Anyone do chiropractic care after Laminectomy?

@kathleenpk Laminectomy carries a little bit of risk for destabilizing the spine because of bone having been removed during the procedure. A better suggestion would be to look to look at Myofascial Release for treating neuropathy.

Some patients benefit from this, and Mentor @johnbishop , John, often recommends this as something to try for neuropathy. It is a form of physical therapy, and one of the issues with surgery is that is creates scar tissue which can create a tightness in the body that may exacerbate neuropathy. This sometimes can compress nerves, etc.

One of our Mentors, @artscaping , Chris, has done myofascial release for her neuropathy and has been able to regain enough feeling to be able to drive. I'm sure she can tell you more than I can.

Here is our discussion about Myofacsial Release where you can learn more.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

There is a provider search at http://mfrtherapists.com/

I have done a lot of MFR work myself and it has helped a lot. I was treating thoracic outlet syndrome as well as rehabbing from spine surgery.

Jennifer

Jennifer, cannot thank you enough for such a prompt reply. I can deal with all of the problems this idiopathic neuropathy poses, BUT the not driving is the last straw. I will look into your recommendations and hopefully be able to add some positive avenues of relief for others dealing with this. Thank you again. Kathleen

Have you considered asking your surgeon what he/she would think of chiropractic care? The neuropathy sounds very difficult to deal with in the feet.
argie

after my laminectomy I was told by multiple doctors no CHIRO. So best to ask your doctors. I get regular massages and my massage therapist is certified in MFR. Don't have to be a PT, as some advanced LMTs also study and provide it.

My acupuncturist doesn't recommend a full-blown chiropractic treatment. I've had three since my operation last March. The first one was great. The second one took me weeks to get over. I just had my third and I asked that only my neck and my right leg be realigned. No problems.

Some doctors will not recommend chiropractic, acupuncture or physiotherapy for fear of being blamed if something goes wrong.

My acupuncturist had the same operation as I had several years ago. So I rely on her experience. She reminded me that it takes longer to heal bone than flesh--that's why it's taking so long to recuperate. I wish someone had told me this sooner. I've wouldn't have tried to get back to "normal" so soon.

Regardless, it beats being on opioids for the rest of my life.

I personally would not use chiro care post laminectomy. I would instead opt for ice/heat/massage therapies and use topicals of Arnica gel
with Frankinsense oil. It keeps nerve pain away.

@dte what brand of Arnica gel do you use. I have Pure Joy

Mine is Roberts Labratories from Amazon. Arnica Montana also come in sublingual form tablet & helps with pain as well. My GP recommended these to me for pain control w/o side effects.

I find an ice pack sometimes is better than Tylenol Extra. I usually have a shower as hot as I can stand. Then I end it with as cold as I can stand. In between, I touch my toes for a slow stretch.

I will have to check out the Arnica. It sounds interesting.

@elizadolittle
For me, the best help for for nerve pain lumbar spine is the combination of Arnica gel & frankincense oil with it. You must use a lotion or gel with frankincense or you could burn your skin only using the oil. The two together were a game changer for my pain.