For back pain, are chiropractors the bona fide thing or are they scam artists?

Question

I am having some recent back troubles, and seeking relief. When I inquire into chiropractors, I find that people are polarized, they either feel they are the best thing ever or that they are scam artists and quacks. What's your opinion or experiences? Are they safe and reliable? What should I be wary of?

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

After reading some of these entries, it appears there is much education of the public in order, re: chiropractors.
The do have a degree.. D.C/ indicating "Doctor of Chiropractic"...to qualify for that degree, they must have extensive studies in neurology, Four years of it (compared to what is taught in med school). Neurologists must have additional training for their specialty. The rest of their education is equal to what the M.D. receives.

They receive extensive education in nutrition, They receive their B.S. degree in that field (required in California since mid 60's).They do not have classes for drugs. They have access to many hospitals and do receive referrals from many M.D.'s.

Most use various modalities in their treatment.. many hire physio therapists for this very purpose.

Professional sports use them extensively in their sports medicine program.

In any business or profession, it is well known.... only 10% are exceptional.. and they are not the most highly intelligent.. they are the ones driven by devotion.

Answer 2

I'm fine chiropractors working on backs and basic musculoskeletal adjustments. The issue for me is when they start poking around with lab tests. Even though it is legal in many states for DCs to order lab tests there is no basis for my chiropractor to order a blood, stool, or urine test for me or anybody. If they wanted to be Primary Care Physicians, the should have went to medical school and did an internship as an MD in a hospital. No chiropractor is going to tell me I should order a blood test for me because I'm not feeling well. I'll see my MD for that!

Answer 3

Chiropractic therapy is legit, and covered in many health insurance plans. However, like any industry, practitioners can vary from true professionals to scam artists. You should go about looking for a chiropractor the same way you would choose a primary care physician or dentist--where did they get their certification from, what professional orgs are they a member of, are there good referrals from people or other organizations that you trust, etc.

My uncle who is the last person I would expect to go for "alternative" treatment went to a chiropractor because it was covered by his health insurance. He says its been really helpful for his severe back problems from years of heavy lifting.

Answer 4

I am a chiropractor, and I will say that unfortunately a few in my profession fall into "practice management" type groups that get them to sell long term packages or pre-payment plans... that IMO is unethical & a scam. Most of the rest of us are very ethical and "the real deal".
I get medical referrals from neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, family docs, and I even treat a few MDs as patients...

Ask a few of your friends that are happy with the chiropractors they see who they see & then call around & talk to the office managers & get some basic information like if they accept your insurance & things like that.

Good luck with your back problem.

Answer 5

It may depend on the chiropractor. Look up and get reccomendations from chiropractors in your area. I have a great chiropractor and I find that it really helps my back pain. (I have scholiosis) you could always talk to your doctor and see what they think is best for you.

Answer 6

Their medical training differs in many ways, especially on the issue of drugs. Their first two years in school happens to be identical. Because the DC's don't do drugs, their insurance rates are a small percent of what MD's are charged. Moreover, the risks of damage are significantly reduced because of that factor. I go to one and he's great. If I suffer from something that requires an MD, he says so and encourages me to go. He tells me of all sorts of things that I should be doing to maintain my good health. As I said he's great. And I also have an MD and an endocrinologist.

Answer 7

I beleive they have their place in conjunction with traditional medicine, but not my first choice because there's so many that claim that they can "cure" things that don't have cures - like asthma.

That said, I'd go to a physical therapist first. They can do things like ultrasounds and massage.

If you choose the chiropractor route - make sure X-rays are done, and if the "doctor" (they call themselves "doctor" but didn't actually go to medical school, so they're not real doctors) claims they can cure anything aside from alleviating physical pain, run.

Answer 8

first of all the ones who say that chiropractors are scam artists, have they ever been to one? second of all if you do go to one make sure know a lil bit about them before goin in. even if you have to spend a lil more just to go to a nice cause you dont want one that will just make things worse. ive been to one cause i pulled something in back while playin softball, i couldnt even stand up stright for a week, getting dress was even hard for and at practices it was hard for me to run and to bind down to get a ball with out it hurting. so i went to one that my uncle went to it was lil more expensive then others but the lady really did now what she was doing. once i was dont i could feel the difference when i put my clothes back on. i could stand up stright and i didnt even feel as tight as i was from before. she even got rid of some strees i had in my shoulders.im not ganna lie it did hurt while she was working on my back but in the end it was worth it.

Answer 9

Chiropractors are very helpful in adjusting your back ect. You do need to find one that has a good reputation for adjustments and that will suggest exercises. Use common sense when anyone gives you health advice (it never fails) ANYONE!!!! (even doctors!)

Answer 10

most well trained one are really good. Ask for references, lots of references. Bad ones can hurt your back worse. Can't stress the references enough!!!