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Spinal Adjustments After Surgery: A Guide to Safety
- Norbert Gallagher
- Sep 23
- 4 min read
Spinal Adjustments After Surgery: A Guide to Safety
Thinking about a spinal adjustment can bring up a lot of questions, especially if you have a history of back surgery. You might wonder if it’s a safe choice for you, or if it could interfere with your recovery. The good news is that with the right approach and professional guidance, many people can find relief and improved mobility.
This guide will walk you through the key considerations for spinal adjustments after surgery. We'll explore the importance of timing, compare different adjustment methods, and discuss alternatives that can support your spinal health. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to make informed decisions for your body.
Can You Get a Spinal Adjustment After Surgery?
The short answer is: it depends. The safety and effectiveness of a spinal adjustment post-surgery hinge on several critical factors. Before considering any form of chiropractic care, your first and most important step is to talk with the surgeon who performed your procedure.
Why Your Surgeon's Approval Is Essential
Your surgeon understands the specifics of your operation, the hardware that may have been used (like rods or screws), and how your spine is healing. They can provide clearance based on your unique medical history and recovery progress. Without their approval, you risk potential complications that could set back your healing.
Timing Is Everything
The spine needs a significant amount of time to heal and stabilize after an operation. Undergoing adjustments too soon can disrupt the healing process, potentially damaging surgical repairs or causing instability. Most healthcare providers will recommend waiting until you are well into your recovery, which could be several months to a year or more, before exploring this type of care.
How the Type of Surgery Matters
The kind of spinal surgery you had plays a huge role in determining if adjustments are appropriate.
Spinal Fusion: This procedure permanently joins two or more vertebrae to stop motion between them. Because the goal is to create a solid, immobile segment of the spine, manual adjustments on or near the fused area are almost always avoided. However, a chiropractor may be able to work on adjacent areas, like the neck or lower back, to relieve compensatory strain.
Discectomy or Laminectomy: These surgeries involve removing a portion of a disc or bone to relieve pressure on nerves. After a full recovery, gentle adjustments might be an option to restore mobility and address any lingering stiffness. The focus will be on careful, controlled movements that don't stress the surgical site.
Manual vs. Instrument-Assisted Adjustments
When people think of a chiropractor, they often picture the traditional, hands-on spinal adjustments. However, technology has introduced gentler alternatives. Understanding the difference is key, especially for a post-surgical spine.
Manual Adjustments
Manual adjustments involve a practitioner using their hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. While highly effective for many conditions, the force and twisting motions involved can be too intense for a spine that has been surgically altered. The primary concern is the risk of disturbing the surgical site or putting too much pressure on sensitive areas.
Instrument-Assisted Adjustments
As the name suggests, this method uses specialized tools to perform the adjustment. These instruments deliver a very precise, gentle, and localized force to the spine without the twisting or popping associated with manual techniques.
For post-surgical patients, instrument-assisted adjustments offer several advantages:
Precision: The tool can target a specific vertebra without affecting the surrounding areas, allowing a practitioner to safely work around fused segments or surgical hardware.
Controlled Force: The amount of force is consistent and controlled, reducing the risk of an unexpectedly strong movement.
Gentle Approach: It is often a more comfortable experience for patients who are sensitive, in pain, or anxious about manual adjustments.
Because of this precision and control, many chiropractors consider instrument-assisted methods to be a safer option for individuals who have undergone spinal surgery.
Making the Right Choice for Your Spine
Navigating your health after spinal surgery requires a thoughtful and cautious approach. While spinal adjustments can be part of a successful long-term care plan, they are not suitable for everyone.
Here are your key takeaways and next steps:
Consult Your Healthcare Team: Always start with a conversation with your surgeon and primary care physician. They must clear you for any form of chiropractic care.
Find a Qualified Practitioner: Seek a chiropractor who has experience working with post-surgical patients. Ask them about their approach, what techniques they use, and how they plan to protect your surgical site.
Discuss Your Options: Have an open conversation with your chiropractor about manual versus instrument-assisted adjustments. A knowledgeable practitioner will recommend the safest method for your specific situation.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel during and after any treatment. If something causes pain or discomfort, speak up immediately. Your treatment plan should be a collaborative effort that puts your safety first.
By working closely with your healthcare providers and choosing therapies tailored to your unique needs, you can continue on a path toward a strong, healthy, and pain-free life.
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