Chiropractic Adjusting After Surgery

chiropractic adjusting is often appropriate and helpful following surgery

Can chiropractic adjusting be performed on a joint following surgery?

We are commonly asked if chiropractic adjusting may be performed on an area of the body that has undergone surgery. It's a question that can stop  patients from even considering whether chiropractic care could be helpful for unresolved muscle and joint problems. Research estimates 35% or more of spine surgeries may not adequately relieve pain, and with these surgeries becoming increasingly common this question is being asked more frequently.

The short answer to whether chiropractic adjusting may be performed following surgery in most cases is YES! However, there are factors that must be taken into account before considering adjusting a region of the body following a surgical procedure. Here are some of the factors our doctors consider during a thorough history and examination:

• how recent was the surgery?
• did the surgery include joint fusion?
• what is the condition of the joint or region following surgery?
• why did the surgery not adequately address the problem?
• is something being missed?

Chiropractic physicians regularly work with complicated cases that have not responded adequately to surgery or that have experienced re-injury following surgery and wish to avoid additional surgery. Rather than follow pain management guidelines that recommend trying conservative non-drug treatment like chiropractic first, patients too often try chiropractic last so it is not uncommon to see very complicated cases that have been through multiple medical interventions including medications, injections, and sometimes multiple surgeries.

Joint Fusions & Joint Replacements

While chiropractic adjusting can be helpful for post-surgical patients, it's often best to modify the adjusting approach depending on the case. Fused joints should not be adjusted but working on the surrounding joints and tissues can often be beneficial. An artificial joint can be worked on with a modified approach. In some cases, light pressure adjusting is best. It is also appropriate to wait a period of time following surgery depending on the surgery performed. Keep in mind there are a variety of conservative techniques and therapies regularly used by chiropractic physicians that can help relieve pain and improve function in complicated post-surgical cases.

Don't let past surgeries or a complicated condition stop you from considering chiropractic care as a treatment option. Medical physicians are generally not trained to know the variety of techniques and therapies utilized by chiropractic physicians, so consult a doctor of chiropractic to determine what may be best in your case.

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