Is chiropractic treatment effective?

Question

What kind of adjustment is the best? Have you heard of or have you had success with the "adjustment gun?"

I'm 26 wks pregnant and experiencing pain through my upper back and shoulder. I had a chiropractic "adjustment" with the gun thing... It didn't hurt, and I could had swore that the relief was instant, but I'm just curious if it really did anything.

Any experiences? Thank you!

I don't believe that this dr. was taking advantage of me. The appointment consisted of him assessing my posture, feeling around for uneveness (sp?) and using the adjustment gun. He also rubbed my shoulders some. He explained that there were three areas that were out of wack. The whole thing only cost $33.

Answer 1

Depends on how you defined "effective". Chiro is a form of "spinal manipulative therapy"..........basically these techniques have been around for 100's of years, and are also used by massage therapists, physios and a variety of other practitioners. It feels good to get a massage or have someone rub a sore back for you, doesn't it?

Chiro takes these harmless, possibly helpful techniques and ads their own unique pseudo-scientific marketing slant however. They claim that "innate energy" can become blocked by the spine being out of alignment, and that they can alter the course of various diseases by chiro adjustment. That is pure quackery and magical thinking. Chiros who claim they can treat medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension etc, or who advocate against childhood immunizations are dangerous quacks.

Yes, some people get relief from chiropractic. You know what, I crack my knuckles and my neck, and it feels good when I do it. About an hour later I feel the "need" to crack them again. It's a bad habit. Am I affecting a disease process? No. Is a chiropracter affecting your health when he gets you to come in for periodic adjustments? No. Does he drive a nice car?

Go to http://www.quackwatch.org for lots of articles on chiropractic flummery. The history of this branch of so called alternative medicine (s.c.a.m.) is fascinating. It was "invented" by a grocery clerk just over 100 years ago, and has absolutely no basis in science, anatomy or physiology.

Answer 2

Many people report feeling better after a chiropractic treatment. Its possible the "adjustment" did some good but its more plausible that the mere "laying on of hands" has a healing effect.

I agree with the person who cautioned against chiropractic treatments while pregnant.

Answer 3

I go to a chiropractor and I have a fear of them cracking my neck, so they use the "adjustment gun", we call it the thumper. I love it, it works great. I also believe in acupuncture and if your chiropractor offers it, I would do it. It doesn't hurt and it doesn't cause nerve damage, it feels good.

I had an accident many years ago. I was told I would never walk right again. A friend literally had to drag me to the chiropractor's office. It hurt like hell for 6 months, but I walk well to this day. I have bad and good days, but mostly good. I believe in them and always will. As with everything else, there are good and bad ones. It sounds like yours is a good one. Congrats on your baby.

Answer 4

I always felt better after going to a chiropractor. I just had to stop because my schedule is too busy and I don't have enough money.

If it makes you feel better, then keep on going.

My grandmother use to take her whole family to the chiropractors once a month. They weren't sick a lot.

Answer 5

Chiropractic treatment is mostly a hoax. You're wasting your time and money. Be very careful not to get taken advantage of by the chiropractor. And when you're pregnant is a terrible time to go to a chiropractor. How did he/she determine what needed to be adjusted? Did they take xrays? Dangerous.

Answer 6

Yes they are in most cases. Personally I recomment one from the Palmer School. They seem to the best trained and most gentle when doing treatments. At your stage I don't know what they could do. So Talk to one and see

Answer 7

I started going to a chiropractor about two years ago for a hip flexor problem. My doctor recommended her to me. I have never been to one, but I had tried pain killers, rest, etc and nothing worked to relieve the pain. I went to her for 10 sessions and the pain was gone and has never come back. I never believed that they were "real" doctors, but after making my pain go away, I'm a believer.

Answer 8

My chiropractor does the same thing among others..... I love him and I wouldn't go to anyone else..... I choose to see him first before anyone else usually... I actually work my personal training business out of his office now.....