Chronic Spinal Pain After Spinal Surgeries

Finding Hope After Years of Pain

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A retired client came to us after years of living with severe spinal pain and debilitating migraines. Retirement had not been easy. Multiple major surgeries, including both lumbar and cervical spine fusions, left the body weakened and restricted. A cervical spinal cord pain transmitter implant had been placed for pain management, but daily movement remained exhausting and painful.

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By the time care began in our office, the body had been through more than most people can imagine. Not everyone is a candidate for spinal manipulation, and that is okay. At our clinic, we do not believe in a one size fits all approach. This client’s care was never about forceful adjustments but about rebuilding function, awareness, and stability step by step.

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Understanding the Whole Picture

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An initial evaluation showed movement patterns had been profoundly affected by years of pain and surgery.

• Lower body: Significant weakness in core activation with large discrepancies in range of motion and flexibility between the left and right sides, especially in the hips and lower extremities
• Upper body: Minimal cervical spine motion due to fusion, reactive spasms, scar tissue, and advanced degeneration. The thoracic spine was similarly restricted, with very little mobility and rotation, especially on the left side

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This combination of restrictions and imbalances made even simple daily movements difficult, tiring, and painful.

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Starting from the Ground Up

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We began by focusing on improving lower body mechanics.

• Core muscle activation and body awareness were the first priorities, helping reconnect with deep stabilizing muscles
• Bilateral hip mobility was restored with active and passive range of motion in extension, rotation, and abduction, along with improved lower extremity flexibility
• Gait mechanics were addressed to improve stride length, foot placement, and walking rhythm

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The result was transformative. Within weeks, walking over a mile with little to no pain became possible for the first time in years.

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Expanding Focus to the Upper Body

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Once progress in the lower body was established, attention shifted to the upper body.

• Gentle thoracic expansion and rotation work improved mobility
• Awareness training for the cervical spine safely increased active and passive movement within surgical limits
• Scapular facilitation exercises, especially on the left side, helped restore lost rhythm and control

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As mobility improved, cross-crawl movement patterns were introduced, helping rebuild functional coordination lost after years of surgeries and pain management.

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Addressing Migraines and Building Endurance

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Migraines remained a major challenge. Alongside physical rehabilitation, magnesium glycinate supplementation and improved hydration strategies were introduced to support muscle endurance and vascular health. Over time, migraine frequency and intensity decreased significantly, allowing better overall function and comfort.

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Looking Forward with Vestibular and Functional Rehabilitation

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The journey is ongoing. The next phase focuses on vestibular rehabilitation, including:

• Maintaining head stabilization during thoracic rotation
• Improving gaze stability with head movement
• Continuing functional retraining, with a focus on gait mechanics and cross pattern activities

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Throughout this entire process, no spinal manipulation was used. At our clinic, chiropractic care is not about doing everything, but about doing what is truly right for the patient.

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Where This Client Is Now

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While the journey is not complete, the progress has been life changing. Walking farther with less pain is now possible, and confidence has returned for engaging in daily activities. Migraines are less frequent, less intense, and easier to manage. Most importantly, hope has been restored. Even with a complicated history, progress is possible.

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Why This Story Matters

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This experience shows that even in the most complex cases, functional improvement can be achieved. With individualized care, a team based approach, and a focus on safe, intentional movement, patients can regain freedom, quality of life, and the confidence to keep moving forward.