Thread: Chiropractors--what's the verdict?

I recently have gone to a chiropractor for the first time ever. My neck has a "crick" that won't go away (2 weeks now).

I have heard all sorts of horror stories about neck manipulations. What's the verdict here? Who goes to chiropractors, and what's your experience been?

I've known someone who had a very negative experience with a neck manipulation. Some people love their chiropractors and swear by them, but it isn't for me. My suggestion is to read up on both the qualification requirements in your state to become a chiropractor and to look into the research about the possibilities of injury and then make a decision based on what you think is best.

Good thread.

I would like to hear opinions about this from bhuzzers also.

I am dealing major sciatic pain on my left hip and leg for 6 weeks now. I am considering a chiropractor also. It is seriously limiting my dancing and activities. I hear both raves and do not use chiropractors as well.

LOVE LOVE LOVE MINE. I only go when I need it. Most people see them as therapists; however if you don't listen and do what they tell you to work on, then it's just as pointlesss as seeing an actual therapist.

I had a problem with the discs in my neck pinching a nerve and causing me extreme pain and numbness/tingling in my arm. I went to physical therapy, a massage therapist twice a week and my general doctor ordered an MRI. I suffered for 3 months. Some times the pain was debilitating. After 3 visits with a chiropractor my symptoms were gone. She reviewed my scans at my consultation and then did 2 neck manipulations on each side at each visit as well as putting me in traction after the adjustments. I have also had great results in the past dealing with my lower back. I'm hyperflexible so i need to see the Chiro at least once a month to keep things where they should be. I swear by chiropractic care!

oh man, sounds exactly like my situation. I went to my family doctor 3 times. She ordered various prescriptions which didnt really help, then an x-ray, then finally an MRI about 2 weeks ago. They told me to go to physical therapy also. I went and got a personal trainer instead who was knowledgable in sciatic issues. It cost almost the same as my insurance co-pay and deductables. And I know that I need to increase my core strength to help with my particular issues. I still have pain but not as bad as it was and numerous people have told me to go to a chiropractor (but make sure that I get a good one).

i would also consider a really good manual therapist...someone trained in myfascial release and craniosacral massage...so they actually work the body beyond just "rubbing"

aura, i'd also take a look at what may be causing your sciatica- it could very well be the way you're dancing

I adore mine. I found her office via another dancer, and I've referred friends there.

while I've "heard about" people who have had bad experiences, I've never met one in person or have heard of a friend of a friend having one. so I take those stories with a grain of salt. I have never EVER had an experience that was remotely negative in any way. quite the opposite.

anyhow. every doctor at my office is awesome. I go for general maintenance, and for the occasional dire emergency where I throw my neck out doing head zars, or I wake up and can't look over one shoulder because I slept wrong. it's amazing. the results are always instant and dramatic. I walk out of there feeling two inches taller, thinking, oh yeah, this is what I'm *supposed* to feel like. I get in my car and my head feels like a helium balloon bobbing happily on a string. :)

it's also very efficient - in fifteen minutes I feel better than I do after a 90 minute massage.

I'm a huge fan of bodywork (chiro, massage, rolfing and the like), and wish everybody would just try it. you'll feel so much better. :)

Years ago, I went to a chiropractor referred by my GP for a grinding sensation in my lower back, whose treatments left me sobbing in pain for days after. A few months later, a friend referred me to her chiropractor, and it was a totally different experience. He was able to eliminate the grinding in a few months, and I never left the sessions with any remarkable pain. So I think it really depends on the practitioner.

Currently, I have massage therapy once a month with brilliant results, so I'm a big fan of bodywork too.

Originally Posted by elisagamal

I adore mine. I found her office via another dancer, and I've referred friends there.

while I've "heard about" people who have had bad experiences, I've never met one in person or have heard of a friend of a friend having one. so I take those stories with a grain of salt. I have never EVER had an experience that was remotely negative in any way. quite the opposite.

Since I mentioned it above, I should explain. My friend had been seeing her chiropractor religiously and raved about the wonders it was doing for her. She then went in and had a neck adjustment and afterward was in such pain and having vision problems that she had to be taken to the hospital. She had to be in a neck brace for over a month and then in physical therapy for 3 months, so it does happen. There are also documented cases of patients paralyzed during adjustments.

This is not to say that you should not go to the chiropractor - just that you should be very careful to understand their qualifications and are comfortable that the specific chiropractor is practicing safely. In my friend's case, the doctor was fully qualified and had been in business for years without incident when it occurred.

