Should I go back to a Chiropractor after he has caused me pain?

Question

I've suffered from increasing migraines & tmj for the past 8 years, which have been getting worse and worse, more and more frequent. . . I now take preventative medications which help, suffer from chronic nausea, experience periodic numbness in my limbs. . . the list goes on. So, when I went to a chiropractor and he told me he could cure me (eventually) I was willing to give it a try -- after 4 years with a neurologist and only treatment of symptoms, I'm willing to give anything a try. Well, on the 3rd day/adjustment, I left with a burning pain at my shoulderblades, moving down my spine. I went in the next day for my appointment, got an xray, an explanation about arthritis, and another adjustment that was supposed to fix the problem.
The pain is no better, I skipped today's appointment to give my back a rest, and took a muscle relaxant last night -- still in pain, and I am not sure what to do.

Answer 1

I would never try to diagnose your migraine condition over the Internet. However, you have mentioned a complex of symptoms which could indicate a type of migraines, which involves spasms of the basilar artery (specifically migraines with limb numbness). This type of migraineur has a significant risk of stroke when treated with chiropractic manipulation and it is therefore contraindicated (not ever done with these symptoms until the diagnosis is ruled out). You need to see a neurologist or headache specialist. The neurologist could also evaluate if there is a cervical (neck) condition. Usually with your symptoms an MRI would be performed to rule out a herniated disc in the neck.

While I frequently send patients to Chiropractors, and think when used appropriately, they can be effective, they can increase the severity of conditions if the diagnosis is not accurate.

Additionally, nobody who has any knowledge of migraines would claim to be able to cure them. As a chronic neurologic condition of which the complete mechanism is not understood, the best anybody could promise is to control or decrease them. I would not recommend seeing anyone who states they can cure this condition.

Answer 2

Don't go back to him, Chiropractors are not normally reccomended in the UK these days as they can cause more damage in some cases.
If you have had the pain for 8 years then I am afraid that you may have nerve damage and treatment of the symptoms is the best way forward. Numbness in the limbs is caused by a trapped or damaged nerve, the only treatment that may help is steroid injections into the nerve root or a lumber puncture of stronger Gold steroid. Try Gabapentin to help with the nerve pain and burning sensations, it works for many people up to a point.
I have had a back problem and nerve damage in the spine for just over 20 years, specialists don't seem so helpful when they can't fix things. If you have athritis I would not even consider a Chiro as it could do more damage and cause more pain. Minimise the stress on your bones by careful movements, watch how you bend or lift and start a very gentle exercise program to help ease and strengthen your muscles, one designed for back health. But no movements that will cause much stress on the bones just gentle stretching physio style.
If you are in a lot of pain get the strongest painkiller that you can tolerate, this should help with the burning sensations as they are also a type of pain, do not worry about if it is a strong opiate like Oxycodeine or Buprenorphine as it should ease the pain, quality of life is the most important thing as constant pain leads to insomnia and depression.
A good gentle massage will be of more benefit then the chiropractor and cheaper.
The migraines may be caused by pain as in the past I have had migraines which one specialist associated with the pain travelling up the spinal cord to the brain.
I hope this helps and I know what it feels like.
Andy

Answer 3

Some chiropractors use too much force. Some just plain aren't very good. Maybe find another. I go to an acupuncturist for my migraines after having tried just about everything else. No preventative medicines have worked for me. I have the chronic nausea too. It is horrible and worse with driving. Have you tried ginger for that? It has helped more than anything else. I just got new Chinese herbal pills to try for motion sickness, since it has been so bad lately.

I hope that you find something that helps you. Life isn't fun with migraine and it's neurological problems. You can email me if you want.

Answer 4

I would never recommend a chiropractor. I had pain in my neck causing tingling in my arm and hand. My GP couldn't find the cause, I went to a chiropractor after being advised by a colleague. The pain got worse so I went to a another GP for a second opinion. I have since had x-rays and a MRI scan the result is I have 2 damaged vertebrae possibly made worse by the chiropractor. I am now waiting to see a spinal surgeon to see if he can repair the damage

Answer 5

After you work out, for the first time in a while, your sore right? Doesn't mean that working out is bad for you. Its because your muscle aren't use to it right. Same thing applies here, your muscles can get sore after a spinal alignment. Having said that i would recommend that you see a female chiropractor (not so rough), try a female before you give up on chiropractic care

Answer 6

thats weird that with tmj and migraines they would still send u to the chiro, i have both migraines and tmj from a car accident and my neurologist is STRONGLY against chiros. i know the feeling of only treatment of symptoms...i suggest headaches.com the doctor is phenomenal and recommended worldwide and actually treated me after head trauma..he is in NJ but he has patients all over the world. at least check out the site...but dont go to a chiro!!!!!!!

Answer 7

The private hospital below will at least investigate your migraine symptoms.You could also ask them to investigate chronic lyme disease borreliosis,as you have many of the symptoms linked to this chronic infection.They are all medical doctors there.

Answer 8

pls try using acv (apple cider vinegar)
for myself, after i started drinking ACV, (and also use externally from head to toe) my joint pain gone, my skin more smoother and glowing, my allergic improve, i take a full advantage of using ACV and gaining my health back with this amazing product...
i do not know whether it helps for you or not, but is the cheapest and effective way to cure a lot of sickness and decease, NO harm of trying it, it's chemical free,and pls buy a book to read how this ACV works wonder from inside and out, you don't have to believe me, pls go online and find some answer, just search ACV....
if this will work for you, pls tell to your family and friends too...
i would really want to share this with everyone .

Answer 9

no one would say they could cure anyone but you should talk to him about your symptoms and what you have experienced sometimes it is part of the cure, don't skip any more wait till the end of treatment sometimes it gets worse before better discuss with practitioner

Answer 10

yes you should go back tell him/her about the pain and maybe they wull alternate what their doing but as far as getting rid of pain usually you have to go through worse pain than you are already in to cure it.