Chiroprators: are they helpful?

[Rerun]

I'm 35 and have been experiencing recurring back problems (I've thrown my back out in an ugly way twice in the last year).

I've made an appointment to see a chiroprator for the first time. However, I hear mixed things about chiropractic medicine. I know some people who have found it helpful, and others who haven't. I've also read stuff by MDs who feel the chiropratic profession is complete bullshit, arguing that there is no evidence that speaks to the effectiveness of chiropratic treatment. Example:

http://www.healthwatcher.net/chirowatch.com/Chiro-pediatrics/ch000212levant.html

Wondering if folks here might be willing to share their expereinces with chiropractic treatment. Anyone found it helpful?

 

[alexmst]

Yes, I have found it helpful. Increased mobility in my neck & elimination of annoying mid back pain after 2 sessions a week for 2 months.

 

[smylee52]

Absolutely more helpful than an MD when it comes to back pain . A good chiropracter relieves the pain and should give you exercises to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence .

 

[skypilot]

I thought it was bullshit, but when I had back problems I went to one and was helped a lot. I did have a problem with the way he marketed himself, wanting me back weekly forever, claimed to be able to resolve medical problems other than my back.
If I have back problems I would go to one.

 

[calloway]

Just like the hobby... there are good ones and bad ones.

If you find a good one... which I have in both cases... they are amazing.

 

[tboy]

Yup, swear by them. I had a herniated disc in my lower back and it acts up from time to time and whenever I get a sore back, I go, get cracked and feel fine.

One time I couldn't stand straight, had ciatic (sp?) nerve pain down my leg, couldn't sleep, crap, pee, do anything. Went to one, x rays, crack I was up walking normally, pain was about 5% of what it was when I went in and no pain down my leg.

Anyone who calls em hogwash can blow me lol....

 

[Dirtyoldbasturd]

should give you exercises to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence .

Chiropractors are good. but ask for exercises. I've seen 3-4 different chiropractors till I figured out that key is exercise, not heavy lifting. Excerise to strengthen the the small muscles that hold the bones in place. Stretching is another key...if you have lower back problems you may have tight hamstrings or a sciatic nerve disturbance. you can stretch that out.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=7&ct=image&cd=1

look into taking yoga classes.

 

[lonecoxxman]

Chiropractors are good. but ask for exercises. I've seen 3-4 different chiropractors till I figured out that key is exercise, not heavy lifting. Excerise to strengthen the the small muscles that hold the bones in place. Stretching is another key...if you have lower back problems you may have tight hamstrings or a sciatic nerve disturbance. you can stretch that out.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=7&ct=image&cd=1

look into taking yoga classes.

The jury is still out in my mind where chiropractors are concerned. Right now I am using one for a cold laser technique on my bum knees. And this really works!! He also has given what I feel has been good advice with a back problem I have.

But from one dirty old basturd to another, you make a great point about exercise. I was diagnosed with tight hamstrings and a PT gave me an exercise program, mostly stretching, that has greatly helped my back. Another great aspect about these exercises is that they have really toned my abdominal area as well as helping with balance.

 

[clifford]

they work great on your back but keep them away from your neck. I had a bad crack to the neck a few years ago & I have suffered incredible pain ever since

 

[21pro]

I've had a bad chiropractic before- spent 6mths with her, but she was a babe, just didn't make me feel any better... anyways, they make things worse unless they really are the right match for you.

find one that requests you to get x-rays, mri or ct-scan to see what the 'real' underlying problem is first. most chiropractors are skilled in reading scans and negatives.

 

[Rerun]

Hey everyone, I appreciate all the feedback and advice. Thanks!

they work great on your back but keep them away from your neck. I had a bad crack to the neck a few years ago & I have suffered incredible pain ever since

Yikes! Did you take action? If this doesn't constitute malpractice I don't know what would.

 

[clifford]

no because I didnt really notice it until months later. When i had the adjustment it felt a little off, but I let it go. Over the years I ended up having bone grow in between the discs in my neck as a result of the adjustment. It's bearable for the most part, but once a month or so, i get in so much pain that i can barely move, curled up in a fetal position & vommiting from the pain

 

[Damondean]

I have also been helped with back problems and still go once a month. As someone said above, I don't believe the whole nervous system theory but for backs I would definitely recommend a good one.

My MD proved useless for back problems. I did initially go to a physiotherapist at the Back Institute but after a second bout some years later started with chiropractic.

I have an MD acquiantance who also goes to chirporactors but does not allow neck adjustments.

 

[squash500]

A couple of years ago I had back spasms. I asked my family doc If I should go to a chiropractor? She said no .

According to my Doctor, chiropractors do more harm than good. That was just her opinion. My back spasms eased up on their own!

 

[Melanie69]

I never believed until I had a pinched nerve. She worked tiny muscles at the base of my scull. felt like water oozing out..my face tingled. Then she rotated my head around and stopped. At that point I thought she could kill me right now..then the snap...unreal, the looseness that followed..cured the pinched nerve..you gotta go..

 

[Rerun]

Rubmeister - very insightful post (as can be said of many in this thread). Thanks!

You all have me optimistic about beginning my chiropractic treatment next week. A bad back really sucks!

Based on the testimonials in this thread, I guess Charlie is being overly harsh when he makes fun of his brother's profession on Two and a Half Men!

Alan: "You always make fun of me for being a chiropractor, saying I'm nothing more than a glorified massuse".
Charlie: "Hey! I never said glorified..."

LMAO

 

[Petite Filet]

I have been doing chiropractic treatments, bi-weekly for 2 years and I thought it was helping. I have been taking private pilates classes for about a month and feel much better than a chiropractor ever made me feel. It is more expensive than a chiropractor but the benefits are more long term. It is very low impact exercise. I would say the feeling you experience, after just one session, are comparable to a session with a chiropractor, physiotherapist and massage therapist, all in one.

 

[a 1 player]

In my experiences, most of the ones I have seen did not help at all, but there was one who was fantastic and worth her weight in gold. Surprisingly, she was also the only one who did not want me to have long term treatment, rather an adjustment here and there when the pain got too intense. She also recommended that I go to the gym and do light weights with my back muscles, as that would get rid of 90% of the pain I was having. She was right on all counts.

 

[goodtime]

Sounds just like my Chiro babe with adjustment & massage. Gets me back in the game usually after 1 adjustment. Unlike another Chiro Milf with rigid treatment plan , Chiro babe only work on parts I'm comfortable on my pace.

 

[gdurham]

if you get a good one they can be helpful. I really don't know what to think of them. I have had family members go to them and it is just a short term fix.

Look at thier medical degree. A buddy of mine wanted to be a chiro but didn't have the grades so he went to austrailia to get the schooling, then he came back. A good friend but he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer by a long shot. I wouldn't let him work on me...'nuff said.