The incident caused me to look into the requirements to become a chiropractor and read all of the medical literature about the cases where things went wrong, just as I do the same for any other specialist I consider seeing. While I do believe that a chiropractor can be the best option for some people, it is important for each person to do the research and decide for themselves.

I had a great chiropractor on the other side of the hill here that adjusted me throughout my first pregnancy and I loved him -- then stopped going for lack of time. Fast forward a few years and I have a crick in my upper back so I go to this guy that's recommended by a bunch of people on my hubby's set. The first few visits went okay, although I thought it was weird that he didn't Xray first. My upper back still was stiff, but he really helped my carpal tunnel symptoms with these crazy electrode things. On the 5th visit, dude did such a violent adjustment on my pelvis that my left hip burst into pain and left me limping. I went to class the next day (a really bad idea in retrospect) and then had a hard time walking for a week. That was a good 6 months ago I think, and I still get pain above and below that hip bone (where there was previously none). Did he hit my bursa? I don't know...

So, my advice is to proceed with caution, and perhaps try muscular and soft tissue manipulation (such as rolfing) first since it seems more gentle than skeletal manipulation.

I agree first of all...you need to find a good one. I started seeing one years ago when a lower back pain I had kept getting worse. M.D.'s that I had seen (and there were several) all basically said the same thing..."take a couple of ibuprofen or aspirin." Well, obviously, I have already tried that! and decided to take matters into my own hands and try out a chiropractor. She did x-rays and also a MRI and I was given two reasons why I always had pain (some days better/worse than others). Unfortunately, this is something that I will have to live with and, after months of seeing her and being weaned off, things have gotten better. I still have good days and bad days, but as Auraevans said, it's increasing core strength (at least for my issues). So, my verdict...I am for them provided you get a good one. Just as people research buying cars, computers, TV's, same should be done to anyone in the medical field. My chiropractor listened to me and helped me when doctors didn't even attempt to.

Around 2000-ish, I was having really bad back and neck pain in my upper back.

I went to an M.D. who gave me a prescription for extra-strong ibuprofen. It gave me mouth sores. It masked the pain in my back, but of course as soon as the drug wore off, the pain returned. The drug didn't fix the source of the pain, it just masked it.

I went to a chiropractor for about 6 visits. The adjustments felt "violent" to me, and although they didn't injure me, they didn't help, either. After 6 visits, I felt I had given them sufficient opportunity to get results, with no improvement at all.

I went to a massage therapist, and experienced pain relief immediately.

I haven't seen either an M.D. or a chiropractor about my back issues since.



I found, though, that my back pain kept coming back. The massage would make it go away, but it kept returning. The treatment that really made the problem quit returning was rolfing.

nasila -

sounds as though he may have pinched your sciatic nerve. this has happened to me. I went to a good deep tissue massage therapist and it disappeared.

I take chiropractic and everything else, with a grain of salt. chiropractors, doctors, etc are human and have their failings. I remember going to one appointment and my Chiro - female, semi friendly at this point- was clumping around, having a bad day, mad at someone - I decided it probably wasn't a good time to have any major adjustments that day.

there are chiropractors who use non-violent methods. I would have to ask one of my classmates for the details.

The biggest issue is to get to know your practitioner, no matter what the particular practice. This facilitates both of you into being able to better evaluate the situation and to adjust treatment as necessary.

BTW - I have found for me, the best chiropractor is a sports chiropractor. Because they specialize in working with sports and repetitive use stress injuries, they aren't terribly surprised what a dancers body goes through.

{{{HUGS}}}

mahsati - I'm sorry, my post probably came across as casting doubt on your friend's experience. I didn't mean to do that! yes - bad things CAN happen at a chiro. but bad things can happen with just about any medical experience. just means you need to research your person and be sure you get a good one.

I have been to chiropractors most of my life.
With some of them, I felt better instantly and felt great until I did something to pull myself out of alignment.
The one I have been seeing since I moved has not been so good. I haven't noticed better posture or really any less pain after any of the visits. He is also the only one I have seen who didn't take xrays.

I think if you find a good chiropractor, the results are amazing, but if you get a bad one then it is useless or even harmful.

Side note: A really good chiro will also be working with you on a series of exercises to help to promote better muscular support. Mine was all about pilates!

