Chiropractic treatment for arthritis

DODGYKNEES

I often see a lot of videos on Instagram of people having their neck or back cracked by a chiropractor and having immediate relief. Although sometimes I feel like I really need to have this done I'm not sure it would be a good idea with having arthritis of the neck and lower back. Does anyone here have any experience of this treatment? And if so did it provide any pain relief?

Ellen

Hi @DODGYKNEES

This should worth a quick read:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/manipulative-therapies/

Part of it is entitled 'is it safe'.

Best wishes

Ellen.

pisica

I have had chiropractic manipulation of my lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine, from a (very old-school) physiotherapist. I can understand the temptation, but I absolutely would not recommend it.

I should never have been treated with direct manipulation, even though I didn't have my PsA diagnosis at the time, as I have JHS. What really helped me in the end was Pilates-based physio that helped my body realign itself.

Faballball

My late husband had chiropractor for his back as he had discs out of alignment and curvature at top of bask bone. It kept him upright for years.

my back pain comes from semi prolapse. With arthritis as well it’s too painful to have chiropractor. But I have found help from osteopath but you need to find a good one. I’ve found that it helps with relaxation, and also moves the Chrystal build up around your joints thus helping the inflammation and thus helps you move more.

id certainly go back if I didn’t have a conglomerate amount of other issues affecting my really painful knees.

ah well back to GP

Poppyjane

Hello again @Faballball

Thank you for your second post joining in with the discussion about chiropractors and osteopaths. I think I would agree with your last statement and that is to go back to your GP. They will be more able to assist you if you have multiple health issues. I attach a link about pain management which I hope will be useful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

The online community is a great place to come to give and receive support and to learn of other peoples experiences, so I do hope you are able to browse the discussions and activities and join in again soon.

Take care

Poppyjane

rosie159

Hi

I have been having chiropractic treatment for years and it is the only thing that keeps me going. I am unable to take anti inflams due to severe acid reflux. If I didn't see mt chiropractor every 3 weeks I would not be able to walk. I have osteo in lower back and both hips. hands and feet. You need to explain to a chiropractor about your arthritis. You can be adjusted gently without too much cracking! I was adjusted throughout my pregnancy years ago. The chiropractic care is tailored to your needs.

Every 3 weeks I go in to see mine with a list of what hurts lol...but I always come put feeling better!

Hope this helps

MaureenB

I used to have chiropractic on my neck but the pain was horrid. And then I discovered that when I was very stressed chiropractic did not work because it did not deal with the muscle tension. I moved to osteopathy as they treat muscles and joints at the same time. I would not be without my therapist. When my hip osteoarthritis was very severe like @rosie159 I had osteopathy and a deep tissue massage every 3 weeks alternating, expensive but it kept me going.

Moira

I agree with Maureen. My specialist warned me against using a chiropractioner. But I had a wonderful osteopath. The only problem is that now I can't afford the sessions. It really did help. Also my physio exercises are gentle and make a huge difference too.

If you have severe acid reflux you may need tablets such as Omniprazole (spelling?). I have had reflux badly and now daily take Omniprazole because I have anti- imflammatories as well as pain killers, which I have on prescription. Hope that might help Rosie.

Have a nice Christmas.

Skinny Keef

Hi, I see my lovely osteo every week for treatment. She does acupuncture and massage. When I first had her treat me several years ago she would adjust or crack my neck and lower back however things deteriorated over time due to the arthritis and although the adjustments definitely helped and relieved tension in my spine after reading my recent MRI reports she no longer cracks my neck or lower back as she deems it dangerous due to the condition of my spine.

speedalong

Hi Dodgy knees, I haven't ever been to a chiropractor, however I do find massage therapy very helpful. I have a remedial massage. This treats knots, tension, adhesions of soft tissue etc It really helps. I have to ice for a few days after - but really feel the benefit.

Speedalong

Skinny Keef

yes icing is important, but I never do, can’t stand it, especially on lower back, nope, no can do lol.