Question
My 91 year old mother has spinal stenosis with very severe pain.  She wakes up crying every morning just trying to get out of bed. We have tried the cortisone shots and they used to help but they don't anymore.  She takes 2 vicadin every 4 hours and is still in pain.  I can't stand to see her in this much pain.  Bless her heart, she gets up every day, gets dressed and puts on her makeup ready to greet the world.  We need some help to get her relief from this pain.  Would a chiropractor be able to help her?  What would you suggest we do for her?  Would a network chiropractor be helpful?   Thank you !

Answer
Hi Patti,

Sorry to hear about your mom.   I've seen cases like these and they do not respond to chiropractic methods when the patient is in their 90's and with severe stenosis.  I would also highly suggest avoiding the (lunatic fringe) network chiropractic.  If your mother is in otherwise good condition, ambulatory, with good mental faculties, then try a chiropractor that can combine gentle distraction-table techniques with gentle myofascial massage.  You'll have to call around to find a DC with a "flexion-distraction" table.   Also, a lumbar wrap-around support might make her feel better.  She can wear it to bed.  

'Best,

Dr. G