I hope I don't offend anyone by this question. I have had a "stable" curve practically my whole life. I was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 16 with an 39* upper thoracic curve. Over the years it has varied between 36* and 41*. I started going to a chiropractor for pain (thought I would try another time - been to many in the past). My curve has ALWAYS been very stiff and I have never been able to get any adjustment in that area (no popping - only pain if they tried). My new chiropractor really got in there and crunched it (EXTREMELY painful). She told me to be patient and she would try different techniques on me. I seemed to eventually get some relief but would go 2 to 3 times per week during flare-ups and once or twice a month otherwise. I seemed to be having more flare-ups but lasting shorter times 2 to 3 weeks vs. a month or more. The upper part of my spine eventually really loosened up where sometimes she would barely touch the skin and POW it would adjust.
Well, I recently went to my 5 year follow-up with my orthopedic spine specialist and found out my curve is now progressive at 46*. I will most likely need surgery (I'm hoping soon) due to severe pain. I'm on very strong narcotics and muscle relaxers (fentanyl, percocet, soma, klonopin) to control the severe pain.
Is this just coincidence that I am suddenly "progressive" or could the chiropractic care have caused this? I'm leary to go back. I have gone only once since I found out my bad news (mainly to let her know about the progression). She really didn't say anything about me progressing. I would have expected SOME sort of feedback. She is a really nice gal, so I don't want to talk bad about her. I had always thought chiropractic was quackery and she had me convinced otherwise. Now I'm confused. I'm sure it has its place, but is there anyone else out there with an opinion or information that might support that chiropractic can actually be HARMFUL to the scoliotic spine?
Well, I recently went to my 5 year follow-up with my orthopedic spine specialist and found out my curve is now progressive at 46*. I will most likely need surgery (I'm hoping soon) due to severe pain. I'm on very strong narcotics and muscle relaxers (fentanyl, percocet, soma, klonopin) to control the severe pain.
Is this just coincidence that I am suddenly "progressive" or could the chiropractic care have caused this? I'm leary to go back. I have gone only once since I found out my bad news (mainly to let her know about the progression). She really didn't say anything about me progressing. I would have expected SOME sort of feedback. She is a really nice gal, so I don't want to talk bad about her. I had always thought chiropractic was quackery and she had me convinced otherwise. Now I'm confused. I'm sure it has its place, but is there anyone else out there with an opinion or information that might support that chiropractic can actually be HARMFUL to the scoliotic spine?
Comment