Chiropractors against lifting heavy?

sarahrbraun

Thanks for all the comments, this is definitely a divisive topic!

As for my injury history, I don't even really know it myself. Two years back I had to sleep on an air + foam mattress for 5 months (so stupid, don't ever do this) and just have bad posture and habits in general, my hip and back problems seemed to stem from that. My X-ray showed that one side of my pelvis is bigger than the other and sits higher, and my mother has similar issues so maybe I was predisposed to have these issues. As for my workouts, I'm going to cut out the compound lifts and stick to BW and/or weight machines for now.

I also forgot to mention that my chiropractor's office is also a time machine back to the 60s' (the furniture, equipment) which adds to the outdatedness of his advice. I'm going to stop seeing HIM but may see another one in the future. I've already been recommended to try a sports medicine specialist who works with our city's football team and is supposed to be excellent.

Anyways, thanks!

Your issues sound similar to mine. My left hip is higher and further back than my right hip. My chiropractor usually has to push it down towards the floor and towards my feet to adjust it. He has also been known to grab my left leg and give it a yank. There have been times he can tell how badly I need adjusted by watching me walk in the door...

kelsully

My chiropractor just opened a CrossFit gym and competes in CrossFit cometitions. He pesters me to lift me more as I am a marathon runner...so no my chiropractor would not say what yours did.

While not crossfit, my chiropractor also runs a PT and rehab facility and I can't see the him giving that advice. At least, not to me. There is a distinct difference in the advice that will be given to a large, muscular man vs what will be given to the average female.

There were, however, exercises I avoided while seeing him because of pain/injury issues. As the chiro fixed them I returned to doing them.

Chiropractic is made-up hokum, as is osteopathy. Physiotherapist or nothing, folks.

I used to believe this as well until I saw one following an accident. Fixed a lot of things and I'd recommend my guy without reservation

i guess the thread of wisdom to come from this whole thread is that 1) chiropractors do not as a general rule advise agaubst heavy lifting....but may in OP's case based om info we are not privy to. 2)people feel very strongly for or against chiropractic medicine,,,3) any profession has great practicioners and some crappy ones...whatever field you look to for answers make sure the professional is awesome

JNick77

I went to a chiro appointment last week because I have chronic problems with my lower back and hips and, and I try to be careful when working out and I stretch A LOT, but I still need adjustments from time to time. When I told my chiropractor what I've been doing in the gym, he said 'barbell squats and deadlifts are OUT. Which sucks, but I'd rather give them up for now than deal with the back pain. He said to do lots of core work - planks and side planks mostly

I went again today armed with a bookmarked copy of 'NROL4W' to show him the specific exercises, and asked which ones I should go light on, which I should modify, which I should just stay away from in general considering my issues. This time he was saying that shoulder presses and overhand grip lat-pulldowns "weren't good" as they can stress the ACL, and he sees a lot of people with this shoulder injury. But doing push-ups are fine. He also said while it's good I'm taking such an interest in strengthening my body, it's best to "do more reps with lighter weights" :indifferent:

For anyone else who goes to a chiropractor, is it common for them to advise stuff like this? I don't want to make things worse for myself so I'll listen to what he says, but I'm also wondering if maybe I should see a physiotherapist instead. Thoughts?

Most general chiropractors and sports medicine docs that deal with back injuries will tell you to stay away from powerlifting exercises. The problem is that if you're not following proper form with the core compound movements, or even Romanian deadlifts and especially Good Mornings you will hurt yourself. Though I've seen more than enough bicep and pec tears from arm curls and chest press machines too. If a muscle, tendon, disk, etc is gonna go it's gonna go regardless. A friend of mine's disc popped out from bending over to pick up a hair brush. Follow good form, stretch, get yourself a Foam or Rumble Roller and you'll be fine.

bahacca

It depends on the individual and if there is present injury, etc. I was having a TON of wrist and shoulder pain so went to see mine. I gave her the rundown of what I was doing. She told me to stop doing bench press as it was probably the culprit of my pain. I stopped and 2 months later, am still pain free. Should she tell EVERYONE to never bench press because of what happened to me? Heck no! But if you have a back injury, then perhaps the added weight in that specific area isn't good for YOU. Personally, i think anyone who questions their caregivers advice on an open forum such as this needs to find a new caregiver-be it a chiro, accupunturist or whatever sort of person you are talking about. If you are questioning their expertise and advice, then you don't trust them. Find someone you do.

trail_rnr

Another option is a manual physical therapist. I see one ~ 1x a month. She keeps me mobile.

I am fused at L5-S1 and the L4-L5 disc is herniated (I chose to not have L4-L5 fused as well). I used to love oly lifting--LOVE IT--but it's pretty much out of the cards for me if I want to keep the pain under control. My surgeon and physiatrist (a physical rehab doc) put it to me this way: if I was _smart_, I'd stay away from heavy lifting. Bodyweight and light weight are OK, even good for me, but lifting heavy is, for me, an open invitation for trouble. My core is pretty bombproof, but that doesn't change the fact that I have a messed up back.

Everyone is different. Everyone should seek multiple opinions and try conservative treatments first. What works for some might not work for others. Keep an open mind. You might be surprised by something very, very simple.

girlinahat

Thanks for all the comments, this is definitely a divisive topic!

As for my injury history, I don't even really know it myself. Two years back I had to sleep on an air + foam mattress for 5 months (so stupid, don't ever do this) and just have bad posture and habits in general, my hip and back problems seemed to stem from that. My X-ray showed that one side of my pelvis is bigger than the other and sits higher, and my mother has similar issues so maybe I was predisposed to have these issues. As for my workouts, I'm going to cut out the compound lifts and stick to BW and/or weight machines for now.

I also forgot to mention that my chiropractor's office is also a time machine back to the 60s' (the furniture, equipment) which adds to the outdatedness of his advice. I'm going to stop seeing HIM but may see another one in the future. I've already been recommended to try a sports medicine specialist who works with our city's football team and is supposed to be excellent.

Anyways, thanks!

I realy REALLY recommend Alexander Technique. If you have posture problems and bad habits it's perfect for sorting that out. It's not hokum, although AT teachers don't have medical degrees (they don't need them, they are not 'doing' anything to you but helping teach you not to do things that affect your posture badly.

AND they can help with lifting.