Chiropractors, crazy charlatans or celestial being?

MrTolerable

I am going to the chiropractor for the first real time today... I had gone to one as a child (5-11) for my ear but can't recall anything positive or negative, just that he would grab my ear and yank on it till something cracked :laugh:


Is this beneficial because it is sorta decent $$$ and I was thinking, it cost half as much as getting my hair cut so I'm wondering if it would be wise to blow decent money twice a month on myself yet again especially if this isn't extremely beneficial. - my monthly cost of living has just skyrocketed over the past six months and I'm having to be a budget stickler now - hydrafacials only once a month moving forward :sad: :sad:

Also, I have recently gotten some serious back pain in my lower back - still have been exercising through it - even had back day yesterday... but my back was killing me this morning and the Chiropractor seemed like an easy fix.

Also, if you are not in favor of the Chiropractor who would you recommend in their place? A massage therapist?

ThinLizzie0802

Celestial being for sure.
Regular chiropractor visits were so beneficial to me. I need to get back into it. Improved so many systems in my body.
Your spinal column controls so much so why wouldn't it make sense to have the proper alignment and make sure nothing is pinched or bent?

Menix8

Only a Sith deals in absolutes.

Coming from a family of MDs, I'm biased against most chiropractors and I fully acknowledge it. Honestly I'd recommend you go to a physical therapist or a sports medicine doctor instead.

mostein

I have always been a believer that they are crazy charlatans. It seems all too convenient that you need to go so frequently and then continue to have to go. I tell you my big toe never used to bother me then one day my ex cracked it and not it always feels like it needs to be cracked. Of course I can't get the damn thing to crack. I digress. Personally I have always gone to a massage therapist. I find that they do a really great job and I suspect that if you are having lower back pain that a massage is what you need. Do you ever use kettlebells? I have a desk job and have always suffered with lower back pain from sitting so much. Since I started regularly using kettlbells I have found my back almost never bothers me anymore.

Now, can you crack a big toe?

rosebette

My son who lifts (he lifts heavy and sometimes doesn't wear a belt -- smart, huh?) began seeing a chiropracter for lower back problems after having MRIs, unsuccessful physical therapy, and overall lack of responsiveness from an orthopedic and a neurologist. He really improved significantly. My husband, who always insisted they were quacks was having lower back spasms. He had seen a few in the past with no results. But he has also had a lot of surgeries, including an upper lumbar disk surgery in the fall, where he had to be on pain killers for over a month. Sometimes he would literally sleep all day due to the pain killers and be up all night. He decided not to go the medical route again and tried the one my son was going to. After about a month, he was pain free and his range of motion was greatly increased. He's not even taking ibuprofen. By the way, this guy specialized in sports type injuries and athletes and was also covered by our insurance. He was the kind who was willing to see patients on an as-needed basis (my husband came in to the office as an "emergency" so acute he could barely sit down), rather than get you into a program with adjustments 3 times a week that you have to pay up front for. My recommendation is to try it, but go to someone recommended to you by a friend or family member.

bannedword

Depends on the chiropracter.

I've been to one who made my pain worse than when I walked in.

My current chiro has gotten me through a bunch of marathons, and I couldn't do it without him!!

ammp

Heavenly! My aunt is a Chiropractor, and I have students, coworkers, and friends that have ended up going to her and raving without knowing the connection.
I have a somewhat sedentary lifestyle, I commute to work, spend most time standing, other parts sitting. I'm not planting crops, working horse teams. I don't always eat organic or even on the healthy side. I weigh more then people generally did 150 years ago. I hurt, my joints ache.
Seeing a chiropractor helps physically decompress my spine, work muscles, and realign. She uses a ProAdjuster which takes physical movement readings (ie this lumbar vertebra moves # while the next one only moved #). She can pinpoint the ones that are not moving like they should and work only one them, no cracking! Plus, endorphin rush.
If it makes you feel better, who cares what everyone else things. You use your body 24/7, so even when something isn't yet hurting, a part might be compressed, straining, or taking the load for another muscle/tendon/etc.
My co-worker eats coconut oil, from the jar like PB. I think that's gross but she says it's helping her GI issues. I can't judge what she feels works.
Look to see if anyone uses the ProAdjuster in your area.

May_Rose

I saw one for a couple months and noticed no difference other than suffering a slipped disk in my neck towards the end of my treatment. Worst.pain.ever. It hasn't slipped again in the three years since I ceased treatment. Needless to say, I think the adjustments caused it.

civilizedworm

Honestly I'd recommend you go to a physical therapist or a sports medicine doctor instead.

^ This.

