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Whether you used to be a regular at your chiropractor’s office, or are just considering it for the first time, you may be wondering if you’re still a candidate for adjustments after back surgery. The good news is many back surgery patients receive chiropractic care to help manage pain post-surgery, but you need to be smart about it. The following are some points to consider before you get yourself up on that chiropractic table.

How Long Has It Been?

You can’t see a chiropractor immediately following surgery. For example, if your surgery was a spinal fusion, it will take at least three months for the fusion to actually create the immobilized graft. You cannot twist and turn during that time. After the graft has been completely fused together, you’ll generally undergo a certain amount of physical therapy. This will strengthen the back muscles.

When you consider how long it has been since your surgery, as well as how much physical therapy you have had, you will realize it’s typically best to wait about a year before chiropractic adjustments are made to your back.

Are There Different Methods?

Chiropractic manipulations can be done in different ways. Your chiropractor will discuss with you the surgery you previously had, possibly even looking over your medical records if you have them. If the chiropractor feels it unsafe to move forward, he or she will recommend you return at a later date when your back has had more time to heal. You could also speak with your physician or surgeon to get his or her opinion about it.

If the chiropractor and physician feel you can move ahead with manipulations at that point, a full assessment will be conducted to determine which methods are safe for you post-surgery.

What If You Feel Pain?

If your back is in a lot of pain after a year has passed since your surgery, it’s possible you are feeling pain from something entirely different. Chiropractic care may be the best option at that point. What’s more is many back surgery patients are relieved of pain caused by the surgery after they have received some spinal adjustments.

If you feel pain at any time during manipulation, you should tell your chiropractor immediately. Chiropractic care may make you sore, such as the feeling you get after an intense workout, but you shouldn’t be in pain.

Contacting a Chiropractor Today

To learn more about chiropractic care and what you can do following back surgery, contact a chiropractor or back pain doctor in Capitol Heights, MD today. There’s no reason you should suffer in pain because you’re afraid to seek care. Let a chiropractor help you.

Thanks to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into chiropractic care after back surgery.