Can I have chiropractic treatment after back surgery?
In some cases, manual therapies such as chiropractic and rehabilitation cannot cure patients’ back pain and a surgical referral is the best option for that patient. Spinal surgery can be a very intense and challenging therapy for long-term or severe back pain, or mobility issues. In many cases, surgery is necessary for patients to be treated fully.
Even after back surgery, issues may not fade away entirely. Chiropractic treatment may be needed for the patient to reach maximum mobility or comfort post surgery.
It’s generally recommended that patients seek out chiropractic treatment after their back surgery, following a post-surgery recovery period agreed with their surgeon and/or chiropractor, and only with a registered chiropractic practice like Hutchinson Health.
Is chiropractic treatment necessary after back surgery?
In many cases, yes it can be very helpful.
Although back surgery can be necessary for treating chronic back pain and spinal disc injuries, surgery is not a 100% guarantee of relief from discomfort.
Furthermore, back surgery may only be part of the treatment plan recommended to you by your chiropractor or primary care physician.
In truth, patients who undergo back surgery, frequently have a higher satisfaction rate if they combine the surgery with additional chiropractic care after recovery. This is particularly true if the patient undergoes spinal fusion surgery.
How long do you have to wait after back surgery before chiropractic care?
It depends on the type of surgery you experienced. In all cases, you must give your body time to completely recover from back surgery before you can seek out and receive chiropractic treatment. Furthermore, you’ll want to avoid straining/overloading your back during the recovery period to minimise the risk of complications.
In general, waiting for six months to a year after back surgery will allow enough recovery time to enable you to seek chiropractic care. Of course, you should speak with your surgeon and your chiropractor before seeking out chiropractic care. Some types of surgery may have shorter recovery times, such as:
● lumbar decompression surgery, which often takes between four and six weeks for a patient to recover at least enough to regain mobility
● cervical neck/spinal surgery, which typically requires you to stay in the hospital for up to 48 hours following the surgery, as well as another 4 to 6 weeks to recover before you regain most of your mobility
Finding a chiropractor near you, that takes the type of surgery you experienced into account before offering care, is vital if you want to avoid complications and maximise your recovery.
Finding bespoke chiropractic treatment for your needs
At Hutchinson Health, each patient receives bespoke treatment and confidential consultations. We acknowledge and fully understand any prior back surgery or chiropractic treatment you may have received in our professional assessments.
Using this information, we will be able to treat you by providing effective chiropractic care to maintain or improve spinal function and comfort. We won’t make any compromises regarding your surgery or recovery time. We can also offer steady timelines and accurate estimates for the level of mobility or recovery you will experience with our care.
Hutchinson Health is a great choice if you want help with your rehabilitation after spinal surgery or need a chiropractor for back pain. Contact us today to schedule a Free 30-Minute Chiropractic Consultation and learn how we can help with your recovery!
