Chiropractic Care

drumana · Post by **drumana** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 4:02 pm

What do you gents think of Chiropractic care?
Are there any chiro's on the forum?
Do you receive chiropractic?

I'm thinking of doing some chiropractic mainly for wellness. I have no big issues, but my cervical spine is more straight than it should be (I've seen the X-Rays) and while I have no issues now (I'm 29) I'm a little concerned about my future 60 year old self.

Any thoughts?

ScottS · Post by **ScottS** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 4:05 pm

Without trying to start a debate about chiropractic, if you see one of these guys, don't let him do any "high velocity" maneuvers anywhere near your neck. It carries a serious risk of vertebral artery problems. Just saw a talk on this at UH Cleveland.

notthesharpest · Post by **notthesharpest** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 4:29 pm

I have been to a chiropractor in the past and for me it made a positive difference. I think that, just as with any profession, it's better to choose by word-of-mouth recommendations, and to remember that there is no magic involved.

This topic stirs up debate for too many reasons, and I sincerely hope axe-grinders can stay away from the thread.

I don't know who's qualified and not qualified to judge the state of your neck. Don't take for granted that something is wrong with it, unless the present condition comes from an injury.

NiksaNovovic · Post by **NiksaNovovic** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 4:50 pm

From my experience, a visit to a chiropractor did wonders for me. Before I visited the pain in my lower back was so severe I could barely walk! And I'm 22! It is all due to the way I stand and I am trying to work on it. I could notice a difference after the first treatment, but I would definitely do my research before settling on a chiropractor. The one I saw came highly recommended from my fiancee and her entire family. Good luck!

Warmest regards, Niksa

Austin · Post by **Austin** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 6:38 pm

notthesharpest wrote:I have been to a chiropractor in the past and for me it made a positive difference. I think that, just as with any profession, it's better to choose by word-of-mouth recommendations, and to remember that there is no magic involved.

This topic stirs up debate for too many reasons, and I sincerely hope axe-grinders can stay away from the thread.

I don't know who's qualified and not qualified to judge the state of your neck. Don't take for granted that something is wrong with it, unless the present condition comes from an injury.

I work in the medical field. I have always held a disdain for this profession due to my working relationships with medical doctors. Two years ago I was rear ended and suffered from chronic pain. I went to my primary care physician and he prescribed pain medication. It really did not help so I made an appointment with a chiropractor. He was able to alleviate and eventually rid me of the pain. I think this profession serves a purpose.

Post by **Sam** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:18 pm

Andrew, in Memphis, chiropractors are not held in high esteem in the legal community. Too many of them run up the bill for rear-enders. Yet, I can also site many cases where someone has gone through conventional therapies, including orthopaedic surgery, and actually report having been "cured" by chiropractic treatment. I will not thumb my nose at those who respond favorably, but I would start out with conventional therapy first.

Steve-o · Post by **Steve-o** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:47 pm

Those of you who are interested in the relief a chiropractor may offer, but are not interested in the -- um -- less-medically-oriented aspects of those clinics, might check to see if there are any osteopaths in your area. Osteopaths are trained just as MDs are, but get additional education in how the body's musculoskeletal system is related to one's health. They can perform the same kind of treatments that chiropractors do and offer all the knowledge, reputation, and legal responsibilities of a traditional (Western) doctor.

nteeman · Post by **nteeman** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:15 pm

I suffer from a pinched nerve in my neck. This causes pain in my back as well as down my left arm. The orthopedic docs were very good at diagnosing this and prescribing medication. The meds gave me side effects that were affecting my daily life and not helping the pinched nerve problem. I met someone who had the same problem and they told me how they were in the neck brace for 6 months until they received treatment from a chiropractor. At the time I was in my 5th week in the neck brace and decided to ask my orthopedic doc. He said to give it a try and sent me on my way, x-ray in hand. Well, in a matter of a few visits the situation was well under control and I was out of the neck brace. I still go back for an adjustment when needed--usually about once a month. Overall I would say that chiropractic has been extremely beneficial for me. $\:D/$

Tye · Post by **Tye** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:38 pm

Two words: Physical Therapists.

~Tye

Austin · Post by **Austin** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:51 pm

Sam wrote:Andrew, in Memphis, chiropractors are not held in high esteem in the legal community. Too many of them run up the bill for rear-enders. Yet, I can also site many cases where someone has gone through conventional therapies, including orthopaedic surgery, and actually report having been "cured" by chiropractic treatment. I will not thumb my nose at those who respond favorably, but I would start out with conventional therapy first.

