has anyone tried chiropraction with cp? - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

peppees · 07-20-2004, 05:42 AM

hi all,
just found this group and seemed pretty good.....so figured I'd join. I'm mum to a 17 yr old terror...lol aka my daughter....who has severe spastic quad cp......we've recently been offered the chance to try some chiropraction with her.....the chiropractor took x-rays which apparently show her neck to be badly out of alignment with her skull pressed hard onto the top of her spinal cord. they seem very sure that they will be able to improve her function significantly but before we start I was wondering if anyone else had tried anything like this and what were the results? she also has the beginning of a lower back scoliosis and they seem convinced they will be able to improve this too....it all just seems too simple. maybe I'm just being pessimistic?

Peppees

JellyRJFan · 07-20-2004, 08:33 AM

I used to go to the chiropractor all the time when I was about 12 (I'm 18 now). I remember feeling a lot better back then, but I don't know if I'm not doing as well now because I'm not going to the chiropractor or because of other things. He did work out some tight muscles in my hips and lower back... it really hurt, but I think it was worth it. Sorry I can't be of much help

musicmaker650 · 07-20-2004, 10:25 AM

Peppees,
Chiropractors manipulate bone and muscle alignment. This can help anybody feel better and more relaxed, with CP or without CP. The very nature of CP causes muscles to put uneven pull or stress on the bones and other muscles of the body. Muscles we can control, take over or compensate for those muscles we can't control... So in short, chiropraction is helpful, but temporary. The conditions that cause the need for it, will always be present. A better, more lasting treatment would include physical stretching and muscle strengthening...

Flycatcher · 07-20-2004, 12:32 PM

Hi Peppees and welcome. Everything that's been said sounds good so far and as long as they're competent it seems like it'd at least be worth a try.

I was just referred to a chiropractor myself by the pain management doctor I'm seeing (related to a lumbar surgery, not the CP). Since my lumbar fusion in June of '02 it seems my ability to shift/compensate for the shorter left leg has been affected and it's causing severe, mostly unbearable pain now. I figure like it or not, it's time to go back to the orthopedic devices (the chiropractor does the fittings). I'm hoping he can fit me for a simple insert or modified insole and I'll not require the "platform" shoe or leg brace again but we'll see what he says tomorrow.

As much as I hate the idea of wearing those braces again, at this point I'll do whatever I can to get rid of this pain. Maybe he can do some mild adjustments while I'm there at least give me some temporary relief.

Jack

peppees · 07-20-2004, 10:23 PM

hi all,
well we went for our first real assesment last night, had x-rays taken....took them to our orthopedic doc to see what he says as well. from teh x-rays its pretty obvious that my daughters skull is kind of wedged on top of her spianl column......no gap at all like most people have. the chiropractor and the doctor both seem to agree that this could have been a dislocation at birth. her ortho doc is quite happy for us to give this a go...he knows of this chiropractor and thinks highly of them. so next Tuesday is our first appointment. 3 times a week for 15 weeks to begin! I'll be interested to see if we see much improvement!
Linda