Chiropractors

[EngMac]

Sometimes I comment on chiropractors and how they can affect health issues. I posted this on another post and thought maybe some people, who do not read that post, could be interested. There is a chance that the condition of the spine could have something to do with AF. Heart doctors generally do not research this.

Sometimes chiropractors can help with specific health issues but finding one who can help you can be a challenge. I finally found one who never does the "crack approach" but instead uses many more, in my view, sensible methods with much better results, changing the treatment depending on what you say is your current problem and the results from the last visit. First, X-rays are done to actually see the condition of your spine. These are used for reference at each visit. Then, the two weight scales and the line to see how off center you are, then depending on what is known, various treatments on many different benches employing laser, massage, etc. Then PEMF, Scenar, red light therapy, etc. if needed and all for the same price as other chiropractor's five minute "crack' approach. PEMF is always used.

My chiropractor is female and her husband chiropractor is male. They do chiropractic on each other and on their three sons. They also apply functional medicine practices. She said yesterday they noticed their oldest son, who plays a lot of sports, was out of alignment. On the scales, there was 14 pounds, (Canadian) difference from one leg to the other. So a definite lean to one side. One adjustment on a young person often fixes this. But sometimes and for an older person usually many more. Having the spine this much out of just this one alignment can cause some significant health issues because the nerves are affected. The first time my wife, who is 60, stepped on the scales, she was 20 pounds off and this was after 2 years of visiting a different chiropractor. It is amazing how much better her health now is just by visiting this chiropractor. We had been busy all summer and did not go to the chiropractor. Now many of her problems are back but this time it will take less time to get her back to health. Two visits and she is feeling much better. Effective chiropractic visits are as important as any health visit and may be even more.

Many younger people are getting AF. Some chiropractors think if could be the result of spending so much time on phones, computers, etc and carrying very heavy backpacks too low on their backs. All these activities deform the spine and affect the nerve communication to the entire body. Maybe some day more will be known.

[Rainfern]

This is really interesting. At my GPs insistence I had an ambulance out earlier this year as I was experiencing chest pains along with a high AFib heart rate. After careful examination and an ECG the paramedic had me stand up and proceeded to demonstrate to the rest of the ambulance crew how my chronically faulty posture was causing the chest pains. It turns out he’d been a physiotherapist for years prior to becoming a paramedic. There is nothing hugely obvious in the slight twist to the upper spine, and I never notice it, but he could read exactly what was going on. He didn’t make a link with AF but I understand why a chiropractor might.

It is amazing how structural alignment issues can impact on different organs and functions of the body. An osteopath treated my daughter for temporary deafness as a child. While conventional medicine was offering grommets which would have scarred the eardrums, the osteopath showed me how she held her head a tiny bit to one side. He explained how the eustachian tubes were failing to drain as a result, and after some gentle (but to me quite alarming!) manipulation of the neck the problem was resolved. Her hearing remains very acute to this day.

[2learn]

Hi I have chronic back pain and always found osteopaths very good at fixing it. But now I'm on blood thinners the NHS guidance to osteopathes is not to treat people on blood thinners in case of an internal bleed. So in UK it seems osteos and chrios are a no no for anyone one blood thinners.

[Rainfern in reply to 2learn]

Oh dear, I didnt know this.

[Swimsyroke]

What you say is very interesting. The problem is finding the right chiropractor. I wouldn't have a clue how to go about this. Also this kind of treatment wil be very expensive. I wouldn't mind dipping into my savings if I could find the right person who could really help.

[Leaney]

If our body is going repeatedly "out of line" and needing putting straight again then I think something should be done about that. Physiotherapists will give exercises to strengthen weak muscles and keep the body straight and true. If people need repeat chiropractic work then something needs to be done to strengthen the core muscles that keep the bones in the right place. Our physio advised Clinical Pilates under the supervision of a physiotherapist. You are given specific exercises to do that will strengthen your weak points along with some general ones to strengthen the core. It was very helpful.

[LaceyLady in reply to Leaney]

Pilates is no good for me, I was advised. So horses for courses. Not into physios, tried them. Every body is different and what works for one, doesn’t always work for others.

[LaceyLady]

I much prefer Osteopaths, been regulated much much longer. No unnecessary cracking!

I’ve been a Complementary Therapist of 26 yrs, Reflexologist, more clinical in practice, plus other modalities. I have consulted osteopath for decades, had to upgrade to a younger model as previous one retired.

I know some acupressure points and use them or implements like a spikey mat and pillow.

It is important to consult a well trained professional, ask them for qualifications and insurance body, if they mind, don’t go.

[healingharpist]

Interesting, thanks, EngMac. I've been helped by chiro's for some other issues (low back pain, for one), but have not visited one for AF... maybe I should. One thing I notice for sure: If I feel my heart getting "wobbly" like it might go into AF, if I sit up very straight, align my spine, "pull up" my upper body (as you do if you've ever taken ballet)-- my heart suddenly calms down. Slumping over, whether in a chair or a couch, has triggered me more than once. So I might consider getting some chiro treatments in future... Best of health, Diane S.

[Lenaropes]

I like these thoughts.

[Docretd6]

Hello EngMac, Thank you for 'following' me. I note you have had long standing atrial fibrillation, and more recently left bundle branch block and some heart failure. I can't quite see whether your problem includes any general fuzzing up of your arteries, - you know, atherosclerosis as a doctor would say.