Sam, chiropractors and lawyers usually feed each referrals. I find this disturbing.

rtaylor61 · Post by **rtaylor61** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:05 pm

Austin wrote:
Sam wrote:Andrew, in Memphis, chiropractors are not held in high esteem in the legal community. Too many of them run up the bill for rear-enders. Yet, I can also site many cases where someone has gone through conventional therapies, including orthopaedic surgery, and actually report having been "cured" by chiropractic treatment. I will not thumb my nose at those who respond favorably, but I would start out with conventional therapy first.
Sam, chiropractors and lawyers usually feed each referrals. I find this disturbing.

Well, when you are both on the bottom of the barrel of respected professions...

I have used a chiropractor in the past, and would not hesitate to use a qualified chiropractor again. But just like with any doctor, I would ask for references.

Randy (no disrespect meant to either profession...afterall, I sell cars!)

Pete_T · Post by **Pete_T** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 2:32 am

I got in a wreck a few years ago. It was no big deal. I was in a rent a car, it wasnt my fault, and the kids dad who ran the red light in front of me even gave me a ride home. Believe it or not I was actually kind of happy. Id always wanted to wreck a rent a car, and Id just gotten a great deal on a sweet 240sx that I didnt drive that night cause I wasnt entirely used to a stick yet. I was very happy it hadnt gotten wrecked.

A day later I got a call from a chiropractic clinic offering me a free consultation (no idea how they got my name), so of course I went. I wanted to waste the guys time, and also see exactly how he would try to goad me into suing the kid who ran the red light. It went pretty much as I expected. "So, any neck pain?" "No, not really" "Are you sure? It may be kind of subtle now." "No, but my knee is kind of banged up" So he took a look at my knee, told me it would be fine, and got me out of there as quickly as he could.

I might go see one if I was having bad pain. Ive heard that when you start seeing one, you have to keep seeing him, or that pain returns. I dont know if thats true or not. I would want a recommendation for a good chiropractor from a competent doctor, or someone I knew whose judgment I respected. I wouldnt want to go visit the ambulance chaser again.

Post by **Sam** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 6:19 am

Andrew, Pete's experience is common to what I hear. And now, there are these little clinics that have spouted up, that get accident reports or I guess they pay referral fees to the cops, and they pop up and call the person and start with hot packs and ice and things like that.

I do not handle many personal injury cases, but believe it or not, I actually care about the client. I tell them not to worry about money, but get the medical care they need and want. Sure, I can send them to a doctor that will run up the bills and tell them they need to stay off work, but if I know about those doctors, other attorneys do too and that means the insurance company knows about them. The insurance will question many of the charges and then the client gets squeezed come settlement time.

Yes, attorneys and certain providers do refer each other quite a bit, but it is in their financial best interests to do so. Same with the new bankruptcy law, where Debtors have to get counseling before they can file. The attorneys send them to some counselor where the counselor will tell them to go back and see that one attorney. Makes sure that the Debtor will not go off to see another attorney. I give them a list of names. Maybe that is why I dont make a killing, but I am not going to be investigated by any disciplinary board.

If I had a treatment that was not responding to an orthopod, then I might consider the chiropractor, accupuncture, and other alternative treatment.

Furrball2 · Post by **Furrball2** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 7:24 am

I grew up in a family that goes to chiropractors. I didn't even know that chiropractors were considred Complementary Alernative Medicine (CAM) until I was in college. I am also an MD. My experience with chiropractics has been mixed. I have met some chiropracters who are very good and others where I left feeling like somebody just used a baseball bat on me. I made the choice about ten years ago to no longer see chiropractors. YMMV, yada yada yada, insert disclaimer here. When I compressed my left sciatic nerve three years ago -- couldn't feel the outside half of my left foot for several months, lots of severe pain -- I went to physical therapy, was prescribed steroids, and used accupuncture; no chiropractics.

The last I looked the literature supported the idea that chiropractics may reduce symptoms of low back pain, but that the duration of the symptoms are the same. There is (was) no data comparing other axial skeleton pain.

Now your question, what do you mean your c-spine is "too straight?" Who told you your c-spine is too straight? A chiropractor? While there is a natural curve to the spine, there is also natural variation between people. To may knowledge there is no ICD-9 code for "too straight c-spine". In other words I don't think this is a real diagnosis. As for general wellness; moderate eating habits, regular exercise, regular dental visits, and a colonscopy in your 50s is probably going to do more for you than paying for monthly chiropractics and the hord of supplements that many chiropractors push.

I guess I agree with one of the above posts. If you do want spinal manipulation go with an osteopath, DO. They have the same training as an allopath -- MD --but DO school also teaches manipulation techniques.

drumana · Post by **drumana** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 8:59 am

I grew up in a family that goes to chiropractors. I didn't even know that chiropractors were considred Complementary Alernative Medicine (CAM) until I was in college. I am also an MD. My experience with chiropractics has been mixed. I have met some chiropracters who are very good and others where I left feeling like somebody just used a baseball bat on me. I made the choice about ten years ago to no longer see chiropractors. YMMV, yada yada yada, insert disclaimer here. When I compressed my left sciatic nerve three years ago -- couldn't feel the outside half of my left foot for several months, lots of severe pain -- I went to physical therapy, was prescribed steroids, and used accupuncture; no chiropractics.

