Pain after seeing a Chiropractor
beckifitzg
Posts: 33 Member
Backstory:
When I was 16 my mum took me to the doctor because of mild back pain. They said one of my legs was 3cm longer than the other, throwing my hips out of line and I had terrible posture. They sent me to physio.
I was 16 - I pretty much ignored it all.
14 years later and I have an active job, a love for fitness classes and a manic springer spaniel = pain gets stronger.
I decided to see a chiropractor. After the first session I the pain was SIGNIFICANTLY worse. I stopped all gym activity as suggested, was careful about what I lifted at work and had 2 sessions a week.
Every week the pain was really bad, much worse than before I went.
After a month and a half I was very honest and said I told him I didn't think it was working for me and stopped going.
That was 2 weeks ago and I'm still in pain whenever I try and do anything remotely active (a photography job, a zumba class which I sat out half and walked when I joined in, walking the dog etc) I can't even sit at my computer for long before getting pain now.
Should this pain be going away by now or do I need to be more patient? At this stage I don't even care if it returns to how it was before.
To make me worry more, I've discovered a slightly numb patch on my back. I don't know if it's always been there and I've only just found it or if it is new. I have a similar one on my thigh which I have had since I was a teen.
I'd really love to hear any views or similar experiences.
Thank you!
When I was 16 my mum took me to the doctor because of mild back pain. They said one of my legs was 3cm longer than the other, throwing my hips out of line and I had terrible posture. They sent me to physio.
I was 16 - I pretty much ignored it all.
14 years later and I have an active job, a love for fitness classes and a manic springer spaniel = pain gets stronger.
I decided to see a chiropractor. After the first session I the pain was SIGNIFICANTLY worse. I stopped all gym activity as suggested, was careful about what I lifted at work and had 2 sessions a week.
Every week the pain was really bad, much worse than before I went.
After a month and a half I was very honest and said I told him I didn't think it was working for me and stopped going.
That was 2 weeks ago and I'm still in pain whenever I try and do anything remotely active (a photography job, a zumba class which I sat out half and walked when I joined in, walking the dog etc) I can't even sit at my computer for long before getting pain now.
Should this pain be going away by now or do I need to be more patient? At this stage I don't even care if it returns to how it was before.
To make me worry more, I've discovered a slightly numb patch on my back. I don't know if it's always been there and I've only just found it or if it is new. I have a similar one on my thigh which I have had since I was a teen.
I'd really love to hear any views or similar experiences.
Thank you!
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Replies
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i suggest you see a real doctor like a sports medicine physician. They are going to be able to perform any imaging that needs to be done and refer you to a physical therapist who can help strengthen weak musculature, perform myofascial release, stretching, and educating you on what you need to be working on.
edit: in case you're wondering, yes, i'm implying that chiropractics are quacks, and i don't trust them at all and i believe they preach pseudoscience and shouldn't be supported.0 -
This sounds like a pinched nerve or other nerve issue. I'd strongly suggest getting to your normal doctor and have it examined by a professional.0
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Chiropractors imo are quacks. Go see a respected orthopedist in your area.0
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You've been in pain for a long time. You need to see a doctor.0
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See a real doctor and stay away from the quacks
ETA: seriously go to the hospital. These idiots really are quacks and they screw with your spine. It's a recipe for a disaster0 -
Not trying to scare you, but a model died about a month ago after a neck adjustment. They can break bones, tear ligaments, herniated discs.....
If the pain is severe, go to the ER.0 -
The type of doctor you want to see is a DO, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, that is an orthopedic surgeon.0
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successgal1 wrote: »The type of doctor you want to see is a DO, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, that is an orthopedic surgeon.
what? No.
She wants to see an orthopedic surgeon or a sports medicine physician.
A DO, or a doctor of osteopathic medicine is just as quackey as a chiropractor. They are not MD's, they learn "alternative" medicine, etc.0 -
stories like these are why i've never seen a chiropractor myself. some people swear by them, but it doesn't seem worth it because the bad ones can really fu(k you up.
