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Can a chiropractor help with a fractured vertebrae?

I am a 53 year old male. I want to know if a chiropractor can help with a fractured vertebrae?

25 Answers

Hello, Yes, the modalities that diversified a Chiropractor uses could help speed up the process of healing a fractured vertebrae, utilizes electrical stimulation, Ultrasound, Laser Therapy, which all promote increase blood flow to the regions used. I would not be adjusted until proof that the fracture his completely healed. Good Luck and hope this helps.
Hello. The answer is unfortunately no. As doctors of Chiropractic, we do not treat fractured vertebrae as it is not within our scope of practice to manipulate spinal areas that have fractured vertebrae. I would consult an orthopedic physician regarding this.
I have treated patients with a compressed (compression fracture) vertebra of T12. Every adjustment hurt, but they were adjusted almost daily for 3 weeks. They missed about 4 days of work and had no disability and very little residual symptoms. They do need a maintenance visit from time to time, but otherwise, no surgery or vertebroplasty needed. Each vertebra and type of fracture needs to be independently evaluated and not all fracture vertebra can or should be manipulated. It is generally safe to manipulate the fractured vertebra after 6-8 weeks, so don't wait too long and let chronicity settle in and incapatitate you.
Definition of Vertebroplasty is a procedure in which a special cement is injected into a fractured vertebra — with the goal of relieving your spinal pain and restoring your mobility. Not all people with fractured vertebrae are candidates for the procedure, however.
Yes and no. The bone will heal on its own, but a chiropractor trained in nutrition will make sure you are getting proper nutrition needed to heal bones as fast as nature allows. We help with the muscles above and below. If your low back is fractured, its still safe to get your neck adjusted. The doctor will help you with advise on your daily routine to avoid aggravation of the back while it heals. Acupuncture can also help with the pain. Some Chiropractors do that as well. Micro electric current can help too.
If it is a recent fracture, then no, a chiropractor should not adjust that area. If it is a healed fracture, then adjustments may help with the discomfort.
It it is an acute fracture, no. If it has healed to a good extent and is not displaced, compounded or comminuted, then yes, it can be beneficial if the vertebrae is out of place and irritating a nerve.
If there is an old fracture that has healed, it could be helped by a chiropractor. We would have to definitely do an exam and X-rays to see if chiropractic would be safe for you with a fracture that is healing in your spine.
Without an examination or a review of your records, it is hard to say, but depending on the type, stage, and severity of the fracture, chiropractic may be able to help.
Based on the information you have provided, there would be several more questions I would need to ask about the mechanism of injury and past medical history before being able to fully clear you for chiropractic treatment in such a state. However, I can assure you that after such a spinal injury has healed it will be very vital for you to have the rest of your spine checked by a chiropractor for bio-mechanical evaluation in order to prevent future vertebral issues.
No, But fractures do heal
Hello, good question. Chiropractic care can not fix a fractured vertebrae. Also, depending on the date of injury, chiropractic would be contraindicated in that area. However, if you are having problems in other areas of your spine secondary to the fracture, chiropractic care could provide you with some measure of relief.
Hey there!

So, your question has multiple different factors we must look at. First off, there's no undoing a fractured vertebrae. Once there's a fracture, the bone must be given time to heal properly. What a chiropractor can help with is going to be the symptoms that come with that fractured vertebrae, including segmental disfunction, muscle spasms, etc. We can help stabilize your spinal column to ensure 2 things: 1) that your body is able to heal itself in its current acute condition; 2) to make sure your body is operating at its optimal function to prevent further breakdown of your musculoskeletal system!
I hope that answers your question!
Hello,

No, not if it's a current fracture or in the healing process. You would have to wait a minimum of six weeks for healing and then be cleared by an orthopedist for care; once cleared for care, chiropractic care can help restore balance and proper function for the nerves, muscles, and structure.

Thank you,

Dr. Churchill
Having a fractured vertebra is not going to be helped by chiropractic care. In fact, it could make the problem worse.

Dr. Daniels
Not with adjustments, but after it’s healed, be sure to disclose that if you see a chiropractor in the future. Some chiropractic offices might have infrared therapy and/or supplements that help speed up healing times, but you can’t get an adjustment on that broken vertebrae. When it’s healed and stable it can be helpful to get treatments from the chiropractor for the rest of your spine and body.

Skylar Bakko, DC QNCP PAK BFM

I can't speak for the entire profession, but only myself. I would refer to an Orthopedist, if I found a fracture or if a patient told me, she has a stress fracture.
Not until your fracture has healed.
The areas above and below the vertebrae can be adjusted to help minimize the pain. A non-healed fracture should not be adjusted.
A chiropractor is not going to treat an acute (recent) fracture however, once the injury is healed and stable, a chiropractor can absolutely help with any resulting compensation patterns, muscle spasm and misalignments.

Dr. Latza
Once a fracture is healed and stabilized, Chiropractic treatment can be very effective in reducing symptoms and increasing function. Prior to healing, light and careful soft tissue work can stimulate healing.
Unfortunately a fractured vertebrae requires time to heal. A chiropractor may use laser therapy (which has shown effectiveness in speeding up the healing process) Time is still required for the body to heal the break. The more significant the break, the longer the healing time is usually required. As a reminder the older we get the longer it takes to heal.
If it is a new fracture, no - you must see your M.D. If it an old healed fracture like a compression fracture, a chirpractor can help manage it.
Hope this helps.
No.
New or recent fractures are a contraindication to Chiropractic adjustments at that segment. An old (healed) fracture is safe to treat with Chiropractic. Chiropractors can improve function of the (healed) fractured segment, and the segments above and below the fracture.
Fractured vertebrae can be very serious and is a strong contraindication for chiropractic adjustments. If you suspect you have a fractured vertebrae you should get it checked out immediately. The location of the fracture as well as which vertebra is fractured are factors that doctors will consider when triaging you. While a chiropractor can help to determine whether or not you do in fact have a fracture, we do not specifically treat the fracture.