Question
I am a male and slightly over 40 years old. Before, for a year, I was getting chiropractic treatment; however, I have stopped since my back pain got worse after the treatments. Now, on a daily or weekly basis, I get some serious upper back and lower back restrictions and pain. I can't even sleep on my side or sit for a long time. I can't even do the lightest exercises at the gym. Only thing I can do is treadmill but that makes my back worse, often times. Sometimes, it gets so bad that I can't even get out of bed for weeks and my body looks like the "Leaning Tower of Italy" - it's bent to one side. Also, when I get up in the morning, my back area is in pain or feels very tight and "burns". Usually, the pain and the restriction are in the upper right and left back area and goes down to the center of my lower back and to the sides of my hip area. Do I need surgery or will something like "decompression" treatment work for me?  Also, why has going to chiropractic treatment for a year made my back feel worse? This is crippling my life in "huge" way! I can't do anything and afraid to go out. I am always afraid that I might do something to restrict my back for weeks. I need your guidance please?

Answer
You may need to pursue different options.  Chiropractic treatment should not cause pain.  You may, if continuing with chiropractic care, need to find one that uses therapies, if not being used, and also one that will set you up in a good rehab program to strengthen the spine.  Surgery should be your last resort.  X rays may be necessary to make sure there are no other underlying issues causing pain, as well as a trip to your family doctor for a medical checkup.  Hope that this helps