Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 8/25/2007

Question
I have a chronic back pain and each trip to my previous chiropractor (CBP method)  helps make the pain go away.  However, we had relocated this year. Last month I felt a severe upper/lower back pain and tried 3 different chiropractors in the area. The first DC uses an instrument that looks like a small gun. When he adjusted my back, I heard a loud crack. It felt better during the procedure but I felt more pain the next morning. I went back 4x but decided to later try a new DC. My next DC uses a percursor (?) and laser. He adjust by applying accupuncture with his manipulation instead. During the 4th visit, I tried a different chiropractor again but it made my back more painful after the adjustment. I did not go back. The areas he cracked got very sore. I went back to my second DC who uses the laser.  It feels better during each procedure but I would feel pain later in the evening. It takes a couple of days before I feel more relief. I had 8 visits so far. Is it normal to feel discomfort after each treatment and feel the relief the next day? Is use of laser safe? I would greatly appreciate your response.

Thank you very much,
Tek

Answer
It is possible for a patient to experience some discomfort after a chiropractic treatment, just as with any other medical or manual therapy procedure. Typically, minor discomfort following chiropractic treatment usually goes away on its own as the condition improves over time. This is generally not a cause for concern unless the patient's discomfort is significant and their chief complaint is not improving significantly with treatment (in my opinion, in 12 visits or less). At that point, the clinician needs to change the treatment approach or refer the patient to another specialist for additional evaluation.

The use of "cold" lasers for treating musculoskeletal disorders is considered experimental, but so far, there is some promising evidence in the literature to support its use.

As with any other medical intervention, ultimately the best results are obtained when the most accurate diagnosis is made and the most appropriate manual therapy procedure is implemented.

I hope that this answers your question.