I have had  back/neck/ shoulder pains & aches for a long time &  just put up with them everyday.  I was looking either for an opinion or something your doctor has told you about seeing a chiropractor.  I don't know if I should see a physical therapist (it doesn't seem that my everyday aches will be helped with p.t. exercises.)  Perhaps massage would help. I'm also quite afraid of chiro because of how they "pop" your neck; it seems dangerous with mm but maybe they don't have to do that part in their treatment.  I would appreciate any experience on any of these topic areas (chiro/physical therapy/ massage),  Thanks!! debs (53 y.o., diagnosed with mm in 1997, sta-mca on both sides in 1998, recently diagnosed with carpal tunnel & arthritis; I do go in a therapy pool 2-3 X a week.)

Hi Debs

I have seen a chiropractor for a long time, and haven't had any difficulties.. only rellief!! I don't do well with massage. It is weird, but I get a migrane EVERY time I get one. I drink LOTS of water and still get a migrane... So, for me, the only solution os a chiro... If you are uncomfortable or worried about it, check with your doc. But, I don't think a ciro does anything to cause stress on our arteries...

Good luck, and take care of those aches and pains!

Sara

Dear Sara,  Thank you for your response!  I was wondering~~does your chiro know about your mm and, if so, does he/she still "adjust your neck"?  I have had a neck/ upper shoulder ache for so many years; the last time I saw a chiropractor was 4 mo. before I had my stroke (in 1997, no less).  At that time, the vertebrae in my neck were almost fused in the area & now add my shoulder from having a major stroke & not getting feeling back in my right side~~guess that why it always hurts.   I'm going to make an appointment with my doc's recommendation for a chiro.; THANKS!  debs

Debs,
        My husband and I go to the chiro... all the time so thought we would see what he could do for Mandy our daughter with MM. He was very thorough and made her go through some things to see if he would work with her first but when her BP in her bad arm was more than 10 points different from her good arm he wouldn't touch her, he said going to a chiropractor can cause strokes thats why he tested her. Mandy has suffered alot of damage from her strokes though. Just wanted to let you know her experience.
                Nancy

Nancy,
Thanks for your response.  How old is your daughter & how long ago was she diagnosed with mm?  What continuing problems does she still have from her stroke?  I guess that's why I was worried about having a chiro work on my neck & back: the possibility of another stroke.  I have the name of a chiro now that I can talk to; it's possible that he won't be able to work on my back/neck afterall.  My blood pressure is generally lower on my stroke side (around 5-10 points) whenever they do a comparison.  My circulation is really goofed up, esp. in the cold weather~~those blood vessels really constrict then.  I understand that bp rises when in the cold & inc. the risk of stroke (& heart attack).  I guess it's something we stroke survivors just have to remember...deb

Debs,
     Mandy is 22 yrs. old and had her strokes at 20, with surgery to repair. She still has no use of her left arm and when she walks her left leg hyperextends back. She does walk on her own though, outside the house we stay right next to her though, I don't feel real comfortable when we're out to just let her walk off to far. She has some emotional incontinenece still and takes a minute to respond to answers, her common sense part of her brain has been effected....unlike alot of people her memory is sharp. The strange thing about her pressure is it was 10 points diffeerent in each arm then 15 then 25, then the next time it was 4 or so, I don't really know why it fluxuates (sp) so much. Hope this helps, anymore questions just ask.
                    Nancy ;)

Debs,

I have an idea, I don't know how it will work for you though.  My husband has acupuncture once a week, he is familiar with his MM, and he says it really helps with stiffness he feels in his arm, shoulder and wrist.  He would have never tried acupuncture if it hadn't been mentioned by his physiotherapist!

My daughter has MM and the doctors here in Houston at the Medical Center told her to never go to a chirpractor that she could get a good massage though.
Carol