Chiropractor and anticoagulant

[Buttercups22]

Hi everyone. Do any of you see a chiropractor for back pain? I take Edoxaban and Dr Google says to avoid using a chiropractor if on anticoagulants. Pain relief options so limited (constipation issues with codeine). Any advice very welcome. Thank you.

[Gumbie_Cat]

I take apixaban, and do see a chiropractor for back pain. I hadn’t seen the information, but I was so wary of trying one. I found it reassuring that I had a word-of-mouth recommendation.

At the moment, I do feel that my back is improving slowly - though I still get flare-ups. The lack of decent painkillers is definitely an issue! I have been doing quite a lot of core strengthening exercises recommended by the chiropractor. He also does acupuncture and that has definitely helped - and hasn’t caused problems.

I’m not medically trained of course, and I also think that they might vary.

Tomorrow I’m off for a session to learn how to do Nordic Walking -in the hope that this might further strengthen things and allow me to walk further again.

[Buttercups22 in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Thanks for your speedy reply. Enjoy the Nordic Walking.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

I've always wanted to learn how to do Nordic walking. Let me know how you get on please.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I will let you know. I realised that when I’ve walked on holiday with hiking poles, that I seem to get less back pain. So hoping that this might help at home too.

I found an instructor through this site britishnordicwalking.org.uk/

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to jeanjeannie50]

tagging Jalia too! Apologies for turning a chiropractic query into Nordic walking, but still relevant to back pain.

Just back from my lesson and I loved it! Definitely walked further without my back hurting. The technique does transfer some of the weight to the upper arms, and is a good upper body workout. (Perhaps too much to hope for toned arms, but I can wish.)

It also helps to improve posture, and opens up the chest. Even more happy that I picked up the technique reasonably well, since I am the least sporty person in the world. I just want to be able to continue with normal walking, and get further before backache strikes.

The chiropractor definitely helps too - so glad that you had a good experience Buttercups22

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

That's interesting to hear, yes would be great if it toned upper arms too. I'm a bit under the weather at the moment but will sort out taking a class when better. Thank you for reporting back.

Jean

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hope you’re feeling better soon, Jean. I waited months before doing this - A Fib, sore back. Glad I did it now.

[Jalia in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Thank you!

[Jalia in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

I would be very interested to hear how you get on with Nordic walking Gumbie Cat ! I feel that i should try it.

[bantam12]

I have a regular appt with my chiropractor and have done for years, it’s the only way I can keep my back problem in check.

[CDreamer]

I’m on Apixaban and up until recently saw a Chiro every month. I cannot see why there should be a problem but as Gumbie_Cat mentions - ensure that you check their qualifications and competence and they offer a full assessment and take a full medical history.

You have to chuckle, the pharmaceutical company produce these incredibly toxic drugs and doctors tell us we need to take them to reduce risk, then they list just about everything in everyday life they consider too high risk whilst you take the pills, just to protect themselves.

[BobD Volunteer]

Google can damage your health as I say many times. I often see a lady who does all sorts of strange things to my body to alleviate my pain and also a Bowen man both of whom can be rough. Been on warfarin for years with zero issues.

Good luck with the Nordic walking. I've been using walking poles for about thirty years although Nordic use is less strenuous than the way I used them on hills and mountians which is more like ski poles especially when coming down hills fast so you should have no problems. Think ski touring rather than downhill racing.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to BobD]

I’ve used the tracking poles for gentle walks downhill, when on holiday. They make a huge difference if you have a dodgy knee too. Never been much good at being really sporty, but dislocated a kneecap when pushing a double buggy through a gate! Heaven knows how I’ve got a low resting heart rate too, as that seems to be what the athletes get.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

The way I used them was to extend when coming down hill using them well in front to steady and guide. Nordic seems to involve using them short and in trail with a pushing movement. I prefer to use in front with a pulling movement. on the flat or up hill. It really isn't rocket science! If you use them in a way which keeps your back staight at all times it can improve posture and reduce strain for sure. Its like 4 wheel drive! We never had instructors in my day, you just watched the other hill and fell walkers and found what was comfortable for you. If using on road or pavement don't forget to fit rubber tips or they will slip for a living.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to BobD]

I suspect it will feel different - that’s how I would use them downhill - would feel much more confident.

I’ve had a look at the poles, and some appear to have a tip that can be adjusted for terrain. I’m city centre Edinburgh, so a lot of footpaths, but also tracks along the river etc.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

I bought my current pair maybe 20 years or longer ago after I lent my previous pair to my Dad who never gave them back . They are made by Leki and of carbon fibre so ultra light but were expensive even then so cheaper alluminium ones are available and work just as well unless you are a serious fell walker.

[Desanthony]

Been going to my chiropractor for back and neck pain for decades - better than pain killers when pain is at it's worst and when I can't take NSAID's as ordinary pain killers just don't touch my pain at it's worst. I too had never seen this but wouldn't stop seeing my chiropractor. I would ask your chiropractor about this so that they can either say yes absolutely right in your individual case or put your mind at ease and treat you safely.

[Buttercups22]

Hi there everyone. Thank you for all of your responses. You are a very helpful bunch of people. I saw the chiropractor this afternoon and he was fully aware of what can and can’t be done when a patient takes anticoagulants. In particular neck adjustments can’t be done, however mine is a lower back issue so not relevant for me. Thank you again for helping and advising. Much appreciated. And Nordick Walking definitely sounds a great idea!

[Hidden]

Yes, I do ..... for lower back and right S.I. joint pain .... I'm on Warfarin.