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.)

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

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,

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!