Chiropractor and massages?

Hi, I can't answer the question about massage and chiropractor, hopefully someone here would have recommendations. Regarding weights though, exercise is important at 4.8 you are not far from the critical zone (5.0 and up) and you want your body in the best shape possible in case you need surgery. Now, any exercise that makes you prone to hold your breath or grunt while exerting should be avoided, it is known in those moments BP raises significantly although momentarily, and high BP is the worst enemy of an aneurysm. That is why they set weight limits, lifting heavy weights ususally means holding breath to maintain spine stability. The amount of weight depends on what makes you exert to that level, that is why Drs ususally are conservative and recommend low weights.

You don't say if your aneurysm is ascending or descending, ascending aneurysms require more critical surgery (Open Heart) and being in good physical shape and overal health is important.

I had mine repaired 5 years ago at 5.2 cm and having been in good physical health made my recovery fairly easy, out of the hospital in 5 days, back to work in 3 weeks.

Last thing, find yourself the best surgeon in a major hospital center nearest to you, someone who has done the repair hundreds of time, if yours is ascending the best thoracic surgeon. Also there are cardiologists who specialize in aneurysms, it makes a huge difference if yours does.

All the best!!

Mine is ascending. Thank you for the information.

Everything that Houston13 says is right....but I would add this: I would NEVER see a chiro again. I saw one for about 3 years before I dissected and I genuinely believe that this compressive back adjustments on me were a precipitating factor in my dissection. I know that chiropractic can help some people in some cases. It helped me with chronic sciatica and hip pain, but the dangers are so great with the sudden compressive force of a back adjustment that it can most assuredly cause a massive spike in blood pressure that could result in exacerbating an existing aneurysm or creating an aneurysm. As much as I love my chiropractor, I think he was overly aggressive with me because he was 335 pounds and 6 foot seven. I know he meant well but I don't think he comprehended just how much damage he was doing to my vasculature. As an attorney who survived a complete type A1 ascending aortic dissection in 2015, I'm also intimately aware of a case where a chiropractor did a neck adjustment and dissected a carotid artery in his patient, resulting in a massive brain bleed and near death. I was involved in litigating certain parts of this case, and I can assure you that what I learned as a lawyer I would carry into my personal life: I would never get another adjustment from a chiropractor.

Thank you for your input. What is your take on a massage? The same?

I agree with @moonboy , no chiropractor. I had a dissection of my entire aorta, ascending was repaired when it happened. Decending is a different story.
Medically managed.
Massage of your neck should be fine.
I just would not go much further, you never know.
Good luck, God bless

My husband was told that he has an Ascending Aneurysm and leaky valve about 9 years ago. Over those years he has had massages and adjustments by a chiropractor. He was sore the other day, so I gave him my massage appointment. The masseuse would not take care of him because of the AA. She said that she would need a note from his Dr. We never were told not to do this or gave it any thought! Researching this topic has led me to believe that he has been very fortunate so far. I feel really dumb. 😔

Falling into the YMMV category I never stopped having either massages or chiropractic adjustments both coming into my first open heart surgery to repair the aneurysm and aortic valve and the second one eight months later to replace the repaired aortic valve. My massage therapist is also an RN with 17 years of ER experience before he decided to switch to massage therapy. He was also an instructor at the school. So I would say everyone individually check with your medical people!

@dlc1953 NEVER think you are dumb not knowing anything you couldn’t possibly know!! Please be kinder to yourself!! 🙂

Thanks for making my day. ☺️

barbaracey
I had an emergency aortic dissection 3.5 years ago. I am waiting for a second surgery in February because my where my aortic arch was repaired the blood seems to want to avoid flowing in that area. So I have a chance of having dissection. After the first surgery I was advised by my mayo cardiologist to avoid manipulation in the neck area. My chiropractor said he could safely manipulate me. I have never gone back. I asked about a massage. I found out that masseuse in my state (IA) must wait for 6 months before they can give a massage after open heart surgery or aortic aneurisms or must have a Drs. release. I am not to have any deep massages. I have continued a soft and medium massage and have felt fine, no problems. I highly recommend you see what your cardiologist says or your primary doctor says.