Bethie_J

I've had good ones and bad ones. If your chiropractor doesn't feel it necessary to take x-rays to see what the problem is, he's probably not going to do you any good.

aseymour13

Can be either one in truth - more to the Charlatan . I'm not a big advocate for chiropractors. However, a good one can do a lot of good. Found one for my daughter when her spine and hip were so out of line and she was terrific. Helped me keep my spine from being too whacked out until I had my hip surgery. There are certain types of treatments that a PT is not going to be able to perform - and trust me I have done plenty of PT.

MrTolerable

Only a Sith deals in absolutes.

Coming from a family of MDs, I'm biased against most chiropractors and I fully acknowledge it. Honestly I'd recommend you go to a physical therapist or a sports medicine doctor instead.

^appreciate this, no joke my coworker is the son of a MD, and his mother is a nurse practitioner and he was telling me it was a big waste of time ..

However...the responses on here are going every-which-way!

MrTolerable

I have always been a believer that they are crazy charlatans. It seems all too convenient that you need to go so frequently and then continue to have to go. I tell you my big toe never used to bother me then one day my ex cracked it and not it always feels like it needs to be cracked. Of course I can't get the damn thing to crack. I digress. Personally I have always gone to a massage therapist. I find that they do a really great job and I suspect that if you are having lower back pain that a massage is what you need. Do you ever use kettlebells? I have a desk job and have always suffered with lower back pain from sitting so much. Since I started regularly using kettlbells I have found my back almost never bothers me anymore.

Now, can you crack a big toe?

I previously have used kettle-balls, however I have been staying away from free weights recently to avoid injuries because I have been going to the gym alone.

Appreciate your insight.

And I can do a great deal more than that baby.

RaeLB

The right chiropractor is a celestial being.

However, I've been to chiropractors that I think do unnecessary work. I went a chiropractor who wanted me to come 3x a week for 2 years and I was like hahaha no. He actually made me feel more pain than what I came in with. He was a total scam artist in my opinion. I also went to a chiropractor that would never access me, he would just get cracking and send me on my way.

That being said, I have been to 1 chiropractor that was amazing. I have scoliosis and he really helped with my spinal compression.

The most important thing is knowing what kind of paint you are dealing with. For example, you might just have some tight muscles that can be fixed with massage. I would go see your doctor to find out what is wrong: bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, tissue, etc. That way you'll know if you need physio, massage, chiro, or just a good rest.

tycho_mx

Only a Sith deals in absolutes.

Coming from a family of MDs, I'm biased against most chiropractors and I fully acknowledge it. Honestly I'd recommend you go to a physical therapist or a sports medicine doctor instead.

Agreed. Also with a large family background in medicine and training in EMS.

This is the thing for me - massage feels good. If you have achy muscles and joint issues, it's likely that some chiropractic things will help. I've had physiotherapy for injured neck, back, shoulders, and sprained ankles. I did consult a chiro that stated that my knee problems clearly derived from a bike crash had postural and alignment origins. No thanks.

Some of their claims are just quackery - like curing cardiopathies, diabetes, colic in children [ffs, please don't get your infant "adjusted" for teething issues]. The biggest problem I see is that some use it as a cure all- and when the only tool you have is a hammer, every situation starts looking like a nail.

I'd only use one for back pain. And only as a backup/second choice to a more generalized physiotherapist.

MrTolerable

I've had good ones and bad ones. If your chiropractor doesn't feel it necessary to take x-rays to see what the problem is, he's probably not going to do you any good.

^n!ce! I will just use this as my standard when I visit today - if he takes an x-ray or scheduled me for one then I'll give it the gold 'ole try - if not I'll have to coax a female friend tonight to massage me up.


I'll give her the ole chocolate & flowers swap for her back scratching/massage utility.

azymth99

Just like every other profession: some are quacks and some are equivalent to the celestial being you mention. You might have to look around to find the right one. I've had a bad back since I was 20 and I've seen several chiro's over the years. This is what I've learned:

1. They can't fix every problem. Adjustments are only good for a disc that is pinching a nerve and causing pain, spasms etc. If they tell you they can cure cancer by cracking your back it's bullstuff.
2. The benefits of an adjustment are immediate and should last a long time. A CHIROPRACTOR told me this. The ones that tell you to come 3 times a week just want your money. An adjustment should fix the problem and set you on your way to healing within a day or two.
3. Don't go too often. Go only when you are hurt and in pain for more than 3 days. A spasm or sore muscle should heal up by then. If not, there is a bigger problem (like a disc pinching a nerve) and an adjustment will most likely help.
4. Just because your spine is misaligned does not mean there is a problem! EVERYBODY has misaligned discs in their back- it is natural and it just happens. You only need an adjustment if it is causing pain or discomfort- let your muscles, posture etc. deal with every thing else. You don't need an adjustment every time your discs move around or you would need one every day.
5. If you have chronic symptoms that don't go away or come back soon- see an MD and get an MRI. Preferably a D.O.

