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chiropractor

Alice2004 profile image
12 Replies

hi everyone, I am thinking to go for chiropractic appointments it says that it may help people with Fibromyalgia but I am bit worried because I have other health issues like shoulder bursitis which is killing me even after 2 steroid shots no help from that, De Quervain's tenosynovitis bilateral I had steroid shots and not helping, I have I have disk herniated , depression and I am trying to reduce my medication dose because I gained a lot of weight since I am taking them.

GP is ok but not sure if can help me out more than that, and I don’t want to end up with surgery on my shoulder or wrists

Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.

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Alice2004 profile image
Alice2004
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12 Replies
Dinkie profile image
Dinkie

Hi Alice

I have regular chiropractor appointments and find it helps considerably. However my chiro understands fibro and will alter the massage and manipulation levels to coincide with how I am fibro pain wise. Not all chiropractors understand fibro so do your homework and quiz a few local chiropractors or if there is a fibro support group near you ask the question of the members there, personal recommendation should help you find the right one.

Bethenny profile image
Bethenny

My fibromyalgia started after visiting a chiropractor, I was in a terrible state. Ended up having an MRI scan because I was in such a bad way. So for me it would be a definite no !

Bmw640 profile image
Bmw640

Hello Alice,

A question on Chiropractic treatment for those of us with Fibro is likely to bring you mixed answers. I totally agree with the first person who answered you with her take on needing any chiropractor to understand how to work with Fibro. My experience was life changing because the chiropractor smashed a disc in my neck and the epidural conservative treatment to try to save the disc and avoid a disc replacement operation actually triggered both fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, the symptoms of both starting within hours of the epidural. Now I live with severe full body rigidity even down to great changes in vision because my face and head muscles and tendons are so tight they are stuck down tight and distorting it.

From my point of view I would avoid chiropractors like the plague and opt for the generally more gentle treatment of an Osteopath especially since you have De Quervains which can come from the neck as well as the wrist & elbow (I’ve had my share of tendinitis over the years as well), shoulder problems and absolutely if that disc is in your neck. I can’t tell you how horrible it can feel to have your bones cracked too.

Anyway I wanted to tell you of my experience of chiropractic ‘adjustments’ so you have a particularly bad one to look at alongside others when you make your decision. Whatever you choose to do I really hope it helps.

Best Wishes

Bm

Marchhare7 profile image
Marchhare7

Hi Alice, i completely agree with Dinkie. I developed fibro after intensive cancer treatment. I was seeing a fabulous osteopath before i was diagnosed and continue to see him regularly. He will work with me based on how i am that day. I do find i become hypersensitive to light and sound during the treatment but he helps me manage during the appt. I would also recommend speaking to few practitioners first and don't go alone to your first appt, have someone who can drive you home afterwards. Good luck

Southport-beach profile image
Southport-beach

I have to say that I'm very wary of Chiropractors. I went to one several times, she was recommended to me by a friend, for neck and shoulder pain. I just got worse and worse after each appointment. I ended up at my doctors & he said what the Chiropractor was doing was too strong and I should see a physio instead and go back to doing daily gentle yoga exercises. A scan showed I had bursitis in both shoulders which may have been made worse by the Chiropractor.

2thebeach profile image
2thebeach

I go to an osteopath monthly and find it helps. She understands fibro. I have been to a chiropractor many times before I was diagnosed and I would definitely say it is a bit more invasive than osteopathy. Good luck.

pokerface69 profile image
pokerface69

Hi Alice,

I have seen a Chiropractor and an Osteopath for Fibro' issues. I would be wary unless the practitioner is Fibro' informed and makes the treatment more gentle. I wasn't able to tolerate adjustments so we worked around that. I usually had immediate relief from stiffness, followed by a small flare up of pain and tiredness and had to learn that the goal was very much long term. I found Shiatsu much more suitable and successful for me, much less painful and more relaxing. Good luck.

fibrogirl41 profile image
fibrogirl41

Find a chiropractor that does the gentle mctimeny method i think ive spelt it wrong sorry that might help, or one that is good with fibro patients x

Adlon57 profile image
Adlon57

If going to a chiropractor ALWAYS make sure they have qualifications, look up for local reviews, ask around, I was lucky I found one just around the corner from me, I had to stop in 2017 due to a fall that shattered my chest [epilepsy], my mother had fibro. and I recommended them, I always remember my mother after a session a distinct smile on her face👍

Midori profile image
Midori

Ask your doctor whether it would be OK for you, I used to have chiropractic, but I wouldn't personally risk it nowadays.

How about you ask about Osteopathy? Not as well known these days, but may help.

Cheers, Midori

Aliceeliza profile image
Aliceeliza

I had chiropractic in my youth but over the last 2 years I've had osteopathy with a practitioner who understands fibro. I much prefer osteopathy. I am taking a break at the moment but if I feel it necessary I will go back.

Purplebluebell profile image
Purplebluebell

Hi, I have had regular chiropractic treatment for a shoulder injury which has really helped along with sports massage. However years ago when my fibro was at it's worst, chiropractic treatment made me worse.

I have herniated discs now and the chiropractor won't touch that area obviously with manipulation.

However I have had acupuncture to my lower back from him with good effect.

(Also to my arm years ago which had nerve pain from my shoulder.)

You could ask if acupuncture would help ??

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