At OWL Chiropractic, we empower the body's natural healing abilities and help many patients find relief from pain and avoid spinal surgery. However, we also recognize that sometimes surgical intervention is necessary. While the body is incredibly resilient and capable of remarkable healing, it does have its limits. In these instances, we work closely with surgeons to ensure our patients receive the comprehensive care they need, both before and after their procedures, to achieve optimal recovery.
It is a common misconception that people with spinal fusions or those advised against chiropractic care by their orthopedists can't benefit from it. This simply isn't true, and unfortunately, it can prevent people from getting the care they need for optimal recovery and a better quality of life.
A Conservative Approach First
Before considering surgery for spinal issues, when applicable, exploring conservative options like chiropractic care is often the best first step. Chiropractic has a proven track record of helping people avoid surgery altogether, and it's also essential for maximizing the success of surgical interventions when they're necessary. At OWL Chiropractic, we empower our patients by looking at the whole picture. We frequently see individuals considering low back surgery when the real problem stems from their neck. Ignoring this connection can negatively impact any surgical outcome.
Our approach involves a thorough analysis of the entire body's biomechanics and nervous system function, regardless of where the pain is felt. Digital motion x-rays and infrared thermography help us identify the root cause of dysfunction so we can provide precise chiropractic adjustments to restore balance and promote healing.
When Surgery Is Necessary
Whether a traumatic accident or years of wear-and-tear on your body leads you to the operating room, the advances in technology have greatly improved the outcomes of spinal surgeries. Common spine surgeries include: laminectomy, disectomy, foraminotomy, fusions, cages, artificial disc replacements, stimulator insertion, and rods for scoliosis. It is important to note that hip and knee replacements can also impact pelvic alignment and spinal biomechanics. While an orthopedic surgeon is focused on surgical repair, chiropractic care can play a crucial role in optimizing your healing, restoring function, and improving your overall quality of life post-operatively.
Why Chiropractic Care Matters After Surgery
Surgery, even when necessary, inevitably alters the body's delicate biomechanical balance. The skeletal system is a precisely engineered structure, and any permanent change, however well-intentioned, creates new stresses, particularly on the joints adjacent to the surgical site. Even procedures designed to correct imbalances can lead to compensations in other areas as your body adjusts. These compensations can manifest as pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and delayed healing. This is where chiropractic care comes in.
Here's how chiropractic can help:
Pain Management: Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain by addressing misalignments in the spine and other joints, improving nerve function, and reducing muscle tension. This can often lessen the reliance on pain medication, whether before and/or after surgery.
Improved Range of Motion: Surgery can often restrict movement. Chiropractic care can help restore the range of motion by gently manipulating joints and surrounding tissues, improving flexibility and mobility.
Enhanced Healing: Proper alignment and optimal nerve function are essential for efficient healing. Chiropractic adjustments can help create an environment conducive to healing by improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
Muscle Strength and Stability: Surgery can weaken supporting muscles. Chiropractic care, often combined with therapeutic exercises, can help strengthen these muscles, improving stability and supporting the surgical site.
Prevention of Future Problems and Long-term Success
After spinal surgery, your body must adapt to a new normal. This adaptation process can create strain and imbalances that may not be immediately apparent. Think of it as realigning a building – the foundation might be solid, but the structure above needs time to adjust. In many instances, the surgery creates weak points in the spine above and below the surgical area. Long-term chiropractic care helps guide this adaptation, minimizing stress on surrounding joints and tissues, and promotes optimal spinal health for years to come.
What to Expect at OWL Chiropractic
At OWL Chiropractic, we tailor our care to your spine. Your initial consultation will involve a thorough assessment of your medical history, advanced imaging, surgical procedures, and current symptoms. We also collect our motion x-rays and infrared thermography to evaluate the biomechanics of your spine and the function of your nervous system. From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan. Our specific and gentle adjustments will address any dysfunction throughout your spine but will avoid any areas that are fused together or replaced.
All the spines shown in this blog post have been treated at OWL Chiropractic. We’ve seen a lot of spines that have been through a lot - and we are dedicated to helping them regain movement, reduce pain, and achieve optimal health and well-being. Whether you’ve had surgery or are considering having it, we’d love to evaluate you and see how we can help. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
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