So I'm a nanny (aka carrying a lot of kids) and recently I had some pretty bad lower back pain however no immediate trauma that may have caused this. This dull ache has been going on for at least a month probably more. I decided to see a chirpractor. He was such a nice guy, took time to go over what was bothering me and did some diagnosis. He performed a spinal analysis machine and discovered my right side carries 12 pounds more than my left which made total sense to me. Also using another handheld machine and handheld diagnosis that my neck had a lot of tension and that could be pinching my nerve and causing my headaches. The cost was only $35 dollars and I have another appoitment to go over costs, plan of action, etc. However, when I called my mom she was like oh that's bull***t he just wants money, they're quacks and doesn't want to file to insurance. I believe in this however I'm in college, not financially set. Are they really quacks, can I even afford this, is it worth it
2007-03-23 10:49:17 · 16 answers · asked by misschick87 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Rough crowd in here. Let me set a few things straight if I can.
First, chiropractic works because they adjust the bones which are intimate with the nerves. The philosophy is that with a well-adjusted nervous system, the body is able to overcome pain and other problems. And why not? Everhthing is "hooked up" to the nervous system, right?
The schooling comments made me laugh. Chiropractors go to school for eight academic years. Their school is not medical school, but it is simlar. On the other hand, medical school is NOT chiropractic school. It goes both ways. While medical doctors learn to prescribe medication that hides symptoms, chiropractic doctors learn how to fix problems so that symptoms will go away on their own.
Define what a quack is and I can answer if chiropractors are quacks. Though when I think of quack, I think of a 'fake doctor'. If that's the definition, then no, chiropractors are not quacks. In fact, who is the quack? The person who hides symptoms and lets the problem grow, or the person who finds the root of disease and dealing with the problem at the root?
Think of care as an investment to your health. How much does the average student spend on liquor, booze, pizza, cigarettes, and "nights on the town" and what is the result of that spending? Then compare that to your treatment plan and "cost of care" list. Determine what is more important and then challenge your parents as to why they think it's a bad idea. If they care for your health, they'll promote you and support your decision. They should help pay for it too. The average back surgery is $17,000 (that's a conservative average too).
If you have any more questions, message me.
2007-03-26 14:21:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a reputable chiropractor, then they probably aren't a "quack." They are medical professionals who really do help a lot of people. I would talk to other customers of the chiropractor, if possible, to find out about their experiences. Also, if you do choose to go again or would like to win over your parents, I would research back pain and chiropractors (and their successes) This way, you will know what you are getting into (and what they might do during appointments) and also prove that their is medical backup behind their practice.
I don't mean this offensively, but often times the reason someone doesn't like something is simply because of ignorace. Your parents don't seem to know about chiropractors and the industry, and they are letting their false pretenses get in the way with helping you with a problem (which could get even more serious if you do not address it) So instead of just getting upset with them, educate them. And when you talk to them in several months, all problems fixed (or on the way to recovery) the success will speak for itself.
Good luck!
2007-03-23 10:58:51 · answer #2 · answered by c 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My opinion is the young chiropractors are quacks. They have the fancy machines like you experienced to show you your body is out of whack. They want you to come back 10-20 times and claim to heal all your problems including depression. I've heard it with my own ears. My advice is to go to the oldest chiropractor you can find, one with 30 years of experience. He is an expert in muslce/skeleton problems and will fix you in about three visits. He won't have the fancy devices, but just a plain chiro table. You don't even have to tell an old guy what is wrong, he will just tell you to lay down and he will fix you up. Because they are near retirement, they don't need your money and they are often cheaper. To me, a chiro is good for a quick fix like a pinched nerve. If you want longer term relief, go to a physiotherapist.
