collins’ comprehensive guide to chiropractic care: Chiropractic Care for Everyone.
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