Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 11/14/2005

Question
I was evaluated and treated by a chiropractor about six months ago.  He performed x-rays (but neglected to tell me the diagnosis).  I was doing well with his treatment plan.  On the thirteenth visit, the physician pulled apart the table on which I was laying, and jerked my lower body around on all planes of motion.  Following that, he "adjusted" by spine -- into what quickly became an unbelievably agonizing position.  I missed a week of work, because I could hardly walk down my hallway to use the restroom.  My father has had experience with a chiropractor who treated him for about twenty years, for a condition that cannot be cured (he has two vertebre which are triangular shaped from an AP x-ray, one in either direction).  It seems that when my family sees a chiropractor, we get screwed, one way, or another.  I appologize for the exabercent history.

My question is this:  I have levoconvex scoloiosis (diagnosed following chiropractic, by a family physician -- the disorder was so painful it required three months of physical therapy and an equal duration of a strong muscle relaxer).  Is there anything that chiropractic medicine can do, beyond putting me in agonizing pain, for the treatment of levoconvex scoliosis?

Is this type of experience (the unbelievable pain) following advanced chiropractic sessions typical with scoliosis patients?

Are there a special subset of chiropractors who focus on gentle therapy (as opposed to twisting me at my hips, so that one is in the air, then doing a belly flop on it)?

I thank you for any assistance you can offfer.

Brian

Answer
Hello Brian,

   You should not have severe pain after treatment.  You may some muscle soreness for a day or two after the adjust but then you should be feeling better.  Doctor's of chiropractic usually do specialize in certain aspects of the field, such as; sport injuries, pediatrics, etc.  When you have a adult scoliosis it is hard to decrease the curve substantially (due to your body formed this way and may be genetic or from serious injury).  Often deep tissue/Muscle work combined with adjustments will provide great relief and improvement.  As your body goes through these changes it may be pain but never should be debilitating where you can not walk or function.  You may want to find a doctor who specializes in soft tissue injuries/ sport injuries to provide care for your condition.

Hope the information helps,

Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.