Do you ever have trouble sleeping because of pain in your back, neck or shoulders? Do you dread getting an MRI or other imaging because it hurts to lie on the table? Do you find it difficult to walk because of muscle weakness or tightness? Are you hesitant to travel because you can’t sit comfortably on an airplane, bus or train?
For some people with cancer, chiropractic care can relieve these aches and pains and improve function so you can go on with treatment, and with life.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractors, generally use a drug-free, hands-on approach that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help During Cancer Treatment?
Cancer and treatments for cancer can cause stress on the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. For instance, chemotherapy may cause neuropathy and radiation therapy can cause tissue fibrosis, both which can lead to loss of mobility and/or painful movement.Chiropractic care helps to correct musculoskeletal problems and restore the frame of the body so it can work more efficiently as a whole and heal faster. When used during cancer treatment, chiropractic care may help to:
Alleviate neck and low back pain/stiffness.
Restore nerve function .
Improve mobility and range of motion .
Reduce muscle tension and joint inflammation
Relieve headaches
Reduce sciatica (pain from lower back to back of the leg)
Improve postural changes
Chiropractic Techniques
The most common therapeutic procedure performed by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment. Manipulation involves manually applying a controlled force to the spine and/or other joints in the body that have become misaligned or restricted in their movement.
Chiropractors may also use soft tissue and stretching techniques, traction, heat, ice and low force techniques including the use of blocks or an Activator instrument.
NOTE: this information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider reading chiropractic care during cancer treatment.
Tips for Incorporating Chiropractic Care During Cancer Treatment
Think safety first. While chiropractic care can be helpful to many people with cancer, it may not be for everyone. It is not recommended if you have primary bone cancer, bone metastases, cord compression, or low platelet counts. Always check with your cancer team first before consulting with a chiropractor.
Educate yourself.
Before you decide whether to pursue chiropractic care, learn about the benefits and risks. Ask your doctor for educational materials and resources. If you decide to see a chiropractor, find one that treats your symptoms and addresses the underlying causes.
Take ongoing precautions.
Throughout your care, your chiropractor should continuously monitor your imaging tests (e.g., PET, CT, MRI, X-rays, bone scans) and blood work to ensure chiropractic care is still indicated. Depending on your condition, you may need to discontinue chiropractic care during treatment.
Integrate chiropractic with other modalities.
Chiropractic does not treat cancer. If recommended, it should be integrated into your cancer treatment plan as a supportive therapy, to keep you strong so you’re able to undergo your conventional treatments more easily and with less pain.
Make sure your care is coordinated.
If you’re seeing a chiropractor separately, make sure coordination of care is handled properly. Your chiropractor should be in regular communication with your oncologists about your treatment plan, and vice versa. A team approach ensures safe and appropriate care.
Stay on top of pain.
Chiropractic care can sometimes decrease the need for pain medications. However, if you experience pain, it is best managed and relieved when treated early, rather than waiting until it becomes severe. Take your pain medication on a regular schedule, as instructed by your doctor.
Keep your oncologists informed.
Communication with your cancer team is essential to receiving the right treatment for your needs. Be open with your doctor about any new symptoms you’re experiencing, such as back pain, headaches, numbness, difficulty sleeping, etc.
Incorporate rehabilitation.
If you have back pain or neuropathic pain, you may have difficulty walking or performing daily activities. In addition to chiropractic rehabilitation therapies can help strengthen muscles that are weak, reduce pain, and improve coordination and balance.
Get healthy in other areas.
To feel better and keep your strength up during treatment, it’s important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and stay hydrated. Also, prolonged inactivity or bed rest can make back pain worse. Try strength-building exercises, swimming or yoga to strengthen muscles that are weak.
Use additional supportive therapies.
In addition to chiropractic care, other supportive therapies may help to relieve symptoms. Try relaxation techniques, meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing, massage, and acupuncture to improve circulation, reduce stress, and alleviate muscle tension.
Adapted:from:http://www.cancercenter.com/newsletters/august_2011_newsletter.cfm