Chiropractic Treatment and Mesothelioma Cancer

Guest blog from Mesothelioma Center

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused mainly by exposure to asbestos. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in late stages as the symptoms can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to become noticeable. Usually, by the time mesothelioma is diagnosed it is already in advanced stages and treatment options are limited. Mesothelioma patients also deal with a significant amount of pain from symptoms and treatment side effects.

Mesothelioma patients may choose to visit a chiropractor as part of their treatment routine. According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic doctors “have a deep respect for the human body's ability to heal itself without the use of surgery or medication. These doctors devote careful attention to the biomechanics, structure and function of the spine, its effects on the musculoskeletal and neurological systems, and the role played by the proper function of these systems in the preservation and restoration of health. A doctor of chiropractic is one who is involved in the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as the promotion of public health, and a wellness approach to patient healthcare.”

Cancer patients have included chiropractic care in their course of treatment to help control pain and alleviate headaches, tension and stress. Patients interested in alternative treatment, who strongly believe in the body’s ability to heal itself, may find chiropractic care particularly appealing. Alleviating severe headaches and movement pains during cancer treatment may make the treatment process more comfortable for cancer patients, including those battling mesothelioma.

A study was published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics that examined a 54-year-old man diagnosed with lung cancer (a cancer often related to asbestos exposure). The man began seeing a chiropractor after experiencing very little pain relief one year after he underwent surgery to combat his cancer. The man experienced pain relief immediately after beginning chiropractic care and stopped using all of his pain medications after two visits to his chiropractor. While these are not typical results by any means, this clinical example offers a specific instance of how chiropractic may improve the quality of a cancer patient’s life.


Addendum: As always I recommend you consult your Primary Care Physician or other referring Physician with changes in medication or congruent treatment plan.