Chiropractor? Surgery or prescribe?

Question

I have never been to a Chiropractor.
I have been diagnosed with a pinched nerve needing fusion surgery and an arthritic shoulder that will soon need a replacement joint and I do not like the thought of either one. Do DC’s read MRI’s? Can they prescribe pain killers or can they do surgery? Can they unpinch a pinched nerve? Can they paralyze me by pushing on my pinched nerve? Any personal experiences would be welcomed.

Answer 1

My husband has a permanently pinched nerve that has ruptured. He had to
quit work at 64 as he was a motor mechanic. He saw 4 surgeons three of which wanted to rush him into surgery & were angry when we said no. Why? My husband would be in a wheelchair. The fourth surgeon said not to have surgery unless he couldn't stand it any more. He had to quit work at 64 and he is 75 now. He went to a chiropractor and so did I. I worked for 2 years for a Chiropractor. The Chiropractor said all he could do is try to make him comfortable. As for pain killers, see your Dr. Have him check on the MRIs which will tell the whole story. Good luck I know how painful it is. I suffer from pinched nerves down both legs sometimes and also the down the side. That
is the Sciatic nerve. Make sure that if you go to a Chiropractor that he has all
reports, MRI reports and whatever else is necessary so that he will know what the right treatment is if any.

Answer 2

Do not use a Chiropractor with a diagnosed pinched nerve. They can paralyze you by performing spinal corrections with a severely damaged/herniated vertebrae.

A pinched nerve (I'm assuming L4-5/S-1 area) will require surgery period. What type of surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve is open to debate. Fusion is usually not done on your first back surgery unless you are in really bad shape.

Either an Orthopedic or Neurologist performs spinal surgeries.

MRI's are read by Radiologist and sends a report to your Doctor.

Please feel free to see my profile and e-mail me if you have any more questions.

GOOD LUCK!