Chiropractic Care After Surgery
Dr. Gard talking about chiropractic care after spinal surgery
Why chiropractic care after surgery may be a helpful option
Here is the transcript of the video, and some extra discussion points below.
Dr Wayne Gard (Chiropractor): Hi, this is Dr. Wayne Gard. One of the things that we’re seeing here today is patients who had previous spinal surgery and they wonder when they can then receive chiropractic care after the surgery.
Well, they certainly can. The most common procedures that get done these days is when they have disc bulging, they get a microdiscectomy, where part of the disc gets cut off. They also can get a laminectomy where part of the bone is cut away from the back of the nerve.
They can also get a foraminotomy, which is where the hole where the nerve comes out is opened up.
All these procedures will heal up over time. Then, you need to get to the root of the problem – why did those discs bulge or the nerves get pinched and often that’s an alignment problem that we can work on.
So if you’ve had spinal surgery, then it’s really important afterwards to come in, let us check you out and work on getting to the cause of the problem. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a microdiscectomy?
A microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure to remove pieces of bone from a vertebra.
A microdiscectomy removes pieces of bone from the vertebra in order to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The procedure is usually done if there is a herniated disk or if patients are experiencing numbness, weakness, and pain in their lower back or legs.
What is a laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure where the lamina and part of the vertebra are removed to expose the spinal canal and nerve roots.
Laminectomies are used to treat severe back pain caused by conditions like scoliosis or degenerative disc disease.
What is a foraminotomy?
Foraminotomy is surgery that widens the opening in your spine where nerve roots leave your spinal canal. You may have a narrowing of the nerve opening (foraminal stenosis).
What are bulging discs?
Herniated discs occur when the outer ring of a disc “bulges” and pokes through the annulus or outer edge of the disc.
Bulging discs are also known as herniated discs. Discs are cushioning pads between your bridged vertebrae to provide flexibility, stability, shock absorption and nerve protection. When a disc bulges out, it can put pressure on nearby nerves which may lead to pain and discomfort.
Bulging discs usually happen because of a variety of reasons including accidents, injuries and aging; in addition, muscles that support the spine may weaken with age and chronic conditions like obesity can make them unstable.
How can chiropractic help?
Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners who focus on treating the spine by using their hands to examine and treat health conditions related to the bones, muscles and joints (musculoskeletal problems).
When it comes to bulging discs, depending on the type and severity of the disc bulge, chiropractors may be able to help through adjustments, mobilisations, rehabilitation exercises, massage and stretches. The aim is to manage the pain and increase the function of the problematic areas that lead to the disc problem.
Chiropractors aim to get to the root of the problem – why did those discs bulge or the nerves get pinched in the first place? If it’s an alignment problem, we can often help with that.
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