Question
I have a slight forward curvature of the neck and recently began experiencing some loss of use in my right shoulder and upper arm. I am 64 and otherwise fit attending the gym 3 - 5 times a week but with arthritis beginning to affect some joints and the neck. My chiropracter has recommended adjustments 3 x a week for 3 months.  After the first 2 weeks my neck felt much looser (more mobile) and the shoulder/arm almost free of pain and regaining movement. Now, after 6 weeks, the arm/shoulder pains are returning and the left side of my neck keeps locking and if I turn my head to the right for more than 2 minutes it becomes very uncomfortable. I've commented on all this to my Chiropracter and he says that I must be positive and not negative about the treatment and that I should expect "changes", some good some bad!!!
20 years ago another Chiropracter treated me for a slipped disc. It was a gentle, slower process with excellant results and never at any time did I feel anything other than continued improvement.
I'm beginning to think that maybe I ought to find another Chiropracter! What is your opinion?

Answer
Sheila,

3x/week for three months is a bit much for any kind of manual therapy.   After your first two weeks, why didn't your chiropractor re-assess and greatly reduce your treatment frequency, or, better, give you the option of returning only when your symptoms recurred.  That would have been "good" and not "bad."    While it is true that manual manipulation of joints, especially arthritic joints, can stir up a variety of symptoms, when someone gets alleviation of symptoms then it is time to reconsider the course of care.  The logical options, based on consensus guidelines, are to reduce frequency of treatment accordingly, or to dismiss the patient from active care.   Lastly, in case your DC gave you the impression that your curves or alignment would change with treatment, it does not happen.   When your symptoms are gone and you're functioning well, then you're done.   I would suggest you first challenge the chiropractor before finding a new one.   As for treatment type, if you find that the methods are too vigorous or rough, or that there is no soft tissue massage, warm-up, or other adjunctive procedure that makes the joint manipulation go more easily, then that, too, should be part of your discussion with your current and your potentially new chiropractor.   

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G'

www.drgillman.com