Answer about the Chiropractor.... | Arthritis Information

 

This was discussed on several occaisions and I thought I would follow up with the answers that I got from my docs.

Let me give some background first. I have RA, osteopenia, and a disk protruding at C5-C6. I had been seeing a chiropractor and feeling pretty nice after each visit. Someone on the board (I think it was miss Deanna) expresses some concerns, and I decided that they were certainly valid so I stopped going to the chiropractor untill I could speak with my RD and ortho docs about it.

This is what I found out. The RD doesnt see that there is any harm as far as the RA is concerned, if it doesnt hurt and it makes me feel better, go for it. My ortho doc that managed my cervical spine said that is was probably not a good idea to let them fool with my neck (alignments, popping).

So there it is...if any of you were wondering...I would say this: If you are currently going to or considering going to a chiropractor, check with your doctor first, and make sure your doctor is aware of any and all medical conditions that you have.

 

I agree 100% Crunchy, and I am glad you had it checked out.  My mother didn't do that and went to a chiropracter for neck and shoulder pain, and his manipulations caused a nerve to be trapped under a bone spur, which permanently damaged the nerve.  She was left with permanent loss of feeling in a wide area on her shoulder, arm and two fingers.

Just be careful and err on the side of caution.
I also agree to err on the side of caution. Chose a chiropracter wisely, someone who is gentle, with before and after massage. With that said, I do see a chiropratier and have for years, when I moved to the US 3 years ago I stopped. Finally after terrible shoulder and neck pains, and knowing I needed an adjustment I searched and found a doc I am very happy with. Those three years of no adjustments had stiffened my neck and middle back which even caused a pinch nerve which was triggering pains. After a few weeks of treatment I was feeling great again.

I have heard various arguements over the years that are pro and neg. One thing that stood out was this view... your neck and spine are a series of joints. With joints affected by RA, we are told to keep them active, keep them moving, do your excercises to keep them from stiffening. Does it not make some sense then to keep the neck and spine joints moving? This is just my opinion and it has certainly been very helpful in my life. But again like crunchy said, discuss it all with your doc.

Copyright ArthritisInsight.com