Bone tuberculosis, a.k.a. Pott’s Disease, is a serious chronic ailment that is detrimental to the bones and joints. While primarily a condition of the lungs, tuberculosis (TB) may spread to various parts of the body: spine, hips, knees, and other bones.

Treatment, especially during the early stages, can prevent bone TB from causing deformity or loss of joint function, however, in its latter stages, it may require several anti-TB medications, chemotherapy, or surgery. In addition to all these, many medical practitioners nowadays encourage patients to undergo chiropractic Manila and other complementary therapies.

This article delves into the potential of chiro when it comes to managing bone TB. Read on to find out more.

What is Bone Tuberculosis?

Bone tuberculosis is an infectious condition that accounts for a small percentage of all tuberculosis cases. For instance, it accounts for 4.7% of TB cases in the US and 2.2% in Europe.

In the Philippines, while there is no precise data on the percentage of bone tuberculosis, it should be noted that according to the World Health Organization, there are about 1 million Filipinos with active TB (the highest after South Africa and Lesotho) and an estimated 106 Filipinos die every day.

Bone tuberculosis takes place when mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that is the cause of TB, spreads from the lungs through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream and finds its way to the bones as well as joints. In a vast majority of cases, the spine is the first one that gets affected, followed by hips and knees.

Some of its most common symptoms are pain, swelling, stiffness, and weakness (especially in the arms and legs).

What is the Role of Chiropractic in Bone Tuberculosis Treatment?

Chiropractic is a method of complementary and holistic medicine that focuses on diagnosing as well as treating musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those that are related to the spine.

It should be noted that the said holistic approach is not a primary treatment for bone tuberculosis. However, it can be a great complementary treatment to doctor-approved medical protocols.

Some of its potential benefits are as follows:

• Pain Management

Chronic pain is arguably the most common symptom of bone TB. This is most true in cases where the spine or other major joints are affected. Chiro can aid in pain management by means of different non-invasive techniques.

• Gentle Mobilization

A doctor of chiropractic, in an effort to enhance joint movement, curtail stiffness, and alleviate pain, among others, is going to perform gentle mobilization techniques that is complemented by chiropractic massage. This is essential since it is achieved without applying too much pressure on affected areas.

Such a measure is essential since bone TB is an ailment that causes patients to have weakened bones. This means that inappropriately strong force can lead to fractures and other serious injuries.

• Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy techniques that include but are not limited massage, myofascial release, and gentle stretches can reduce muscle tension for bone TB patients. The said techniques can also improve blood flow, promote relaxation, fix subluxation (a bone is pushed out of place) and so on.

• Spinal Manipulation

A study that was published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that chiropractic adjustment that is complemented by flexion-distraction therapy may play a key role in drastically reducing the pain and discomfort in the spine area. This means that bone TB patients who have back pain may benefit from chiropractic care.

Bear in mind that the number as well as frequency of treatment are going to be determined by an individual doctor of chiropractic.

• Improved Mobilization

According to Medical News Today, some of the most common symptoms of bone TB include pain and tenderness in the bone area, joint deformity, and bone defects. Conditions that may have a negative impact on mobility.

In addition to the procedures that were elaborated above, a chiropractor may also teach exercises and stretches that may help improve mobilization. He or she may also encourage cold and heat therapy, give advice on nutrition, and even perform electrical muscle stimulation using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS).

All these may contribute to improved mobilization and allow bone TB patients to live a fulfilling life.

What to Look for When Hiring a Chiropractor for TB?

• Cautious of Medical Possibilities

It should be noted that bone TB is a complex condition that may have symptoms that are pretty much similar to other musculoskeletal conditions. Putting the said factor into consideration, it is best to go for a chiropractor Manila that has a heightened awareness of the said possibility. This is most true for patients who have persistent joint or back pain, or those who do not respond to conventional treatments.

• Collaboration with Medical Professionals

As mentioned earlier, bone TB is a complex condition that requires a complex approach: combining medical and chiro treatment methods. The former is essential when it comes to drastically minimizing the risk or totally eliminating infection and managing acute symptoms, while the latter is important with regard to recovery and improving quality of life, especially in the rehabilitation stage.

On the other hand, it should be noted that the proper integration of the said methods need to be performed with utmost caution. This is due to the fact that patient safety should not be compromised in any way. All, while making sure that treatment is performed in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Simply put, by utilizing a multidisciplinary or collaborative approach, bone TB patients can experience better outcomes, which may lead to a return to normal life.

• Open Communication

A doctor of chiropractic needs to cultivate open as well as transparent communication with the bone TB patient. He or she also needs to explain the potential risks of chiropractic care. This is important because chiro treatment is not a magic pill or a miracle drug.

Yes. Its benefits should not be overlooked; however, its risks should not be neglected.

Summing up

In the end, it can be said that chiropractic offers significant benefits in the treatment of bone TB. However, it should be noted that the risks need to be carefully taken into consideration, and interventions need to be tailor-fitted to complement patient needs, requirements, medical history, and so forth.

Simply put, by prioritizing patient safety–without compromising effectiveness and efficiency–chiro treatment can be a valuable comprehensive plan for bone TB patients.

Are you looking for a tried and tested chiro clinic that can treat your bone TB without compromising safety and your overall well-being? Visit us at Posture Perfect Chiropractic. We recognize the importance of the aforementioned aspects and make it a point to address them with utmost urgency.

Book an appointment now and our highly trained as well as friendly personnel will guide you through the whole process. This, to ensure that you are going to undergo the right chiropractic Manila for bone TB that is going to complement your needs, preferences, and even budget.