I did a search and found some older posts on the board about peoples' experiences with chiropractors, and kind of wanted to revive the topic.
My ortho found through xrays and MRI that I have spinal stenosis, some spurs, spinal arthritis, some degenerated discs. I was really getting along pretty well, swimming and stretching for exercise until Oct. when I had a bad l. hip/buttock sciatica attack, the day after having to stand in a line for 1 1/2 hours. I also have bad arthritis in knees, so my walking is limited to errands I have to do, can't hike any more. He gave me a dose pack of Medrol (steroids)for that, and it relieved it a lot, but it messed up my blood sugar and made me feel lousy otherwise. Then right before New Years I had bad pain in same area which Urgent Care said was a muscle spasm that time. They Rx a muscle relaxer called Norflex, which relieved it, but it made me so nauseous and such a bad headache I had to stop it after 2 doses. Was slowly improving until today, when I had to jerk my back and swerve my car to avoid getting hit by someone doing a U-turn, and its flaring up again. My ortho has been great with my knees etc, but he doesn't "do" backs, and I don't want any more drug treatment where the cure is as bad as the condition. SO, I'm seriously considering chiropractic or acupuncture - don't want any more drugs other than my precious Celebrex or tylenol - and don't feel like I want to consider surgery at this point.

So, any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

This is purely a personal view. I wouldnt consider a chiro given what you have described. I fail to see what any manipulation or chiropractic intervention would achieve, With degenarative discs manipulation could be a risky proposition. If historically you have made good progress doing exercises, swimming etc I would revert back to it and do your best to maintain it. Hydrotherapy might me a good option - exercises in warm water.

All the best

Losy :jester: :bouncing: :angel:

I have all the same things as you & due to physical stress have a pain in the left side under my shoulder blade, went to chiro & she made it worse. Went to quick care the day after Christmas & they also have physical therapy there. I was signed up for PT there & it is already feeling much better after 3 sessions. I have previously had PT for a herniated disc in the thoracic area & also for sciatica problems & it worked both times them for me.

I have a muscle relaxer & an anti-inflamatory to take too, as I had let it go so long that the muscles was inflamed & in spasms.

I have a sensitivity to meds & also had 2 ulcers about 10 years ago, so I do not like to take anymore meds than necessary. I do take the anti-inflam with milk & something to eat & it hasn't bothered my stomach this time. I will not stay on it too long though, as I know it can cause stomach bleeding.

I also had vicodin for pain & if you take that one on an empty stomach you can get really nauseous. I did once & I paid for it.

Try the PT for your back, try everything before surgery.

Respect your ortho for saying he doesn't 'do' backs. Ask him if he can refer you to or help you find an orthopedic spine specialist. Mine is two years off a fellowship.