Zaftique

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/chiropractic-gimmickry/
http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/chirovisit.html
http://skepdic.com/chiro.html

I'm going to go with "no."

usmcmp

Also, I have recently gotten some serious back pain in my lower back - still have been exercising through it - even had back day yesterday... but my back was killing me this morning and the Chiropractor seemed like an easy fix.

I highly suspect that your lower back pain is from using the Smith Machine for squats. The fixed bar tends to make you rest against it and the Smith Machine forces you into unnatural movements patterns. You’re pushing your spinal erectors & neck muscles more against the bar which means more back stress, especially with heavier weights. If your feet are too far forward it puts your lower back in a weak position and will tend to make your lower back round.

Lauren8239

I went to a chiropractor for 8 years. He enjoyed many trips on my dime. I just recently bought an inversion table, 149.00 bucks from walmart in canada, delivered in two days and no shipping. I thought what the heck, I've heard so many good things about this kind of thing that it's worth the try. Well hell, I wish I'd bought it years ago! The money I would have saved! I have back and neck issues from a car accident many years ago, and after 3 days of using it, I gotta say I feel like almost a million bucks.

Ken2Pam

Definitely depends on the chiropractor, which is really the same for any of the mentioned practitioners above. I have had great physical therapist after knee surgery, and lousy ones. You are the best judge of who and what is working or not.

That said, I have for the past 6 months seen a chiropractor 2 times a month, the range of motion in my neck is greatly improved, my pain level is much lower and my overall health is greatly improved. I have been able to workout more consistently, run, bike, lift than before with greater strength, stamina and results.

Ask around for one your other friends go to or would recommend.

civilizedworm

Some of their claims are just quackery - like curing cardiopathies, diabetes, colic in children [ffs, please don't get your infant "adjusted" for teething issues]. The biggest problem I see is that some use it as a cure all- and when the only tool you have is a hammer, every situation starts looking like a nail.

This is why Chrio is quackery. Practitioners think that Chiro cures practically everything. Chiro is predicated on pre-medical science notions of biology.

I had a friend of friend recommend chiro for my then infant daughters Billy Rueben. Really? Chiro cures jaundice? This is from a person who takes her cats to pet psychics. Crank-magnetism much? Sure sign of rank quackery.

s_pekz

NO DONT DO IT. Chiropractors can do serious damage to you!!!! One wrong move and you could end up paralyzed. NOT WORTH IT. You back does not need to be "cracked". Any real medical issue can be resolved in other ways. Plus some chiros just take an xray that shows nothinging. Even their language isn't scientific! There is absolutely nothing scientific about a "subluxation". Its a made up word.

Seriously. Don't hurt yourself. Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, massage therapy are all decent options. Chiropractors should never be an option. IMHO.

frangrann

Only a Sith deals in absolutes.

Coming from a family of MDs, I'm biased against most chiropractors and I fully acknowledge it. Honestly I'd recommend you go to a physical therapist or a sports medicine doctor instead.

I am a physical therapist and I think you should see one too. Chiropractors do a good job realigning the spine but don't teach you any exercise to maintain the correction. That's why people have to keep going back sometimes for yrs. Some chiropractors have a PT in the practice with them which I would think was a good idea.

Good luck getting that massage!

LizaDK914

If it's a good chiropractor, it's worth the cash! They help soo much!

MrTolerable

Also, I have recently gotten some serious back pain in my lower back - still have been exercising through it - even had back day yesterday... but my back was killing me this morning and the Chiropractor seemed like an easy fix.

I highly suspect that your lower back pain is from using the Smith Machine for squats. The fixed bar tends to make you rest against it and the Smith Machine forces you into unnatural movements patterns. You’re pushing your spinal erectors & neck muscles more against the bar which means more back stress, especially with heavier weights. If your feet are too far forward it puts your lower back in a weak position and will tend to make your lower back round.

the pain started pretty much the moment I got off the smith from doing squats Ms. Holmes!

Seriously... uncanny insight.. :flowerforyou:


Ok... fine.. you pointed out on the other thread I also risk knee pain and I also recently have been getting knee pain on my right leg after using the smith.. I guess it's time to figure out how to do a squat properly.

demorelli

I dealt with back pain for about a year and finally decided to visit a chiropractor about it. He did a full spinal exam and xrays and discovered that I had an over-arched spine. I had a series of chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy. My chiropractor's office employs a physical therapist so it was easy to do both in one appointment. My back pain was quickly reduced and within about a month it was gone. I continued the physical therapy for another 2 months at the recommendation of my chiropractor and by the time I'd finished my appointments my spine felt stronger and more stable than it has in my life.

