We work with many patients in our Chiropractic center in Caledonia who have previously had spinal surgeries. The techniques and locations that are adjusted change depending on the patient’s history and previous surgery. Below is the abstract of a case study and review of the literature from 2019 highlighting the improvement in a patient’s low back pain and quality of life after two failed back surgeries.
Rebecca Lapham-Yaun, D.C. & Katheryne Castro, D.C. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ January 17, 2019
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this paper is to report the effects of chiropractic care in a 62-year-old female that presented with a chief complaint of chronic low back pain with concomitant 25.3° right convex thoracolumbar scoliosis as well as an L5 discectomy and an L5-S1 fusion.Clinical Features: A 62-year-old female presented to the chiropractor with chronic low back pain following failed surgical syndrome from an L5 discectomy and subsequent L5-S1 fusion. The patient underwent surgery 20 and 13 years prior to her visit. She was on 13 different medications for her condition. Examination and x-ray revealed the following: 25.3° right convex thoracolumbar scoliosis at T4-L3 which was measured using the Cobb Method, anterior head translation and a left high ilium. Thermal scan revealed dysautonomia secondary to vertebral subluxation. She sought chiropractic care to improve her quality of life.
Intervention and Outcomes: The patient received chiropractic care utilizing Thompson Technique, massage therapy, Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) mirror-image exercises, and heel lifts. The patient was initially seen 2 times per week for 6 weeks, then 1 time per week for another 6 weeks until the first re-examination. After the first 3 months of care a re-examination and new x-rays revealed an improvement in thermal scan readings from severe to mild, left high ilium was balanced, posture improved, Cobb angle reduced to 24°. She had decreased low back pain, improved function and quality of life.
Conclusion: Chiropractic care is beneficial in reducing chronic low back pain even in failed surgical syndrome. This case study demonstrated that chiropractic care along with massage, mirror imaging adjustments, and postural exercises improved function, quality of life and improved spinal alignment in an elderly patient. Further studies are suggested.
Can you adjust someone who has had back surgery?
Yes. As highlighted in the above case, a Chiropractor can adjust a patient who has had back surgery before. The Chiropractic techniques and locations that are adjusted change depending on the patient’s history and previous surgery.
How can Chiropractic help a patient who has had surgery before?
After a surgery, patients have a lot of work to do to build back their strength and good habits amongst their spine again. A Chiropractic can greatly help a patient coordinate and align their spine, even after a surgery. Often times the area that has been surgically corrected is not touched, but the rest of the spine is. By addressing all of the moving parts it allows the body and spine to function better again.
The lady in the above case study was not aligned from the head to the pelvis. In helping adjust the neck, mid back, and low back the Chiropractor was able to help her find better spinal balance. This in turn helped her greatly to feel better and live better.
I work with many patients who have had successful surgeries before. I also work with many patients who have had unsuccessful surgeries. I hope that your surgery has been successful. If you want to make the best of your spine for the future – consider Chiropractic.