What do you think of Chiropractors?

Answer 1

In my opinion, most of them are quacks. They try to convince people they can cure any ailment through the use of "adjustments". They convince the gullible to spend money on something that will not improve their health rather than getting real health care.

I also don't think they should be called "doctor" since they aren't medical doctors.

Answer 2

Chiropractic is founded in the principle that the Central Nervous System (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) controls EVERY function of our bodies. Humans might be able to live with an artificial heart, but if the brain or spinal cord is severely damaged the body can't survive without the aid of life-support (just stressing the importance of the CNS). When the spinal column is misaligned (what chiropractic calls a subluxation), the vertebrae may be pinching/damaging the nerves that run out between them, causing pain, numbness/tingling, or any type of general malfunction in that nerve's corresponding body part. Chiropractic works to remove subluxation so that the nerves can conduct impulses properly. A chiropractic adjustment is not simply "popping" joints, as you would expect from cracking knuckles. An adjustment actually moves the vertebrae back into the correct position, which is why some people feel immediate relief afterwards and don't really need further chiro care.

However, let's say that someone has had poor posture and back problems for a year. Their muscles and ligaments have been trained in that position, so their spine/vertebrae will probably fall back into the bad position. Like with dental braces, moving the spinal bones into the best possible position takes time (regular appointments for 2-3 months). Combining adjustments with traction and exercises would be ideal to strengthen the ligaments so they can support this new posture. This is primarily the case with Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP), one of the techniques with the most scientific backing to date.

But not all chiropractors do CBP. However, removing neural interference (with adjustments) is necessary so that the body can communicate with the brain and vice versa. So to answer your question; I LOVE chiropractic. I worked in a chiro office and saw how it helped so many people; then I decided to become one myself. I also have great respect for the medical field. Doctors saves lives everyday, and there are times when medicine is needed to survive. However, it's my personal opinion that too many people want an immediate fix for their problems. They want to swallow a pill and feel instant relief instead of dieting or exercising or even resting when their body tells them to. But that's how our healthcare system works: go to the doctor when you are in pain or have symptoms, don't fix the problem but treat the symptom and you'll be "healthy." That simply isn't what chiropractic is about (to me anyway).

Ok! This is really long; don't know if anyone is still reading but thanks for your time!

P.S. I think bwjordan's comment is a bit unfair. The US spends more money on healthcare than any country in the world, but we are ranked 25 in health among the industrial nations. If our healthcare system worked, why aren't we healthy? Why are cancer rates, diabetes, heart disease, and childhood mental diseases like ADD/ADHD on the rise??

Answer 3

What they do may help some people temporarily, but their theory is crap. So if they can manipulate your spine, what is there to keep your spine from moving right back to where it was before when you stand up?
I do think they make some people feel good, but it is mostly because the pressure stretches out some of the back muscles.

Try yoga, stretching, or physical therapy instead. PTs can do manipulation manouvers as well, but they can also do electrical stimulation, deep massage, stretches, ultrasound, whirlpool, strength building, etc.

Also, PTs have specific goals and duration of treatments usually about 3 weeks or so.

If chiropractors fixed anything, people wouldn't need to keep going back to them.

Answer 4

some of them are good. They can take some radiography of your back and know were is the problem and can work on your back and just 4 or 5 times and everything will be ok. But take care some of them they don't have their license for work as chiropractors and they can make many troubles with your back.
P.S i hope you understand my bad english sorry for that

Answer 5

They can be the most wonderful thing when you are in a lot of pain and they make it go away.

Answer 6

All I know is I had to go to one after an Equestrian accident, and he popped my neck and I blacked out...

Answer 7

worth theyre weight in gold