The last I looked the literature supported the idea that chiropractics may reduce symptoms of low back pain, but that the duration of the symptoms are the same. There is (was) no data comparing other axial skeleton pain.

Now your question, what do you mean your c-spine is "too straight?" Who told you your c-spine is too straight? A chiropractor? While there is a natural curve to the spine, there is also natural variation between people. To may knowledge there is no ICD-9 code for "too straight c-spine". In other words I don't think this is a real diagnosis. As for general wellness; moderate eating habits, regular exercise, regular dental visits, and a colonscopy in your 50s is probably going to do more for you than paying for monthly chiropractics and the hord of supplements that many chiropractors push.

I guess I agree with one of the above posts. If you do want spinal manipulation go with an osteopath, DO. They have the same training as an allopath -- MD --but DO school also teaches manipulation techniques.

Furball

Thanks. So, I did discover that my cervicals don't have much of a curve to them from a chiropractor, but I didn't take his word for it. I looked at the x-rays - I'm a muscular therapist and an anatomy buff so I know a little about anatomy. My cervicals didn't have the natural curve that is 'normal'. I did have a rather traumatic skateboarding accident about 15 years ago where I'm surprised I'm not in a wheelchair from - which most likely banged up my neck.

I live a healthy lifestyle - I get regular therapeutic massage, acupuncture, stay on top of my dental and doc visits, exercise with cardio and weight training regularly, eat well, sleep well, happy relationship, meditate, etc... and in general feel pretty darn good. I was just wondering if chiropractic might fill in a space that all the other stuff I do won't. Money isn't an issue and I have a good referral to a reputable chiropractor. I might give it a go just to check it out. Learning through experience is the best way. Just like trying different shave creams, right!

Thanks for all the input guys

jww · Post by **jww** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 12:49 pm

Placing all things in perspective, chiropractors can be helpful. I visit a chiro every 4-8 weeks, a sports massage-therapist monthly and a physio-therapist every now and then when I sustain an injury that prevents me from being active.

I think that they all have their place, but would never hold that just one works or that a chiropractor can somehow cure diabetes, etc. For out of alignment joints and bones they are hard to beat.

It all depends on getting a good one - stay away from those who want you to come weekly unless you are rehabbing with other appropriate treatments as well.

ScottS · Post by **ScottS** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:43 am

In the talk I went to, the presenter gave an interesting history of chiropractic. It actually came about as an alternative to germ theory!

Joshua7900 · Post by **Joshua7900** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:50 am

Three and a halh years ago I suffered a blown disc in my low back. I was in enormouse pain. I went from doctor to doctor and they all told me I had to live with it. All they offered was vicatian. Needless to say I became addictied even though I took the drug as directed (A long story for another time). The specialists even injected sterides in to my spine!

. Theses injections did not help. During this time point in my life I was in very bad shape both emotionally and physically. What turned it around was my grandparents recomended seenig a Chiropractor at Northwestern Chiropactic and wellness center. My chiropactor took a multi level aproach to helping me. She not only adjusted my spine but got me invoved in pyhsical therapy in the form of streches and exercises, as well as recomending to me to find a pyshico therapist. Lastly was the use of an acupunterist. I was skeptical of the acupunture and was amazed what this acheved for relief of pain. During my first accupunture treatment I was pian free and extremly relaxed and I fell asleep and was actually rested when I awoke for the first time in over 8 months. It was this multi approach that did it.

Don't get me wrong western medician has helped Me in many other aspects. My point is that in general if there was a greater level of cooperation between western medical groups and alternative medician the patience would be better off.

My 2 cents
Joshua

Post by **Sam** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:54 am

Joshua, Dr. Weil recommends that. I still like conventional medicine as a first line of treatment because of the research and the sharing of information in journals and publications. That is not to say that all drugs treat all things, or that chiropractcy, acupuncture and other therapies might not work.

Id love Chris and others to weigh in on their experiences. I have not had to face many issues other than psoriasis that were not helped by conventional doctors. My psoriasis responds well to Narrow Band UVB treatment and I am on a course of vitamins and supplements to augment that.

DaveInPhilly · Post by **DaveInPhilly** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:55 pm

Currently I make a living in large part by debunking chiropractic reports and expert testimony, so my opinion is probably somewhat jaded.

My opinion is that as a whole, chiropractic "medicine" is a profession of greedy quacks who will do anything, write anything, and say anything to make a buck, and who are currently wreaking havoc on the City of Philadelphia. Though there are some individuals who I believe are ethical practitioners and who really wish to help people. Though I am not convinced that there is anything that a Chiro can do better than a Physical Therapist.