Hi everyone

I have had a sore knee for a few weeks now, nothing to do with RA. My friend had a similar problem and went to visit a chiropractor, she said it was brilliant. I decided to give it a try, I thought I was going to be 3ins taller by the time he was finished. It was later that day I suddenly thought I should check with rheumatology if it were all right for me to do that. I have not heard back yet , but wondered if anyone else has tried this out. I was sore last night but today my knee is great, Its not felt this good in a few months. Hoping for some feedback, thanks Lorna xx

Hi Lorna,

I saw a chiropracter before I was disgnosed. I now know that I had classic RA syptoms - couldn't grip anything, wrist swollen, lots of pain. Someone suggested I may have trapped a nerve somewhere and she treated me as if this was the case. I went twice. A week later - massive RA flare which led to my proper diagnosis. It left me with little faith in that particlular woman as she didn't spot the symptoms and did a lot of back and neck manipultation that I now know can be quite dangerous for RA. Just my experience, but I would definitely check with your rheumy team.

Julie

Hi Lorna

I have big problems with my knees and just wondered how you reached the conclusion that it isn't something RA related? I saw an orthopaedic consultant yesterday and was quite surprised when he explained that damage I thought occurred when I fell a few months ago was actually longstanding RA issues made worse by the fall. One of my problems is a torn cartilage and meniscus for which he has organised an MRI to get a better picture. Whatever the outcome he has listed me for surgery in the next four months

Chiropractor, a definite "no". Majority will have no experience of RA problems and a lot of damage could be caused by inappropriate manipulation. Whilst the initial improvement might be satisfying it could cause further problems long term. Do hope that isn't the case for you. I'm also wary of physiotherapists who don't have a good background knowledge of RA and always worth checking even though it seems cheeky! Neck and back are probably most at risk but treatment on any joint from someone not qualified could have serious repercussions. Dodgy knees can easily lead to dodgy hips then dodgy backs, and so it goes on!

Take care Lorna,

Lyn x

Been to an Osteopath as well .Like them better .But i would guess they would not have a clue about R.A .And never go with a flare up to either .
Well its a big no no just think of the money you will save .
After MRI scans i would never go too either .I have wear and tear might have M/S when i used to go i was total upright .They never done an x.ray or anything .
They where banging away on my joints telling me a load of rubbish .I would guess i had R.A scleroderma and the rest ofit starting years ago .?
so its a big big no no

christine

Hey thanks all for your replies

My knee did seem better the day after, but I did worry about the way he was pulling my leg and foot. I was to go back tomorrow but I will cancel the appt. from now on as I have been worrying it might do my limbs damage in the long run. Lorna xx

Before diagnosis, my Chiropractor had kept me on my feet, and after an emergency op on my spine, helped me to regain my mobility. He is at the top of his profession, and a teacher. He suggested that the GP refer me to the RA clinic, and the only point he would not work on while I was b eing Diagnoses, was my neck. As the number of drugs I was taking was increased, we had a long discussion around the difficulty is assigning a pain to the RA or Spine. The drugs were increased, and included some for RA and Osteo, and we decided that the private apponitements were no longer a good idea.

In the early stages of RA, if your Chiropractor is fully qualified and up to date around RA, it can be beneficial, and help one maintain mobility and good posture.

IMHO, MandyM