Seeking Guidance on Chiropractor Referrals and Manual Adjustments
A 37-year-old woman, weighing 135 pounds and standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, shares her recent experience. After being prescribed venlafaxine and clonidine for her PTSD, she sought urgent care due to persistent upper back discomfort. During her visit, the physician examined her and discovered that her ribs were misaligned near her spine. He performed a manual adjustment to realign the ribs, prescribed cyclobenzaprine for pain management, and suggested that if the issue persists, she should consider visiting a chiropractor. However, she is uncertain about the validity of chiropractic care, noting that there appears to be a divide in opinion among medical professionals regarding its safety, often finding claims that manual spine adjustments carry risks. This raises her concern: did she consult with the wrong medical professional, or is there a more appropriate specialist she should consult to address her condition effectively?
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 8:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about the best path for managing your upper back discomfort, especially after experiencing conflicting opinions about chiropractic care. Focus on ensuring that you find safe, effective treatments for your situation.
Main Points:
- Chiropractic care may be beneficial for some conditions, including musculoskeletal pain.
- It’s important to choose qualified practitioners and consider options.
Explanation:
Chiropractic care involves manual adjustments to the spine and other areas to relieve pain and improve function. While many people find relief through chiropractic adjustments, it's crucial to know that there can be risks involved, and not everyone may respond well. Evidence suggests that chiropractic can be effective for certain types of back pain, but safety and comfort are paramount.
If you are unsure about seeing a chiropractor, or you feel uncertain about the manual adjustment you received, consider these points:
- Your primary care physician or physical therapist could offer rehabilitation strategies tailored to your needs.
- Explore physical therapy, which can help strengthen the muscles around your spine and improve overall posture without manual manipulation.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your discomfort levels, noting any activities that make it worse or better.
- Follow Up on Pain Management: If the cyclobenzaprine doesn’t provide relief, discussing non-medication options like physical therapy with a medical professional is wise.
- Research Chiropractors: If considering chiropractic care, seek practitioners with good reviews and those who have experience treating similar issues.
- Consider Other Specialists: If pain persists, ask for referrals to a physical therapist or a pain specialist who can provide a more comprehensive approach.
This method allows you to take informed steps towards managing your discomfort effectively and safely. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further clarification!
Related Questions
Concerns Regarding My Daughter's Ear Health
I am seeking advice concerning my three-year-old daughter, who has a notable history of chronic otitis media. Throughout her life, she has undergone six sets of pressure-equalizing (PE) tube placements, with almost all having fallen out shortly after insertion, except for one. Additionally, she has congenital moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in her left ear. Both of her eardrums display slight scarring due to recurrent infections and the presence of PE tubes. Currently, there is a mass in her right ear that, at first glance, appeared to be fluid due to its droplet-like form. However, this mass has remained unchanged in position for over three weeks and resembles the malleus head. On the upper right quadrant of her right eardrum, two yellowish holes can be seen, separated by a septum-like structure. The second hole has a white formation protruding from it, which resembles a "pearl with a tail," potentially indicating the malleus; notably, it seems to be in front of the eardrum. Importantly, this mass is static and has not changed in appearance or location for more than a month. In early June, she experienced an ear infection that took 12 days and the use of two different antibiotics to fully resolve. She has also had two unexplained episodes of bleeding from her right ear, yet there are no visible signs of perforation or any apparent infection. Lately, there has been increased redness in the ear, along with a peculiar intermittent odor reminiscent of decaying leaves, somewhat sweet in nature. Given that my daughter is autistic and demonstrates a high tolerance for discomfort, it has been challenging to ascertain whether she is experiencing pain or hearing loss in her right ear. Nonetheless, she has been waking frequently during the night and displaying greater irritability lately. I have scheduled an appointment for her on August 11, but I am uncertain whether it is advisable to wait until then for evaluation. I'm reaching out for guidance on whether immediate action is warranted.
Swelling Noted Beneath Lower Gum
27-year-old female, 5 feet tall, weighing 120 pounds, generally in good health with no existing medical issues. Currently on birth control and does not use nicotine. Occasionally consumes marijuana socially—using a pipe or joint 1 to 2 times each week for the past decade. I've been experiencing a concern for the past three weeks. About three weeks ago, I discovered a noticeable swelling beneath my lower gum that has persisted without any sign of improvement. While it’s not painful, I can definitely feel its presence. As far as I can tell, it hasn’t increased in size. Is it possible that I might have oral cancer? What could be potential non-threatening explanations for this issue? *Note: The swelling is located on the inner lower lip, not directly on the gum.
Concerns After My First Oral Experience
At the age of 18, I recently engaged in oral sex for the first time with a guy I had just met. A few days after this encounter, I noticed my throat beginning to itch, and I later developed a mild fever accompanied by cold symptoms. I've chosen not to communicate with him since then and have kept this experience to myself, sharing only with an AI platform for some comfort. Currently, my throat appears inflamed and red, with an itch that persists. I can feel my uvula pressing against my tongue, which is quite unpleasant, and there are small red spots appearing on my tongue. I've been staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, yet I haven’t noticed any improvement. Additionally, I've been taking Panadol to help alleviate my fever. Is it possible that I’ve contracted an STI or STD? I am quite worried that it could be something more severe.
Dealing with Slough in a Wound: Seeking Advice
I’m a 56-year-old female who underwent brachioplasty about a month ago. Unfortunately, two weeks post-surgery, I inadvertently opened some stitches. A nurse from my surgical team provided xeroform and collagenase, advising that it would help dissolve the slough in my wound. However, I've noticed that my condition seems to be deteriorating rather than improving, and I'm quite perplexed by this. I’ve been in touch with my nurse, but she alternates between suggesting there’s an underlying issue and assuring me that everything is fine. I have a follow-up appointment scheduled for the 30th, but I am at a loss regarding what actions to take in the interim. My main goal is simply to heal. Here’s my current wound care routine: - I begin by examining and cleaning any areas that require it. - Next, I apply a generous layer of collagenase (Santyl). - I then take a piece of xeroform, place it directly over the wound ensuring full contact with the skin. - Finally, I cover it with a non-stick gauze pad and secure it with tape. I perform this routine daily, yet every time I clean and replace the gauze, the wound remains consistently moist. It never seems to dry out. I’m starting to wonder if I might be making mistakes in my care process. What steps can I take to effectively address the slough?
Head Pain Triggered by Laughter
Hello, I’ve been experiencing a peculiar headache since childhood, which I refer to as a laughing headache, and I’m currently 19 years old. This discomfort strikes whenever I find something particularly hilarious and results in a sudden, intense pain centered at the front of my head. The episode typically lasts around 5 to 10 seconds, yet the pain is extremely severe. Is this a common occurrence? I spoke with my mother about it, and she revealed that she has a similar experience, although hers manifests as pain in the back of her head. I’m starting to become concerned, as it seems to be happening more frequently when I chuckle too vigorously. Perhaps I’ve just been enjoying laughter a bit too much? Haha.