ETA: i hope you're able to go see a real M.D. and get your pain alleviated.0 -
A chiropractor pushed on my back so hard he ruptured muscles in my upper abdomen and I had to have a metal mesh patch surgically tacked over the tear. The same chiropractor swore I needed $100 shoe inserts even though I had no foot or leg pain because "Your feet will start to hurt someday." Oh, and he tested my saliva with a litmus strip and tried to sell me vitamins. I should have walked out that day and never returned.
Stay away from chiropractors!
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In the US osteopaths are licensed exactly the same as MDs. As a profession, they are not quacks. Any medical person with ANY type of license can do harm to patients.
Chiropractic can help some patients in limited situations. There are many chiropractic techniques. They go to school and have a specific course of study, including more hours of study in the musculoskeletal system than most MDs I am not a big fan of chiro for my personal needs, but they're far from quacks, at least based on my interpretation of the word.0 -
successgal1 wrote: »The type of doctor you want to see is a DO, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, that is an orthopedic surgeon.
nooooo a DO is NOT an orthopedic surgeon.
It's NOT the same as a chiro either.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/osteopathic-medicine/faq-200581680 -
michellemybelll wrote: »stories like these are why i've never seen a chiropractor myself. some people swear by them, but it doesn't seem worth it because the bad ones can really fu(k you up.
ETA: i hope you're able to go see a real M.D. and get your pain alleviated.
Isn't that true for doctors as well?0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »michellemybelll wrote: »stories like these are why i've never seen a chiropractor myself. some people swear by them, but it doesn't seem worth it because the bad ones can really fu(k you up.
ETA: i hope you're able to go see a real M.D. and get your pain alleviated.
Isn't that true for doctors as well?
Yes.0 -
My best friend had a horrible experience with a bad chiropractor and was in pain for a whole year after she saw him.
I'm so sorry.
You should for sure see a doctor.
I personally do not like chiropractors only because they have never helped me.
I suppose just like any profession, there are good ones and bad ones.
I hope you feel better soon.
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meganridenour wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »michellemybelll wrote: »stories like these are why i've never seen a chiropractor myself. some people swear by them, but it doesn't seem worth it because the bad ones can really fu(k you up.
ETA: i hope you're able to go see a real M.D. and get your pain alleviated.
Isn't that true for doctors as well?
Yes.
But Doctors don't usually try to twist your head off, so...0 -
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CassidyScaglione wrote: »meganridenour wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »michellemybelll wrote: »stories like these are why i've never seen a chiropractor myself. some people swear by them, but it doesn't seem worth it because the bad ones can really fu(k you up.
ETA: i hope you're able to go see a real M.D. and get your pain alleviated.
Isn't that true for doctors as well?
Yes.
But Doctors don't usually try to twist your head off, so...
hyperbole. Google it.0 -
In the US osteopaths are licensed exactly the same as MDs. As a profession, they are not quacks. Any medical person with ANY type of license can do harm to patients.
Chiropractic can help some patients in limited situations. There are many chiropractic techniques. They go to school and have a specific course of study, including more hours of study in the musculoskeletal system than most MDs I am not a big fan of chiro for my personal needs, but they're far from quacks, at least based on my interpretation of the word.
The entire profession is based on a pseudoscientific principal (subluxation )
Yes. They are quacks.0 -
In the US osteopaths are licensed exactly the same as MDs. As a profession, they are not quacks. Any medical person with ANY type of license can do harm to patients.
Chiropractic can help some patients in limited situations. There are many chiropractic techniques. They go to school and have a specific course of study, including more hours of study in the musculoskeletal system than most MDs I am not a big fan of chiro for my personal needs, but they're far from quacks, at least based on my interpretation of the word.
