Do you believe chiropractors really help or are they quacks?

Answer 1

I know a lot about chiropractic, so maybe I can help shed some light on the issue (sorry, this is a long answer).

Chiropractic is founded in the principle that our Central Nervous System (that's the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) controls EVERY function of our bodies. In order for you to read these words, for your heart to beat, lungs to breathe, for a cut to heal, and for you to move your muscles, that signal must first come from the brain, travel down the spinal cord, and exit out via nerves that run between the vertebrae. This is why an injury to the spinal cord can cause paralysis or death. When the vertebrae are misaligned (chiropractic calls this a subluxation), they can pinch the nerves that run out between them. This causes interference between the signals from the brain to the body and vice versa, which can result in pain, numbness/tingling, or any type of general malfunction in that nerve's corresponding body part. Does that make sense? It's almost like stepping on a garden hose and seeing how the water is not getting to where it needs to be.

Chiropractic aims to remove this nerve interference with adjustments, which restores the spinal column to its proper position and takes the pressure off of the nerves. Adjustments can involve only one or two vertebrae, or some DC's use traction to restore the correct curves in the spine when they are missing or reversed.

NO chiropractor can every claim to "cure" any illness, but you have to understand that our brain is so intimately connected to every part of our body, so if the nerves running to our organs, muscles, and tissues are being impinged upon, can we expect the body to be functioing at its optimal level? The answer is no. This is why chiropractors have been known to help people with other ailments like asthma, allergies, migraines, muscle spasms, chronic ear infections, etc etc. I saw it firsthand in the chiro office I used to work at.

Interesting side note. Do you know where the term "quack" referring to chiropractic comes from? It actually comes from the medical community. In the 1960's, the AMA established the "Comittee on Quackery", whose written mission was to "contain and eliminate the chiropractic profession." It was actually deemed unethical for MD's (and med students) to associate with DC's on any level, let alone refer patients! The AMA called chiropractic an unscientific cult and DC's were called killers and rabid dogs.

In 1987, (Wilk vs. the AMA) the supreme court ruled in chiropractic's FAVOR that the AMA had "engaged in a 'lengthy, systematic, successful and unlawful boycott.' During the proceedings, it was shown that the AMA had undermined chiropractic schools, undercut insurance programs for chiropractic patients, and concealed evidence of the effectiveness of chiropractic."

So with all those years of bad press, it's no wonder people are a little skeptical about chiropractic!

Today's different. All DC's and MD's want the very best for their patients, so it's not unusual for the two to work together to do what's best for a patient. Even a lot of MD's recognize the benefits of chiropractic care. So, if you're looking for a chiropractor, just ask family and friends for recommendations, visit a few offices, and pick the DC you are most comfortable with. Hope I helped answer your question!

Answer 2

Chiropractors are not quacks it is an alternate medicine line.
They do great things believe me I had chronic lumbar and cervical spondilitis and the lady put me back in action in no time.... now I keep healthy by doing Yoga and some band exercises. ( b4 going to her I was stuck in bed for 2 weeks doing nothing but staring at the wall )
Also they were know in the medieval times as bone setters in Europe and Asia, so it is a age old practice.

If you need to see a chiropractor go to someone recommended by a friend or colleague 'cos some people feel they got a raw deal.

Answer 3

Some people find relief via Chiropractic. However, after an injury or accident you should get x rays and and MRI so that you know what your dealing with. If any Dr or therapist suggests manipulation or traction without reviewing xrays and MRI do not allow it. In some cases , especially where spinal stenosis(compression of cord) is involved there are huge risks using traction and manipulation... care even result in paralysis. I think the key is to be sure any Dr you see uses caution when dealing with the spine.

Answer 4

I always thought they were quacks until i went to one and he made me sooo much better. I think he is wonderful now! I would recommend a Chiropractor to anyone.

Answer 5

I was a doubting Thomas also. I hurt my back and needed to work, I though what have I got to lose. I went to him for the first time and went back to work the next day. And my pain was gone that afternoon I was a little sore but that all. So if I ever need help again in that area I will go.

Answer 6

The chiropractor I went to hurt me worse than before I went in. He was way too rough on my back and it really hurt.

Answer 7

I believe that they can be helpful for some conditions, especially when all other options have not provided relief. They should not be the front line of health care, especially for children.

Answer 8

Their theories are pretty odd, but they frequently get results. Medical doctors go to them and hope nobody finds out.

Answer 9

I think they help some yes. But for more serious problems they dont.

Answer 10

Seemed to help my wife.