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by amity

LOVE LOVE LOVE MINE. I only go when I need it. Most people see them as therapists; however if you don't listen and do what they tell you to work on, then it's just as pointlesss as seeing an actual therapist.

This is my experience. I only go when I need it, and I would generally try massage therapy first.

Just last week I woke up with the worst neck/back pain... didn't go away for 4 days, constant burning pain and no sleep... arrrgh! First session made it 90 percent better and second session (this morning) gave me the remaining range of movement in my neck. Right now I am sending many good vibes to my wonderful chiro... what a relief.

Hey everyone:

I'm a BIG BIG BIG fan of bodywork, particularly certain methods of chiropractic. Many folks don't know that there are several different methods of chiropractic, and yes, different practitioners within the same modality may be quite different.

I have an anatomically short leg by a half-inch or centimeter or so, therefore I'm at special risk for alignment problems or injury. I can honestly say, without my dear D.C. I would not be able to walk. I have more of an investment in staying fit via dancing and aligned via bodywork than the average person; AND I'm a professional dancer! My D.C. used to be a modern and ballet dancer before becoming a chiro, and then went on to become an acupuncturist. She works with athletes and professional dancers all the time, so she knows what's what, and doesn't say stupid things to you or have unrealistic advice. Her technique is SOT and cranial-sacral.

It may take time to find someone whose approach is best for you (and it may be in another modality) but it is worth it.

I've had sciatic problems for years, and this year it got so bad while I was doing some hard martial arts training that I couldn't walk properly. I'd been having massage for the last 12 months which kept it at bay but I had actually put my hip out due to repetitive lifting and twisting kicks. I was saved by my osteopath... he literally pushed my hip back into place (gross but quick!) I haven't looked back since. So if massage doesn't work, check out an osteo!

my mom's been to several, in several different countries (due to moving), some were ok, some didn't help at all, some were Amazing!
try to find a friend or someone who can recommend a good one to you. it takes a bit of research but if you find the right person you'll be so happy you did :)

Personally - I see a chiropractor every 2 weeks. I do not have any issues - I do it for health. I find that being aligned has helped with my allergies, illnesses, and movement for dancing. It is part of my routine now.

My chiropractor was also there for me during my pregnancy. He specializes in pregnancy and new mommies. It helped me so much.

When my son was born, he adjusted my son. To think, that poor little guy was crammed in my belly for a long time. I saw instant results in him when he was adjusted. Now - pregnancy and infant adjustment are much different than your "standard" adjustment. I would only trust someone who has experience in these areas to work on me and my son.

Do your research - find someone who understands your need - and speak with that person.

Chiropractic has changed my life and made me healthier.

I've been seeing a chiropractor weekly for about 7 years. Prior to starting chiropractic, I lived in constant pain. No one could tell me why after years of physical therapy, orthopedic specialists, and more x-rays than I can count. One visit to the chiropractor and 3 special x-rays (super-imposed over one another) and he found 5 discs out of alignment.

I'd recommend finding either a "Gonstead" or "Palmer" trained chiropractor. Gonstead was the "father of modern chiropractic medicine" and the couple of Gonstead chiropractors I've been to have been wonderful. Palmer is a similar technique. They both focus on the whole body not just the point of pain and are very hands on for diagnosing what is out of alignment.

Stay away from what I call "pop & go" chiropractors. Those are the ones who don't do any diagnosis or therapy and only do quickie adjustments and send you on your way. My last chiropractor was like that and he did more harm than good. In fact when I switched chiropractors, my new doctor asked if I had been in an accident because my neck was so screwed up (where I hadn't had neck problems in the past). It's slowly getting better with the new doc.

One other point - I asked my chiropractor if belly dancing was ok to do since I have so much back and neck problems. He said absolutely but I do have to take it easy sometimes. And I go a whole lot more often after a big show that we rehearse for intensely. (I'm just now recovering from the damage I did to myself preparing for a Renaissance Faire in November). But overall, he said belly dancing actually does more good than harm so keep dancing! (Of course, you need to consult your own doctor about your particular condition).

Overall, I agree with everyone else - check out the doctor you intend to see. Ask for referrals from people you trust.

Good luck.

I used to go regularly to see a chiropractor (lower back problems prior and after prolaps operation) later for problems with my neck - however, as someone wrote before the therapist might have a bad day and you will never ever have anyone touch you.
My neck is really damaged since (she did not check the x-ray prior manipulation).