^^I second this. I have low back issues that flare up from time to time. I went to see a doctor -- an MD. She prescribed pain medication, muscle relaxers and rest (which at the time was flat on my back on the floor with my legs propped on a chair). A week later I was able to go back to work. After 1/2 a day siting I had to leave work again, I was in too much pain from my back. Friend at work recommended her chiropracter. I went, he took x-rays, identified mild scoliosis, which no doctor had ever identified before (I was in my 30s at the time). The chiro did not do adjustments on me, but wet and dry heat therapy and electrical stimulation. I went twice a day for the first 3 days and then once a day for the next week. I was able to back to work after the first day of treatment. The chiro helped my back pain more than any MD ever had.0 -
In the US osteopaths are licensed exactly the same as MDs. As a profession, they are not quacks. Any medical person with ANY type of license can do harm to patients.
Chiropractic can help some patients in limited situations. There are many chiropractic techniques. They go to school and have a specific course of study, including more hours of study in the musculoskeletal system than most MDs I am not a big fan of chiro for my personal needs, but they're far from quacks, at least based on my interpretation of the word.
^^I second this. I have low back issues that flare up from time to time. I went to see a doctor -- an MD. She prescribed pain medication, muscle relaxers and rest (which at the time was flat on my back on the floor with my legs propped on a chair). A week later I was able to go back to work. After 1/2 a day siting I had to leave work again, I was in too much pain from my back. Friend at work recommended her chiropracter. I went, he took x-rays, identified mild scoliosis, which no doctor had ever identified before (I was in my 30s at the time). The chiro did not do adjustments on me, but wet and dry heat therapy and electrical stimulation. I went twice a day for the first 3 days and then once a day for the next week. I was able to back to work after the first day of treatment. The chiro helped my back pain more than any MD ever had.
The link below provides an overview of the problem. They are quacks. You may have gotten one of the few who is cautious, but there is no way you can know that his treatments are evidence based.
https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/chiropractic-vertebral-subluxations-science-vs-pseudoscience/0 -
Sounds like you had a bad chiro. Sometimes there will be tenderness or tightness after an adjustment (especially if your spine has been out of wack your entire life) but never debilitating pain. You should have told the chiro about that after the first adjustment.
Numbness probably indicates a pinched nerve. Get recommendations from people who love their chiros and go to one of them. A good chiropractor can change your life. I'm not kidding.
People will try to tell you that chiropractors are not "real" doctors etc, but that's simply *kitten*. They've never experienced a good one. I move cities often, and I've had many amazing chiropractors that got me straightened out after back spasms & pinched nerves.0 -
Lots of people, in every profession are "quacks." Accountants, programmers, teachers... Some don't apply what they learned, are crappy at working with others, don't listen, do things incorrectly, etc.
I've had great chiropractors. My mom had numbness in her leg for years and multiple specialists could never diagnose it. A couple visits with a good chiro and she no longer has any numbness.
My sister had reoccurring problems from an old shoulder/elbow injury and surgery. 3 specialists told her she needed surgery and would have limited shoulder mobility. She's a dental hygienist and needs that mobility. She sees a chiro once or twice a year and is fine. She can even workout and lift weights.
But, it sounds like you've either seen a bad chiro or something is going on that you need to talk to him about. I have had pain get slightly worse before it gets better, but not to the degree that you're explaining. I'd probably research good chiros and at least have a consult with one. Or a physical therapist or Ortho. But not all chiros are quacks.0 -
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »successgal1 wrote: »The type of doctor you want to see is a DO, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, that is an orthopedic surgeon.
nooooo a DO is NOT an orthopedic surgeon.
It's NOT the same as a chiro either.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/osteopathic-medicine/faq-20058168
I meant a DO that is ALSO an orthopedic surgeon, not that they were the same thing.
An MD is insufficient for skeletal issues that are not related to some sort of infectious disease, IMO.
"Other than DO medical students learning osteopathic manipulative medicine, the medical training for MDs and DOs is virtually indistinguishable. MD and DO physicians complete conventional residencies in hospitals and training programs, are licensed in all states, and have rights and responsibilities that are identical."
And, http://www.healthcommunities.com/orthopedic-surgery/what-is-an-orthopedic-surgeon.shtml
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