Chiropractic care is a treatment people seek to help alleviate chronic pain when surgery isn’t an easy option or to avoid surgery outright. While many can delay surgical procedures or don’t feel they need it after receiving chiropractic care, for others, surgery is simply unavoidable to achieve the pain relief they need. Some may find themselves needing surgery unrelated to the source of their chronic pain and unsure if or when they can resume chiropractic care.
So, how does surgery impact chiropractic care?
Can You Get a Chiropractic Adjustment After Surgery?
The short answer is yes, you can get chiropractic adjustments after surgery. The question is how long you have to wait. It’s important to consult with your doctor about your post-surgery plans. Depending on the kind of surgery the patient is undergoing, physical therapy may be recommended, and there could be an overlap between what a physiotherapist and a chiropractor can offer for rehabilitation.
For the most part, physical therapy has a finite end, though the physiotherapist may have an exercise and lifestyle regimen a patient is advised to follow. Chiropractic care may be utilized less frequently over time but is maintained through periodic check-ups and treatment. Like physical therapy, chiropractic care may also be covered by your insurance provider.
Can You See a Chiropractor After Fusion Surgery?
Spine fusion, more commonly referred to as spinal fusion, is a major surgery that carries serious risks and complications, so it should not be considered lightly. Whether it’s neck surgery or back surgery, it’s important to research and explore available options beforehand to be fully prepared for the procedure. It is also important to remember that fusion surgery is a way to immobilize a section of the spine, which means the sections above and below the immobilized area will work harder to compensate and run the risk of deteriorating at a faster rate.
Fusion surgery often requires several months before fully recovering. You should consult with your doctor and your chiropractor before continuing chiropractic care if you’ve had fusion surgery. Still, it will likely be about a year before you can resume chiropractic care, such as spinal manipulation.
Can a Chiropractor Help with Knee Replacement?
A chiropractor absolutely can help when it comes to knee replacement. Depending on the source of the knee pain, chiropractic care may help you avoid the need for knee replacement surgery.
When knee replacement is unavoidable, chiropractic care can resume earlier than with surgery such as spinal fusion. Recovery time for knee surgery is closer to a month or two. It’s still important to talk to your doctor before resuming chiropractic care and inform your chiropractor of major surgery, such as a knee replacement, before administering any treatment.
Total Chiropractic Care Can Help Manage Your Pain Before and After Surgery
Whether you’re exploring your pain management options before or after surgery, Total Chiropractic Care is here to help. Our wellness professionals are here to design a treatment plan to fit your needs that may include spinal manipulation, massage, lifestyle advice, and more. You can improve your quality of life and get more out of it every day. Get started now by reaching out to us to set up an appointment online or give us a call at (631) 447-2299.