A question about Chiropractors

[wvjules]

I've been having moderate to severe lower back pain for almost three weeks so today I finally decided to go see a chiropractor about it. (Have no idea how I inured it.) Yesterday was a good pain free day but I coughed and sneezed alot last night and aggrivated the problem. Its worse now than it has been for the past couple of weeks.

How has your experience with chiropractors been? Do they help you at all? And since I'm in so much pain and out of muscle relaxers (and ibuprofren is doing nothing for me), are they able to write prescriptions?

TIA.

 

[JDH]

are not licensed to write perscriptions. Usually takes serveral visits to feel better. I personally have had good success with Chiropractors. Sounds like soft tissue damage and coughing/sneezing will aggravate it.

 

[mickman1962]

Find an Osteopath.

 

[helenabear]

I personally have had better luck with PT. Chrio's you never stop going to. I haven't had to go to PT in a couple of years (they taught me how to keep my back better)

My PT worked in conjunction with my doctor, so I was able to get all the meds I needed for it. I had severe lower back pain as well. I oculdn't even sit! PT saved it, where I don't see how a chiro could have since there was muscle damage as well.

 

[mickeyfan2]

Everybody I know who when to a Chiro found that each correction lasted a shorter and shorter time.

 

[puffkin]

Just a warning, but this thread could turn very heated, with pro-chiropractors going against anti-chiropractors......

I have never had back problems so I have never needed to even consider a chiropractor. However, I know several people with back problems who visit chiropractors and it seems to be an addiction with them. They feel great after the visit for a day or two, but then the pain comes back. It can get very addictive and expensive. I do believe their may be some legitimate uses for chiropracy (not sure if that is the word ) however I have not seen it work out as a long term solution in my friends cases.

 

[disneysteve]

Find an Osteopath.

I feel particularly qualified to answer this question. Why? Because I am an Osteopath and I, personally, see a chiropractor.

When I was in training and was surrounded by DOs, I did see ones who specialized in manipulative therapy. Now, I have easy, unlimited and free access to a great chiropractor.

I think chiropractors have gotten a bad rap over the years because there are many unscrupulous ones. You know the type. The ones who tell you at the first visit exactly how many treatments you will need to get better. They want to see you 3 times a week for the rest of your life. I've even heard of ones who asked patients to pay up front for weeks of treatment. I would stay away from those folks.

I have also had chiros over the years whose technique I just didn't like. They were generally too aggressive for my liking. The one I see now takes his time, examines me, does adequate stretching and preparation before any corrections. I don't go often, maybe once every 2-3 months if that, but I've never failed to get relief from going.

If you can find a DO in your area who does manipulation, that would be my first choice. Even better if he specializes in OMM (osteopathic manipulative medicine). But if not, a good chiropractor can be a godsend.

 

[mickman1962]

Find an Osteopath.

I didn't intend this to be a slam against Chiro's, I just figured if the OP is in that much pain then an Osteo might be a better choice. fwiw I go to both depending on what problem I have. Sometimes my back is so bad that I need medication.

 

[wvjules]

My appointment with the chriopractor is today at 2:15, we'll see how it goes. Even if it is only temporary relief I'll take that for now. I can't believe I waited three weeks to see someone in the first place.

If it doesn't do much for me, I'll look for a DO. (Dated one once, too bad he's married now. lol)

BTW, I haven't shaved my legs since I hurt myself. (Thankfully my hair is fine, light and grows slowly lol) Will I need to strip or will I be able to wear my jeans? lol

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I think Chiropractors get a bad rap when patients expect a one time fix. It doesn't work that way. A good Chiroprator should explain that to you up front.

DH's goal is to get you feeling better and to reduce your visits. Most of his patients are on "maintenence"=as needed.

 

[Christine]

I had good luck with a chiropractor. He did not "cure" me but he did get me feeling better. He also did not make me see him forever. I found a chiro that has a PT background (he used to be PT before going to chiro school). I tended to "shy" away from those that were kind of "new age."

 

[hlbtimes2]

I love my chiro. I go when I need him. It usually takes a few weeks, 1-2 times a week, for something minor. They would like me to come once a month, but I don't feel I need to, so I dont.

