How bad are chiropractors?

Question

I have thoracic outlet syndrome along with 2 herniated cervical discs and one buldging disc. I also have straightening and narrowing of the c spine. I have had this going on since January and am in extreme pain. I've been seeing a chiropractor who has been doing cervical manipulation. i don't like it...my neck cracks so bad and hurts. Since he' s done this I have felt worse and now have ringing in the ears, ear pain and stuffiness and vertigo all the time. I feel sick. I also have trouble swallowing now. I'm a mess and don't know what to do. Anyone have any suggestions.

Answer 1

I don't think Chiropractors are bad, but if this one is not helping you, you should either go and see a different one, or go to a different health practitioner to get advice.

Have you told them about the new symptoms? If not it may be preventing them from making a correct diagnosis to a problem they are not aware of.

If I was you, seeing as the chiro doesnt seem to be helping this problem, I would speak to a GP and let them know whats been going on and what they suggest. Let them know your not just interested in pain killers to mask the pain, but rather a solution to the problem.

I don't think its right to label Chiropractors as 'bad' because they havn't seemed to help with this problem, but rather I would take on the responsibility to seek the help of another practitioner.

Answer 2

I am a Registered Nurse practitioner (in the UK NHS) - and I also have a tandem stenosis of the spine, with DDD (degenerative disk disease) - and foraminal nerve compression - just as you do.
I can tell you categorically that, in these clinical conditions, 'spinal manipulation' is seriously dangerous - and it is outrageous that anyone pretending to be a 'health care professional' would even attempt it, for fear of losing their license.
There isn't a herniated disk in this world that has been successfully 'treated' by a chiropractor - and in the most recent wide-ranging research, there was no evidence whatsoever of any long-lasting benefit from chiropractic manipulation with regard to ANY complaint or condition: it is pure quackery.
Herniated disks are not going to 'go away', and if the symptoms warrant it, then, - more realistically - you need assessment for surgery (which, hopefully, will extend your active life and give you a few years of pain relief).
Surgery is not for the faint-hearted, and in some instances it is controversial. However if you truly have developed dysphagia (swallowing problems), then this is a serious development, and you need an urgent medical review.
The pain is 'central' pain: ie direct from the central nervous system and caused by foraminal nerve root compression and /or spinal cord compression. I know only too well how very bad this can be - and, unfortunately, even morphine does not quell this.
Ultimately nerve root compression may well cause parasthesia (loss of sensation in your limbs) and 'myelopathy' (severe pain and weakness in your shoulders and arm muscles, possibly with hand clumsiness /loss of grip). The progressive disability can, for some people, be truly challenging and frightening, and, because the pain nevers ends, exhaustion can set in.
You need:
1) An urgent referral to a spinal surgeon + MRI imaging for an accurate diagnosis;
2) A referral to a qualified physical therapist - who can help you with (gentle) massage, traction treatment and, if necessary, specialist splinting and bracing;
3) A referral to an Occupational Therapist (or Occupational Health specialist), who can review your coping abilities in daily living - and work? - and give you appropriate advice, information and support.
4) To consult your primary care doctor. Muscle relaxants ('Robaxin' /methocarbamol) can help - as can anti-depressant and anti-epileptic medication - both of which are licensed for neuropathic pain. Pregabalin (Lyrica) may also be useful in promoting the (slow-wave) sleep you may well be missing just now...while a COX-2 inhibitor (such as Celecoxib) may calm the inflammatory response. So get talking to him/ her...
For quality, 'pre-consult', information, log on to 'emedicine' and 'search' all the relevant terms: 'spinal stenosis' ; 'Intervertebral Herniated Disks'; cervical spondylosis; etc so that you are properly informed.
I hope this is some help to you - and sincerely send you best wishes.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How bad are chiropractors?
I have thoracic outlet syndrome along with 2 herniated cervical discs and one buldging disc. I also have straightening and narrowing of the c spine. I have had this going on since January and am in extreme pain. I've been seeing a chiropractor who has been doing cervical manipulation. i...

Answer 4

Don't go to the same chiropractor anymore. Your symptom getting worse is a good sign that he is not helping you.

Look for a chiropractor that practices "grostic" method or "nucca" method. Doctor's that follow these method won't twist you and crack your back. He/she will apply a gentle pressure. It almost feel as if nothing is done.

Are you seeing an orthopedic doctor as well? If you haven't, you should. Your problem may be more than what chiropractor can handle.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Chiropractors are not bad, just some of them tend to practice beyond their abilities. Your condition needs to be evaluated by a neurosurgeon. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH A CHIROPRACTOR AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SIT DOWN FOR 3 DAYS , NEEDLESS TO SAY I DUMPED HIM AND HE WENT BACK TO HIS WIFE.

Answer 7

I would try going to a different chiropractor. They are supposed to help you, not cause you more pain. Also, have you told your current chiropractor your new symptoms? Make sure you do so he is aware.

Answer 8

I like them

Answer 9

I like mine. But I dont have that many problems either. And it makes me feel so much better.

Answer 10

It does not hurt but they keep you coming back for more.