All that happened about 10 years ago and since I am a fan of Ostoepahty, Cranio-sacral and for about more than a year I find Bowen Therapy is it for me - nothing else needed.

Total CHIROPRACTIC CONVERT here!!! LOVE-LOVE-LOVE my chiropractor. I got into a car accident where I was rear-ended by an idiot while I was sitting at a red light in October & wasn't going to go; I'd never been to a chiropractor, plus a friend/fellow bhuzzer who is also a physical therapist had told me chiropractic horror stories about people coming out worse than when they first went in... Well, couldn't take the headaches, stiffness & soreness any longer (about a week--even took some days off to see if it would just "go away" with rest). I'm sooo glad I went to see this chiropractor on the recommendation of a former martial arts colleague. Right after that 1st session, I felt so weirded out I actually second-guessed myself, went home to bed & immediately called my stepdad (an anesthesiologist) and Mom (a registered nurse) in California and voiced my panicked concern. They told me that it would be fine, so long as it was a reputable chiropractor (which he was; decades of experience & wouldn't work on me until he had a full exam including an upright MRI). Anyhoo, the very next day, I felt an incredible amount of improvement!!! He called at my lunch hour (since I was a brand new patient) to follow up and see how I was doing, and I just had to 1st confess that I thought he was a quack and tattled on him to my parents, but how wonderfully 90% better I felt a mere 16 hours later. I highly recommend seeing a (researched, reputable) chiropractor!!!

If I had the money and time, I wouldn't hesitate to go to a chiropractor. The theory behind chiropractic is to fix the source of the pain or ailment -the pinched nerves of coming off of your spinal cord. There are many methods to chiropractic, and each doctor finds one that suits them best. Some don't take xrays, or even look at your back-which just seems weird to me. others will make you wear a robe so they can adjust you with better ease.

It is definately a holistic practice and nothing compared to "a pill for every ill" - that is a practice that I just can't come to terms with.

Some people can go in for just one fix when they're in pain, while other people are going to need more than 6 or 7 times. A doctor can sometimes adjust a patient and unfortunately the adjustment won't stick, possibly due to a tricky subluxation or something the patient does to throw it out of whack. Anything can cause a subluxation (the pinched nerve) - I've heard the most common reason is stress alone! But anything from sitting in a car too long, recreational activities (i'm talking horseback riding, jumping on a trampoline) or the way you sleep can really impact your spinal cord. Birth is actually a really common time for people-babies- to get pinched nerves because of the extreme stress it takes on their bodies.

I used to have very bad low back pain. So bad that I would have to stop mid step and hold onto something. I finally went to a chiropractor and over one summer and had a few adjustments. I slowly weaned off- although my spine wasn't close to being straight, because my insurance wouldn't cover it anymore. Sometimes my back still keeps me up at night but I'm not crying out when I walk anymore.

It's funny how the horror stories always get out, but if you look the amazing stories are there too, there's a Chicken Soup for the Chiropractic Soul that has stories and stories of people recovering from you name it- all due to a chiropractor.

Love them! They're great for sciatica, neck pain, inflammations, hip problems, you name it. Combine it with accupuncture and massage and you have a SuperPower care packet.

You have to be willing to realize that the body will at times have a counter reaction to being "put back into place" after having been in "the wrong place" for a while. Soreness, aches and headaches can be a side-effect. Use cold, heat or ibuprofen to sooth these temporary side effects. It's also important that you talk to your chiropractor about what KIND of treatment you are more comfortable with. Some chiropractors are very "loud", they crack and twist and bend. Others ease the body into release.

I swear by chiropractors.

DaVid

How about the potential for stroke due to neck manipulation?

Originally Posted by auraevans

Good thread.

I would like to hear opinions about this from bhuzzers also.

I am dealing major sciatic pain on my left hip and leg for 6 weeks now. I am considering a chiropractor also. It is seriously limiting my dancing and activities. I hear both raves and do not use chiropractors as well.

I had horrible sciatica while I was pregnant with my daughter...sharp stabbing pain that literally knocked me down. My OB/GYN had the same while pregnant with her twins and recommended the orthopedic/sports medicine specialist she had gone to. I would not have considered getting an adjustment while pregnant otherwise but that was a heck of an endorsement! It only took one visit, I had the adjustment and didn't have so much as a twinge for the remainder of the pregnancy...I'm so glad I went for it!

~~Kimahri