 

[wvjules]

Well, things went ok. He told me I'd be more sore today than I was when I went in. Well, he didn't lie. lol He's a sports threrapist so he works on the muscles as well. It was like going to a combo chiropractor/massage therapist. He tested my muscle strength in my legs, back, arms, etc. My resistance didn't make it past one finger pull in most areas. He said he should be able to take care of 80% of my muscle issues in 10 visits or so. He gave me some home exercises and bio freeze (awesome stuff). I should see improvement in 3 or 4 visits. We shall see. Next appointment is today at 5:00.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Well, things went ok. He told me I'd be more sore today than I was when I went in. Well, he didn't lie. lol He's a sports threrapist so he works on the muscles as well. It was like going to a combo chiropractor/massage therapist. He tested my muscle strength in my legs, back, arms, etc. My resistance didn't make it past one finger pull in most areas. He said he should be able to take care of 80% of my muscle issues in 10 visits or so. He gave me some home exercises and bio freeze (awesome stuff). I should see improvement in 3 or 4 visits. We shall see. Next appointment is today at 5:00.

I am glad you had a good experience.

We love BioFreeze at our house.

 

[In a hurry]

I think Chiropractors get a bad rap when patients expect a one time fix. It doesn't work that way. A good Chiroprator should explain that to you up front.

DH's goal is to get you feeling better and to reduce your visits. Most of his patients are on "maintenence"=as needed.

I disagree. They get a bad name, IMO, for trying to sign every patient up for lifetime maintenance for a simple injury, and for making promises to cure everything from colic to cancer.

 

[Christine]

I disagree. They get a bad name, IMO, for trying to sign every patient up for lifetime maintenance for a simple injury, and for making promises to cure everything from colic to cancer.

I think the point is, not all of them are like this.

The one I went to had the goal of getting me out of there and feeling better within 8 weeks. He was good on his word. He also didn't believe in pushing supplments, diet, trying to cure allergies, etc. He only believed in mechanical adjustments for injuries and pain.

 

[In a hurry]

I agree. Not all are like that. Didn't mean to sound like they are. I just get so irritated when I hear of another person conned.

 

[lbgraves]

I never thought that I would go to one, but when my carpel tunnel & back pain got too bad & my doctor referred me to an orthopedic surgeon I decided that it was worth a try. I couldn't pick up my kids without being in pain &/or my arms going numb with pain. My kids couldn't squeeze my hand without it hurting. After taking xrays the chiro was shocked that I had been walking around with this pain for so long. I had 2 90 degree angles in my spine & a disc in my neck was twisted, which was pinching a nerve & causing the carpel tunnel. I went 3 times a week for a couple months, then dropped to twice a week. He told me in the beginning that I wouldn't be completely fixed but my life would be alot better. I couldn't believe the difference. I still go for an adjustment every couple months...no big deal at this point. It's hard for me to think about going back in since the little bit of discomfort is nothing compared to what I use to deal with. One morning I woke up & couldn't get out of bed. I felt like I was having back labor. (Now I know why I had back labor with both of the kids BTW.) The next morning I went for an evaluation.

Chiros may not be for everyone, but I am forever greatful to my doctor. I got my life back & now can hold & hug my kids without being in pain.

 

[laura001]

The reaction that you are having is very common when you start treatment. The problem that you have had with your back has been there for a long time, it doesn't just happen. When you finally feel pain it is your bodies way of giving in and telling you there is a problem that you cannot ignore any longer.

Once you have an adjustment it changes the way your body was just prior to (hurt or not). YOur muscles have a memory and always try to protect the area that is hurt and keep it the same way, whether it is the right alignment or not. The adjustment changes all of that and the muscles and soft tissue react to the adjustment and try to put everything back the way it was. That is why quite often the pain can become worse or go away and then return.

As far as having to see your chiro forever....well, that is your choice!!!! Once your problem is gone and you are feeling fine, then stop if that is your choice. Or, you can look at it as a way of preventive maintenance, like having your teeth cleaned. Every part of your body is fed through your spine, if there is a bit of a blockage or pinching etc (subluxation) then the part of your body that is being fed from that segment cannot work to the best of it's ability, hence having treatment to make sure that it is working properly. It is your choice as to what you choose to do.

Seeing a chiroprator only makes you more aware of what and how your body is working, what you choose to do with that info is up to you!!! They will gladly treat you (with love) even if the only time you go is when you can no longer walk or move.

 

[lbgraves]

I have heard of there being chiros who sign you up for a contract & lots of other stuff. There is no way that I would have done that. I did find it interesting to read the information he gave me with the evaluation. The specific areas where I had problems had many things related to them like allergies & the like. I hadn't told him any problems that I had been having like that & there was something in each area that I had been dealing with. One was restlessness & insomnia. I was exhausted because of not being able to sleep well, even after my kids started sleeping thru the night. I did find that after a couple months I did start sleeping thru the night. Noo promises were made about this or anything else.