The Role of Chiropractic in Supporting Post-Surgical Recovery
By Dr. Tim Fargo, Chiropractor
I think it is a fair question to ask why a person might want to receive chiropractic care following surgery. Of course, it depends on what kind of surgery we are talking about. It is probably obvious that if you have a spinal fusion or other types of spinal surgery it might be necessary for you to wait a bit before you have any adjusting done even near the surgical site. However, even with spinal fusions, there are adjustments that can and should be done on areas unrelated to those directly involved in the surgery.
The goal of chiropractic is to restore communication through the nervous system. The nervous system is critical for all healing processes in the body, and the functioning and communication along nerve pathways is directly impacted by spinal alignment and function. Therefore, even if you had a low back surgery, working on your neck and upper back can facilitate communication to the area you are trying to heal. Spinal fusions are out of bounds for chiropractic manipulation, but other spinal surgeries, such as the repair of a disc herniation, can and should be adjusted as soon as it is possible to do so. Don’t forget that even if you have a disc herniation, and you repair the herniation, it doesn’t mean that the mechanics of the spine will automatically be returned to normal. Once the area is healed, it is critically important to make sure that proper movement and alignment are created both at the surgical site and in areas adjacent to it.
There is another technology that we provide at Chiropractic Health and Wellness in Edina, Minnesota. It is called SoftWave TRT. This technology uses acoustic (sound) shockwaves to promote a healing response and regenerate tissue. In a recent story which aired on Fox 5 in Atlanta a doctor at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital saved a football coache’s leg from amputation after a failed knee replacement surgery. The SoftWave treatment gave this man the critical edge he needed to avoid amputation. I’ve included the link here. Piedmont Atlanta saves football coach’s leg
SoftWave works by activating stem cells in and around the injured tissue and causes other nonresident stem cells to migrate to the area. Stem cells then help to regenerate damaged tissue. Another physiological response to acoustic shockwave therapy is that new blood vessels sprout in the area and that also facilitates healing. Finally, this therapy reduces inflammation, modulates pain, and improves mobility. If you, or someone you know, is either anticipating surgery or needs help with surgical recovery, talk to one of our doctors at Chiropractic Health and Wellness about how we might facilitate your healing.