I would suggest finding out if any of your friends locally see a chiropractor and if they could recommend one to you. Chiropractors are very hit-or-miss, so make sure you find one who really knows what he's doing and has your best interests for the long term.

usmcmp

Also, I have recently gotten some serious back pain in my lower back - still have been exercising through it - even had back day yesterday... but my back was killing me this morning and the Chiropractor seemed like an easy fix.

I highly suspect that your lower back pain is from using the Smith Machine for squats. The fixed bar tends to make you rest against it and the Smith Machine forces you into unnatural movements patterns. You’re pushing your spinal erectors & neck muscles more against the bar which means more back stress, especially with heavier weights. If your feet are too far forward it puts your lower back in a weak position and will tend to make your lower back round.

the pain started pretty much the moment I got off the smith from doing squats Ms. Holmes!

Seriously... uncanny insight.. :flowerforyou:


Ok... fine.. you pointed out on the other thread I also risk knee pain and I also recently have been getting knee pain on my right leg after using the smith.. I guess it's time to figure out how to do a squat properly.

Start with goblet squats. They are a very similar movement pattern to a regular barbell squat. Using the chiro money to invest in a trainer for a month would be a very good idea.

MrTolerable

Also, I have recently gotten some serious back pain in my lower back - still have been exercising through it - even had back day yesterday... but my back was killing me this morning and the Chiropractor seemed like an easy fix.

I highly suspect that your lower back pain is from using the Smith Machine for squats. The fixed bar tends to make you rest against it and the Smith Machine forces you into unnatural movements patterns. You’re pushing your spinal erectors & neck muscles more against the bar which means more back stress, especially with heavier weights. If your feet are too far forward it puts your lower back in a weak position and will tend to make your lower back round.

the pain started pretty much the moment I got off the smith from doing squats Ms. Holmes!

Seriously... uncanny insight.. :flowerforyou:


Ok... fine.. you pointed out on the other thread I also risk knee pain and I also recently have been getting knee pain on my right leg after using the smith.. I guess it's time to figure out how to do a squat properly.

Start with goblet squats. They are a very similar movement pattern to a regular barbell squat. Using the chiro money to invest in a trainer for a month would be a very good idea.

I'm switching gyms soon and will be getting a freeeee personal trainger for 20 mins for 2x 2 weeks - I'll drill her with questions on 'goblet squats'.

thanks for the solid advice!

^seriously impressed you figured out exactly what exercise caused it off of hardly knowing my routine.

MrTolerable

Just like every other profession: some are quacks and some are equivalent to the celestial being you mention. You might have to look around to find the right one. I've had a bad back since I was 20 and I've seen several chiro's over the years. This is what I've learned:

1. They can't fix every problem. Adjustments are only good for a disc that is pinching a nerve and causing pain, spasms etc. If they tell you they can cure cancer by cracking your back it's bullstuff.
2. The benefits of an adjustment are immediate and should last a long time. A CHIROPRACTOR told me this. The ones that tell you to come 3 times a week just want your money. An adjustment should fix the problem and set you on your way to healing within a day or two.
3. Don't go too often. Go only when you are hurt and in pain for more than 3 days. A spasm or sore muscle should heal up by then. If not, there is a bigger problem (like a disc pinching a nerve) and an adjustment will most likely help.
4. Just because your spine is misaligned does not mean there is a problem! EVERYBODY has misaligned discs in their back- it is natural and it just happens. You only need an adjustment if it is causing pain or discomfort- let your muscles, posture etc. deal with every thing else. You don't need an adjustment every time your discs move around or you would need one every day.
5. If you have chronic symptoms that don't go away or come back soon- see an MD and get an MRI. Preferably a D.O.

^very informative. thanks for taking the time to write that out. Great input.

decblessings

I didn't read every post here, but I worked for a chiropractor for close to a year. At that point I couldn't' take watching him take advantage of people any more. The interesting thing is I read someone say if a chiropractor doesn't take x-rays they aren't going to be good. The guy I worked for took x-rays of everyone for $$$. He used a Pro-adjuster that someone else mentioned too. He adjusted me 2-3 times a week the entire time I worked for him and I never felt a bit better. My headaches actually got worse. Shortly before I left he had a partner join the practice. That guy rarely does x-rays. He primarily does manual adjustments (although he has a decompression table he uses for some patients). I went to him ONCE after I quit and felt 100x better than when the other guy used his expensive machine over and over. (BTW it was a "perk" of the job to get the adjustments for free. I would NEVER go to this guy as a paying customer knowing what I know.)

I really want to go see the partner again but I dread bumping into the guy I worked for. (Who also pushed VERY expensive supplements and orthotics on more of his patients than not... especially those with good insurance or those who were clearly not so bright.)

So, I'm with those that say a good chiropractor can do some good. A not-so-good one will just help you empty your wallet and meet your insurance deductible.