Chiropractors: truly helpful for back pain, or only temporary relief?

Answer 1

People tend to get turned off to chiropractic on the basis that "once you go, you have to go forever," because it only gives temporary relief. But this is not the case; it really all depends on
1. the technique used
2. the extent of the problem
3. and the patient

1. Some techniques only utilize adjustments (which are helpful for removing vertebral misalignment, aka subluxation), while others use adjustments, traction and exercise to not only correct the spinal position but also strengthen the muscles and ligaments so they can support the new posture (one such technique is CBP).
2. If your back pain stems from a car accident or other unexpected trama, a few (depending on the severity) chiro visits can undo the damage. However, if someone has had back pain for years, their muscles, ligaments, vertebrae, and nerves are obviously trained in that position, and it could take many visits to correct the problem. And once the problem is corrected, maintanence care will probably be needed to ensure the misalignment doesn't return (it's like wearing a retainer after dental braces are removed, or continuing with exercise even after weight loss). This doesn't mean chiropractic doesn't work, just that the body has a tendency to revert back to the old position . . .
3. because the patient may have really poor posture, a bad ergonomic work station, or does heavy lifting improperly. It's also the patient's responsibility to make every appointment, because skipping appts lengthens the healing time. Consistency (during the initial treatment) is key to correcting serious subluxations.

Hope I helped to answer your question.

Answer 2

I have seen chiropractors and physical therapists for lower back problems. I think PTs are far more qualified to help most injuries than chiropractors. A good PT session usually includes treatment with heating pads, ice packs or ultrasound, depending on your injury. Then a PT can massage or stretch your body in specific ways, depending on what your health problem is. Finally, you will learn specific exercises to improve the area that was injured. You are encouraged to continue these exercises at home. A chiropractor will generally give you a few adjustments, and then you are out the door. Unless the muscles are strengthened (or tight muscles are relaxed), the chiropractic adjustment is unlikely to hold for more than a day or two. I don't have an ax to grind against chiropractors. It is just that I tried both PTs and chiropractors, and I found PTs to be more effective.

Answer 3

I have been to a chiropractor a few times and i don't really think it does anything. Its neither truly helpful nor temporary relief.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Definitely only temporary relief.

Answer 6

Temporary! That's how they make money. You need to keep going back. But, isn't that true about everything?

Answer 7

It is helpful, but you need to keep up with it for lasting effects. Still, for chronic pain, it's cheaper than constant doctor visits and medicine.

Answer 8

as a good massage only. I know of a case where a chiropracter adjusted the spine of a cancer patient and fractured it.

Answer 9

temp relief.


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