Chiropractic Care After Back Surgery

Chiropractic care is a natural treatment option that can be an effective way to manage pain and improve mobility after back surgery.

Chiropractors are trained to treat the spine and its associated muscles, discs, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues. They specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing back pain related to various conditions. After surgery, it may be beneficial to see a chiropractor for several reasons. 

Is it Safe to Get Chiropractic Adjustments After Back Surgery?

Typically, a surgeon recommends avoiding spinal manipulation for at least four to six weeks following spinal fusion surgery. During this period, the bones in your spine may still be healing and vulnerable to injury from manual adjustments. It is also essential to follow your doctor's instructions regarding mobility and activity levels during this time. 

Even after the healing period, checking with your doctor before starting any chiropractic care is recommended. This is because some types of spinal manipulation may be too intense for recently healed spines, worsen certain conditions, or impair healing. Your doctor can recommend the best type of chiropractic adjustments for your body's needs.

How Chiropractors Help Patients After Back Surgery

Chiropractors can provide valuable help to patients who have undergone back surgery. A chiropractor's post-surgical care program is designed to benefit the patient in several ways. 

First, it may be beneficial for pain management and improving the range of motion and mobility around the surgical site. Secondly, it can help to accelerate the healing process, as well as strengthen the surrounding muscles. 

Chiropractic care after back surgery is essential for ensuring that the spine is aligned correctly and balanced. This can help reduce many common issues associated with recovering from a major surgical procedure, such as muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain. During a chiropractic session, the practitioner will use manual manipulation techniques to help with alignment and mobility. They may also recommend specific exercises or stretching routines at home between sessions.

In some cases, specifically in herniated discs or scoliosis, chiropractors can also provide treatment with traction devices or spinal decompression machines. These are designed to reduce the pressure on the spine and surrounding areas while helping to promote healing.

When After Surgery Can I Begin Chiropractic Treatments?

Chiropractic treatments are an effective way to manage chronic pain in people who have undergone surgery. However, knowing when it is safe to begin these treatments and how soon after surgery you can use them is crucial. 

First, it may be beneficial for pain management and improving the range of motion and mobility around the surgical site. Secondly, it can help to accelerate the healing process, as well as strengthen the surrounding muscles. 

Chiropractic care after back surgery is essential for ensuring that the spine is aligned correctly and balanced. This can help reduce many common issues associated with recovering from a major surgical procedure, such as muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain. During a chiropractic session, the practitioner will use manual manipulation techniques to help with alignment and mobility. They may also recommend specific exercises or stretching routines at home between sessions.

In some cases, specifically in herniated discs or scoliosis, chiropractors can also provide treatment with traction devices or spinal decompression machines. These are designed to reduce the pressure on the spine and surrounding areas while helping to promote healing.

When After Surgery Can I Begin Chiropractic Treatments?

Chiropractic treatments are an effective way to manage chronic pain in people who have undergone surgery. However, knowing when it is safe to begin these treatments and how soon after surgery you can use them is crucial. 

Typically, chiropractors recommend waiting 4-6 weeks after surgery before beginning any new treatment plan. This time frame allows sufficient time for the body to heal and for the surgeon to assess the surgery's success. During this period, your chiropractor may recommend taking a few days off from work or engaging in low-impact activities such as walking or yoga to help manage any pain you may be experiencing. 

Your chiropractor will also evaluate your overall health, any medications you are taking, and the type of surgery you had before beginning a treatment plan. This is to ensure that chiropractic treatments will not interfere with any medications you may be taking or aggravate any existing medical conditions. 

It is important to note that not all surgeries are suitable for chiropractic care. For example, surgeries involving the spine or those that require a significant amount of blood loss may not be suitable for chiropractic treatments. In these cases, your chiropractor will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor After Back Surgery

A chiropractor can assess how well one’s spine functions after surgery and recommend the best course of action. In addition, they may provide exercises that help improve the range of motion and reduce pain. 

Furthermore, a chiropractor may suggest lifestyle modifications that can aid in easing back pain, such as avoiding certain activities or positions and engaging in physical therapy. Adjustments can also be beneficial for relieving tension, increasing flexibility, and reducing inflammation that may have developed due to the surgery. 

By working with a chiropractor, one can gain insight into their post-surgical process and make necessary changes to ensure their recovery is successful. A chiropractor can help establish a plan that allows you to achieve your goals while ensuring your safety and health are considered. The combination of chiropractic care, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications can help to ensure the best outcome post-surgery. 

In addition to helping one adjust after back surgery, regular check-ups with a chiropractor can help to prevent future issues from developing. 

Conclusion

Overall, chiropractic care can be an invaluable asset in aiding post-surgical recovery. Patients need to find a qualified, experienced practitioner specializing in spinal health and surgery recovery.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.