2016-03-29 01:22:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe in them totally. I used to work for a chiropractor and he helped me sooo much. First of all, you need to do what works for you.... maybe dont say too much to your mom about it....and there are times when it takes several adjustments to make a difference, and there could be a little more pain during this time. You will want to take it easy and not lifting/carrying kids... you will just undo what he does. Also, in understanding the whole spinal system and nervous system, it is very very possible you have a pinched nerve. For this to happen your ex-rays should show a misalignment of the spine somewhere. For instance, my cervical spine (neck) is messed up with c4 and c5 showing signs of degeneration from being out of alignment for a period of time, this means that they are welding together. Thus, causing me to have headaches...... so, you see..... in your ex-rays there must be some type of injury or misalignment....
NOW.. her is the BUT side to all of this. When you go into your next visit, ask about exercises to help strengthen your week spots.... most of the time back pain and headaches can be caused from muslcle tension and stress. (it is not always caused from a misalignment) You may need to do some exercises that will strengthen your back and legs.... you need to learn how to lift properly, stand and walk with your shoulders back.... and a massage now and then can be beneficial.
Please, give it a try... see what looks like probs in your ex-rays.... look at some exercise for trunk strength... good luck to you.
2007-03-23 11:05:29 · answer #4 · answered by sushihen2 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I, personally, don't think they do much for people over the long run. They call the treatments "manipulations" for a reason. They manipulate your affected area through heavy pushing, and joint cracking, and massage. This is a temporary fix to a permanent problem. I suggest you see a doctor, a real one. At least get some x-rays to see if you don't have something serious, like I had. I had a couple of ruptured discs in my low back. I am not saying you have that, but you can get better help from a medical doctor. I have since had surgery, and went through an extensive rehabilitation. It was in rehab, that I learned the most about what had happened to my back, and how to go about the rest of my life with the best chance of not getting hurt, again. I owe my mobility to them! A little education can go a long way where your back is concerned.
I hope that you get well, and don't need surgery.
Good luck.
Stevo.
2007-03-23 10:59:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No way are they quacks! I've been going to one for nearly 15 years. I probably wouldn't be walking if it wasn't for this man. Physical therapy did nothing for my spine, neck, hips, shouldars, migraines, etc. Within a few visits, I was feeling 100% better. Oh, I nearly forgot, my spine was in the shape of an "S". It's not any longer.
Something else people don't realize, chiropractors have more years of college and specialized training than the vast majority of doctors.
Mom's don't always know best.
It can also take several visits to get the full effect of the therapy. $35.00 is not expensive for a chiropractor's visit. It's downright reasonable.
2007-03-23 11:01:52 · answer #6 · answered by Barry 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have had chronic back problems for 25 yrs and have seen lots of chiropractors...and have come to the conclusion that most are quacks. I found that the more I left my back alone, the better it has felt. But when making weekly visits to a Chiropractor it just inflamed it during that time. If you can't afford it, you shouldn't do it. If your parents are willing to help you see a "real" Dr., then that might be a better bet. You can get referred to Physical therapy which has been more helpful for me then chiros.
2007-03-26 11:05:25 · answer #7 · answered by laineyette 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I used to think they were qucks... and although they are not medical doctors, they do actually know what they are doing. In fact many insurance companies will now cover visits to a chiropracter.
If they were all mumbo jumbo, insurance companies would not pay for them at all. I know a few folks who said that their Chiropracter worked miracles for them.... but I will say this, sometimes the reasons they give for pain sound more like science fiction or the imagination of a 5 year old than actual science.
2007-03-23 10:55:42 · answer #8 · answered by Wolverine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LIke MD's, there are good chiropractors and bad ones. I happen to think chiropractic is a good way to go for many, and perhaps this Chiropractor will let you make payments. When I managed a chiropractic clinic, we gave students a cash discounted price of $15. This made care VERY affordable for them. Ask if yours will do the same for you, so that you may get the care you need. Good luck to you!
2007-03-23 10:57:41 · answer #9 · answered by that judi 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well take it from another nanny the chiropractor will help
and who is your mom to say its bull***** is she a nanny does she do all that lifting you know your body better than anyone else ever will if you think there is something wrong then there most likely is
i have been a nanny or live in care for the disabled and elderly for the last 7 years and the chiropractor is my best friend be for i started going i had back pain and headaches and he has helped with both
take care and good luck-
2007-03-23 10:56:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