topic Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe??? in Wellness

Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

tsavorite — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 03:09:40 GMT

Hello I was wondering if anyone has been diagnosed with osteopenia and is also having chiropractic adjustments?

Recently due to x-rays I had done I was told that very mild osteopenia is present in my neck/cervical spine. I have been doing the chiropractic adjustments not knowing this.

I told my chiro about this and he insisted it is safe to continue but I am just not sure if he is just telling me this to keep a patient. I can call my doctor back on Monday (the one who ordered the x-rays) and ask his professional opinion.

When I google on this topic what is coming up are lot's of chiro's stating it's safe...that doesn't help me as I think they may be biased as many are out there telling patients they can cure just about everything with spinal adjustments!

Looking at the osteoprosis foundation website I am confused where to find info on this topic....I wish there was a medical study on the safety.

Thanks to all who have advice or information for me.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

Reba055 — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 04:34:56 GMT

It might be safe but I would ask your doctor. I have osteopenia but also a ton of spinal issues, too much to list, but pretty much everything you can have. My neurologist asked me if I wanted to try chiropractic treatment and said if they really know what they are doing that it could help. I declined, didn't seem like a good idea to me. Later my pain management doctor and a neurosurgeon almost fell out when I told them what he had suggested, and said under no circumstances should I let a chiro touch me. I think there is still prejudice against chiropractors by MD's, and some MD's are just flat out against it, period. I have read and heard of others who have gotten help with chiro treatment who have just about as many issues as I have. I do know this much, when they start claiming they can fix everything under the sun with adjustments-run! Personally, I would err on the side of caution. Do you know if you have degenerative discs as a result of bone loss? Mild osteopenia in and of itself might not be a problem as far as adjustments go but if the osteopenia has caused bone loss to the point of degeneration you can have other issues going on that only an MRI would show.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

lizzief — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 04:46:46 GMT

I'm not familiar with you condition, and even if I was wouldn't attempt to advise you on a medical problem, but I do know that any reputable chiropractor who had looked at your X-rays ( has he?) will not touch you if they shouldn't. I have severe neck issues, and I only go to the chiropractor for massage and lower spinal adjustments. He will not adjust my neck because he knows I've had operations and there is some hardware he needs to avoid. Again, a reputable chiropractor will not touch you until they have a complete understanding of your medical condition, but it's your responsibility to make sure they have all of the necessary information.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

adelle38 — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 04:55:41 GMT

Have you had a Bone Mineral Density test to precisely diagnose osteopenia?

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

NYC Susan — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 05:58:51 GMT

Safe for some, not for others. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question on the internet or anywhere else. Only a medical professional who has information about you can answer this question specifically for you.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

esmeraldagooch — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 12:56:02 GMT

I have it and still get regular adjustments.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

Stray — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 13:41:47 GMT

There are some excellent chiropractors and my orthopedist actually goes to one as does the neurosurgeon who did my back surgery. But, all chiropractors are not equal. I have osteopenia as well and I assume you had a bone density done? Usually, there are no symptoms with osteopenia and no need to see a chiropractor for that diagnosis unless you have another condition. Your doctor should have upped your calcium and advised an exercise program. Chiropractic adjustments will not help you with osteopenia, you just want to prevent it from progressing to osteoporosis. I would talk to your gynecologist as they are pretty well versed on the condition or if you live near a good sized medical center, there is usually a osteoporosis clinic. If you are really concerned you may want to consult an endocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis. The website you mention does have comprehensive information but probably won't mention chiropractic care for osteopenia as it is not the usual treatment for the condition.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

violann — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 14:23:09 GMT

Was anyone elseaware (I was NOT) that major weight loss can cause oseopenia?

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

Stray — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 14:33:17 GMT

Yes, but not always....it depends on your method, diet and if supplements are taken

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

AngelPuppy1 — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 14:34:05 GMT

I have pretty severe osteo and I occasionally have to get adjustments. I make sure they know my issues and treat accordingly. I think each person has to be judged on an individual basis.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

tsavorite — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 15:11:02 GMT

Hi everyone....OP here!

I have had a MRI on my neck also...several yrs back to be treated by a pain management doc...I have loss of lordiosis and osteo-arthritis in my neck. Saw a Ortho surgeon....he recommened different PM procedure then PM doc...epidural but PM doc did facet joint blocks bilateral 3 levels. Which made me hurt and stiffen up much worse. I saw no benefit from that procedure.

So I went back to chiropractic care (had done some in past) at the time I had MRI done NO osteopenia was found (2-3yrs ago) my internist (due to my chronic back pain ordered a full set of spinal x-rays a few weeks ago. That is when I got the copies of reports/x-rays...and osteopenia is now noted on cervical spine ""mild"". For some reason my internist said I don't need a bone scan. I just have it and to take calicum supplements. I have a previous thread on some of this.

My current chiro has been treating me for the past 6mo's....he has seen all x-rays/MRI's I have from previous chiro's and doctors. I bring it all in. Same with these recent ones....and as I said he said it was safe for me to cintinue. I have arthritis thur out my cervical spine and thoracic spine. I do have some loss of disc height noted in these films and so on. No hernation is noted.

To the poster who is thinking I was seeing a chiro to treat osteopenia I am confused why you would think that from my post but I want to clarify ""I was seeing him for pain....arthiritis thur out back"". I only found out as I said about the osteopenia a few weeks ago. I do not believe chiro adj's treat this at all and never stated such. My chiro doesn't claim that either.

My question/concern is about the safety of not so strong bones getting regular chiro adjustments as I don't want a fracture. My chiro has assured me it's fine but again I am still feeling concerned. Also I didn't ask for medical advice...I was hoping to talk to others with similair conditions and what their experiences might be. Or if there were actual medical studies I couldn't find by googling others could point me to so I can make a wise decision.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

hckynut — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 15:30:52 GMT

Now this is definitely a question that should be answered by your Medical Doctor. Though all here may be well intended, this is no different than what you found on Google. This is "individual specific" and in my opinion can only be answered by a Doctor that is a Specialist in this field, and also has seen and read all the medically specific information on a patient, before giving her/his Professional Opinion. While I have lots of personal experiences with Spinal issues and have been worked on by Chiropractors and Spinal Specialists, I will pass on this question: "IS IT SAFE"?

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

wagirl — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 15:47:12 GMT

I have osteopenia and go to a chiro who specializes in kinesology. That is how the body moves. She happens to be in my town and I've been going to her for about 3 years now. She is very gentle and always, ALWAYS talks to me first before she gets to work. I lay on a table that has places on it that drop individually. Seems like each appt with her is a little different as my needs are a little different each time. She knows all my history and goes over it each time. I feel very confident with her.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

chessylady — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 16:02:10 GMT

I have scoliosis and osteopenia. I have a good chiropractor that I have used for years. I believe the adjustments are safe but have not discussed it with my doctor.

Re: Chiropractic Adjustments....With Osteopenia....Safe???

millieshops — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 16:07:59 GMT

There is no one answer. It depends upon the skill of your doctor as well as the specifics of your diagnosis.