Chiroprators? Good experiences, bad experiences. What do you think of them?

Question

I've had back pain for a year and I just started going to the chiropractor and I am still sceptical. Just curious what others thought.

Answer 1

Glad you're skeptical -- you have good reason to be.

Numerous studies have shown that the only benefits of chiropracty are from something akin to the relaxation you'd get from a massage, and some mental placebo effects. Medically, there is no evidence of any kind that the "treatments" do anything at all positive to aid healing, and much evidence that chiropractic "manipulation" can sometimes cause serious additional injury.

You do know they're not "real" doctors, don't you? :) Check out the link below. I know how desperate you can get when you have constant back pain, I've gone through the same thing...but please be careful!

Answer 2

I have been going to a Chiropractor for different things since I was 19. I am now 32. My chiropractor has helped with migranes (which I no longer have) neck pain, lower back pain and comfort with my pregnancy. There is now 2 chiropractors in my family. Yes they are real doctors! My sister is a pediatric chiropractor and now my 7 month old is getting adjusted. Chiropractic care helps Headaches, Muscle Tension, Herniated Discs, Tendinitis, Shoulder Pain, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis
Hip and Knee Pain, Stress, Scoliosis, Childhood Disorders such as: Headaches, Neck Aches, Back Aches
Poor Posture, Arm, Shoulder Pain, Hip, Knee, or Ankle Pain, Ear Infections, Colic, Bedwetting, Sinus Pain
Scoliosis, Frequent Colds, Asthma

Answer 3

I tore my rotator cuff at work once and worker's comp sent me to a regular doctor who told me there was nothing wrong with me. But for weeks I had this terrible pain in my shoulder and it seemed to be getting worse. A friend recommended a chiropractor and at first I refused because I had heard so many bad things about them. But when the pain just wouldn't stop I made an appointment to see one. And right off the bat, he knew what was wrong and began treating me for it. Of course worker's comp wouldn't pay for it, but that is a whole other story. Anyway, the chiropractor ended up offering me a job as receptionist and I worked there for a little over a year. In that time I would see people come in barely able to walk and leave practically running. I never heard a patient say anything negative about their treatment. And I personally always felt better after an adjustment. A little sore sometimes, but always better. In fact I slept much better after an adjustment. BUT, I have only been to one chiropractor so I can't speak for them all.

Answer 4

I have been to chiropractors and have gotten good results, but i don't like the adjustments. they seem too hard on the body and it can often take a lot of them to get relief.

i discovered i got better, long lasting relief from a licensed massage therapist. they do the same thing the chiros do, but slower. instead of just moving joints and hoping they will stay that way, they retrain the muscles holding those joints so you get a change that lasts.

an added benefit is getting a relaxing massage instead of a stressful crack or two.

you need to find someone who understands the body and how all the muscles and nerves work together (or against) each other. often, if one side hurts it is because the other side is the problem. referred pain is interesting because it can come from a long way away from the place that hurts. Swedish massage is good. Or find someone who does sports massage.

i wouldn't trade my massage therapist for anyone.
she knows me and knows my body and always knows exactly what to do.

sometimes guys are shy about going to get a massage because they are afraid they will get "hard" but you will find that therapists are professionals and it most likely will not happen, but if it does, don't be embarrassed because they aren't.

Answer 5

I am a chiropractic assistant and I have been for a while now. I am also a patient. Chiropractic care is wonderfull for you and anyone you know. I have had all kinds of pain...from lower back to neck and I myself treat patients and see the incredible results. Let me guess he put you on a 3 times a week plan? My best suggestion to you.....stick to your treatment plan that was provided for you and see your results. BUT REMEMBER...chiropractic medicine/ practices is an all natural hands on type of practice....its not a pill or surgery that will heal you in 1-2 tries. It takes time...and everyone is worried and sceptical about it...but believe me the results we get are unbelievable and my best advice....give it time. I promise it will greatly help...all the adjustments and physical therepy if your having any. Do some research. What I also found to be personally helpful was a table used called a flexion distraction table that gently stretches your back out...to take off that pressure....its very good for herniated disks and stuff like that. Ask your chiropractor about it and best of luck to you!

Answer 6

Chiropractors are good for BONE adjustments, but if your problem is muscle and not skeletal then you should be seeing a massage therapist first and then a chiropractor. If your muscles are tight then an adjustment from a chiropractor isn't going to help much because the tight muscles will pull your bone out of alignment again.

I hope this helps

Answer 7

My son has Juvenile Arthritis and regularly goes for physical therapy at the Arthritis Society at our local hospital. I once asked the different therapist's their opinion of chiropractors and it was unanimous: If you've never gone - don't start! They said it was just like cracking your knuckles; you'll feel some immediate relief but the more you do it the more often you'll have to do it to feel ANY relief. I was really surprised at how strong an opinion they had. Maybe physical or occupational thereapy would be more effective for your back pain. Good Luck.

Answer 8

I would suggest before you go to a Chiroprators let someone recommend a excellent one to you. Go to a chiroprators because after a couple of visits with them, you will physically feel better. Your back pain will go away in time and you will feel better.

Answer 9

i've suffered from back pain for years and i've been to several chiropractors. the important thing is to find a good one. some have really messed me up. the one i have now was a miracle man! i went quite a bit at first and then it gradually decreased. i haven't gone in almost a year now and i feel great. make sure the one you see has a good reputation and stays up to date in their practice.

Answer 10

I like the natural chiropractors. Generally, the less popping they do, the better they are. Popping Chiropractors can actually cause more damage.

Look for chiropractors who practice in manipulation therapies and do herbal treatments. They believe in some hokey stuff, but they actually fix the problem better.