Question
Hi Dr. Gillman,
I've been going for chiropractic for just under 1 year. I initially began because
I was going through a very stressful period and suffering from back pain. I
was finding that massage was not enough, and was referred to a chiropractor.

I believe that he is a very good practitioner, he is knowledgeable, and has a
very gentle touch. His adjustments are never uncomfortable, and he stays in
tune with how I am feeling.

The initial back pain that I began treatment for has since disappeared, but I
have been continuing treatment about once every 3 weeks for "maintenance",  
on the advice of my chiropractor.

In the past 6 months I've suffered several muscle spasms - one in my neck,
one in my upper arm, and now one in my back. I've never had a muscle
spasm until now.  By the way, I am an active and healthy 36 year old female.  

My recent back spasm concerns me because it occurred the day after my
adjustment. (I didn't pay attention to any correlation between the earlier
spasms and my chiropractic adjustments). I got out of bed one morning and
felt a kind of pull across my middle back and suffered terrible pain for the
next few days.  The pain has eased off considerably, but now, five days later,
it's still very present.

Is it possible that the adjustment caused this middle back pain?
Do you believe that it's necessary to continue with treatment if I'm not
suffering from any problem?

Thank you in advance for your response,
Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,

High-velocity joint manipulation, depending on how it's done and who is doing it, can strain a joint.  If you have no pain, no problems, have full function, then there is no reason to get adjusted every 3 weeks.  Is there a possibility the adjustment caused your problem?  Yes, it's possible.  But with gentle adjustments, not likely.  With any strain to the joint from the manipulation, there will be immediate pain.  I'd suggest the chiropractor examine you and diagnosis the cause of the spasms.  If he/she is not thorough, then get a 2nd opinion.  Maybe try a physiatrist (MD), but not a PCP internist.  

'Good luck.

Dr. G