Chiropractics and MS

[foxz71]

Has anyone here used Chiropractic care as part of their MS therapy and, if so, what has been your experience? (i am considering giving it a go).

[Toomnyhats]

100% Chiro supporter!

How would you use chiro as part of your treatment? What would you expect it to do for you?

My chiro is my pcp, she's the one who started me on the journey to my dx. I rarely see a traditional medical doc, usually only if I get an infection I can't kick on my own. Massage therapy is great for tense muscles.

I will say however that currently I am in the early stages & have mild sx. When I fall (which thankfully hasn't happened for quite a while) she makes sure I haven't seriously injured myself. Cheaper than the ER or Urgent Care & she won't hesitate to send me there if it is necessary.

I'm sure as I progress she'll have more to do than "put me back together"!

[katvar]

Interesting that you brought this up. I was just talking to my husband about this, this morning.

For many years I went to a chiropracter for headaches and "achiness". It usually seemed to help. I didn't have insurance and he gave me a cash discount. It was especially great for the really bad headaches.

I was asking my husband if he thought I should start going back to the chiropracter. Mine had retired so I have to find a new one that I can trust

[deescee]

Chiropractic Care

Being dx'd in 2001 and not able to tolerate the CRABs very well, my symptoms have progressed. Baclofen is not doing the job with the muscle spasticity which is mainly in my neck and shoulders. I do go to a chiropractor who mainly uses the massage therapy rather than the spinal adjustment. I've tried pain clinics and getting treatment from neurologists. Not much help there - except getting drugs that wear you out - like I need to heap more fatigue on my plate. Keep in mind some chiropractors will make you come in more than you might be comfortable with because of insurance limitations so make sure the office works with you on that issue.

[Kiwiinoz]

I was seeing a chiro when I got the last set of symptoms that set me on the dx path, poor guy - I thought it was his fault that I started going numb on my left side.

He's been with me every step of the way from sx onset to dx and I still see him regularly just because I get bounced around a lot in my job so I try to keep my spine in shape. He's great but I don't think he's done anything for my sx - although in saying that, I don't really have any that are in his field of expertise at this stage.

[babygirl_vic]

I saw a chiro from about 17-25, (I'm 27 now) the reason I saw him was because my spine is curved, like 2 S's on top of each other!! And some of the symptoms I was having then are some of my MS symptoms now. I quit going because my insurance quit paying for chiro's!! He cut me a deal on cash price, but just couldn't afford to go.

I always felt great after coming out of the office!! And haven't felt that way in years!! I have thought about going back, but not sure I could swing in financially.

[sloth]

Chiro care is a very individual choice as everyone responds diff' to the manipulations.

I went to a chiro for many years from about age 16 to about 38.

I had no idea how crappy my first one was (who I loved, he was a family friend) but I left his office w/ neck pain regularly and got weird responses to it.

My second one years later was great, he said you do not leave this office with pain you didn't come in with, do tell me!
And he was great about ice and massage whatever he had to do to readjust to remove any new pain.

I sincerely now think my first chiro for years damaged my neck, I have weak neck muscles now, pain in very specific neck areas that started with his care.

My neuros inc the ones I saw at johns hopkins all solidly said no neck adjustments (eek Id had them for years) because there are too many main arteries and nerves in a web in there and tears can develop over years that can be very dangerous.

It go to where adjustments for me...made my ms nerve pain in my upper shoulders and and neck worse, it burned like fire for days after and the inflammation was awful.

He tried to use a gently neck cradle thing to adj my head or neck, he tried lots of things but it just wound up I did best not being adjusted.

After years of not going I have to be honest my back seems to adjust itself now if it goes out it does go back in.

It didnt in past w/ chiro, I was dependent on them.

For me its not the right thing.

If I had a back injury tho', accident or something If I could Id consult w/ them first before surgury.

good luck and dont settle for the wrong doc.

[Waydwnsouth1]

Interesting question. I suffer with horrible leg pain and my DW chiro was telling her he may be able to help. He qualified that by saying unless he is dx'd with a neurological disorder. He told her if that were the case he could not help. Now I would not hesitate to get a massage for the stiffness. And massages are generally less expensive that chiro's and you feel so relaxed when you leave.

[opiegirl]

Chiropractic is one of the "constants" in this MS journey I've been on for 20 years. I believe it has gotten me where I am today, still walking. However, not all are the same so you need to find one that you trust and like.

My chiro was the one to get me on an anti-inflammatory diet and I cannot tell you how much that alone has helped how I feel and my pain level.

I recommend all MSer try an anti-inflammatory diet for 30 days, I feel so much better I've changed the way I eat for life.

[foxz71]

I am grateful to all of you who took the time to respond and share your stories. I am still considering this as a viable option. Thanks again.
Kim

[thenewguy]

chiro care and ms

As a chiro in michigan...I have seen people getting different results from care. I don't know if this is due to types of tx or how many tx's in a specific time frame. I have seen an article (only one in pubmed) on chiropractic care and ms, which trauma (to the neck) may be the initial cause. I am very curious about the relationship bewteen ms and climate zones/temperature.

[KMCangel00]

I worked for a Chiropractor for a few years when I was younger (office manager type stuff) but it was a very small practice, so he and his wife and I became very very close (they leave me voicemails asking how their adopted daughter is doing, I housesat while they were on vacation, etc.).

When I worked for him I was under his care for a twisted pelvis, and I caught Mono while I was working there, too - I remember him telling me way back then that I might have an elevated risk for MS due to the Mono - what 24 year old wants to hear that? In one ear, out the other

So anyway years later I am diagnosed with MS and his office was the first place I called. I figured I had no idea how this disease was going to mess up my body but that I should give it my best to get it in as good of condition as I could first. :P (Being a nice hostess, of course, I wanted to clean up so the guest felt at home. LOL)

I've been seeing him for about 6 weeks - and I really feel like it's helped. He does a lot with my right leg because that's where I notice the most trouble (pain, spasticity, weakness, foot drop, etc). When I leave, I feel spectacular! It doesn't usually last for longer than the next day...but it's nice to have some relief, anyway.

Also, he's hooked me up with a Naturopath for some good nutrition info - it's a whole new Kristen - never really cared about health/wellness before but now it's all I think about! (I think I'm better for it, honestly).

[CasinoKathy]

I have seen chiropractors since my sx first started in '94. They have all helped me feel better after adjustments, and I also used the "tens" treatments that helps with inflammation and in my words "wakes up my nerves".

Had to change a couple times, as 2 had moved to other cities. And once I had to change because of insurance (had to go to certain doctors on their list) This one has been the best- although they all were good. And I still see him- he actually was the one that when my leg started getting weak on a daily basis, got me set up for a MRI and referred me to a neuro. People often ask me if it helps going to a chiro and I tell them - "if it didn't, I wouldn't keep going!".

It is very important to find one that you like and can trust. Not all are honest and upfront with you. I feel lucky!

[wkikta]

I went to a Chiropractor a few years ago. It didn't seem to do anything for me, so I probably won't go back. Pretty much a waste of time and money,

[Toomnyhats]

It is very important to find one that you like and can trust. Not all are honest and upfront with you. I feel lucky!

This is probably the most important thing to remember about chiropractic care.

A good chiro can adjust your spine with your regular clothes on (I know one who has pts put on a hospital gown for adjustments). They also will take Xrays in addition to a complete medical hx before they do any adjustments.

Even with licensing there are some quacks out there (just like every other medical field). If ever the doc or staff does anything to make you uncomfortable, leave - quickly.