Chiropractors Yah, or Nah

[kaabost]

I have never been to the chiro. and luckily I have never felt like I needed to. I am definitely in the "skeptic" category. I have no doubt that chiropractic care can make people feel better and has some merit....although I also feel that alot of it does not. The idea of cracking spines scares me. I know that popping knuckles and joints can relieve some strain/tension but doesn't the idea of cracking the bones protecting 1/2 of your central nervous system worry anyone else?

 

[tc]

Rajah: My chiropracter explains it like this. Your spine is like the trunk and root of a tree. I that is damaged or twisted, your tree will not be healthy. By mending the trunk, you are mending everything else in your body.

My husband got a nasty cold that has lasted a month or so. I got the same cold, same symptoms, sore throat, aches and pains, stuffy head, etc. Mine lasted three days. I attribute my length (or lack of any length) to going to a chiropracter regularly.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Originally posted by kaabost
I have never been to the chiro. and luckily I have never felt like I needed to. I am definitely in the "skeptic" category. I have no doubt that chiropractic care can make people feel better and has some merit....although I also feel that alot of it does not. The idea of cracking spines scares me. I know that popping knuckles and joints can relieve some strain/tension but doesn't the idea of cracking the bones protecting 1/2 of your central nervous system worry anyone else?

Cracking is not the correct term to use.

People tend to think that Chiropractors are only good for back pain. Really it is about overall health. Patients come to my DH when they have the flu, colds, constipation, dizzyness, scoliosis..the list is quite long. I have been sick 1 time since I started getting adjusted. I started running a fever, DH adjusted my neck and, within an hour, my fever broke.

I used to be a skeptic also.

 

[lindajo]

I saw a chiropractor for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. He did some massage therapy, deep heat therapy and some electronic stimulation therapy. It felt good while he was doing it, (except for that Elec. stuff-it was really weird) and a few minutes later, but never really helped it after numerous visits. I finally had surgery, and the problem was solved immediately.

DH saw one for neck problems, same thing with him. It felt good for a few minutes and then the pain returned. It was amazing that the chiropractor could tell DH where the problems were before DH could say...

I have heard so many stories about different ailements being cured, or helped by this treatment. Whatever works, is what I always say...

 

[Carl]

My chiropractor says that many chiropractors claim that they can treat things that they really can't. Colds and flu would be in that list. They can only treat things which are caused by misalignment.

 

[goofy4tink]

The timing for this thread is terrific for me. My back has been in spasm for a week now. Vioxx is helping and the muscle relax. got the spasm's to stop. But it is still sore. Yesterday as I was picking my dd up from school, a friend who also happens to be a chiropractor, asked me why I was walking funny. I though I was doing a good job of not waddling!!! I told him the short of it and he asked why I hadn't called him. I'm somewhat of a skeptic tho. My dh saw him for headaches and it did help. Looks like maybe I'll be calling him for some relief. And also start those dreaded ab exercises to strengthen all the muscles, front and back.

 

[missypie]

Just please, if you have bad pain and the chiropractor doesn't help, go to another doctor. I sat next to a guy on a plane last week who said that several years ago he was having pretty severe back pain. He had a pretty physical job, so he went to the chiro. Didn't help. One day at church he fell down because his back had broken in two places. Advanced bone cancer. They gave him only 7 days to live but he's survived 3 years so far.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

DH went to one chiropracter for neck and back pain. One thousand dollars later decided it gave only temorary help.

My physical therapist recommended her own chiropracter and that one is much, much better. DH went once last week after not going for a year, came home and said he could finally stand up straight.

 

[ilovepcot]

DH and I know that a chiropractor saved his life years ago. He had been a power lifter for quite a number of years and his entire body had taken a lot of abuse. He finally began pushing himself too hard....showing off really. One morning he couldn't get out of bed. Pain was unbearable and we were forced to call an ambulance and have him transported to the hospital. He spent 10 days there being seen by an orthopedist, neurosurgeon as well as his primary care physician. They ran every test available and found no cause for the pain. It was getting worse by the day and morphine every 3 hours wasn't working. Nurses scattered when he awoke! He really was out of control and frightening!!!! On the 10th day he was wild with pain and left the hospital without doctor's authorization. (I was at work during all this.) Just so happened that 2 co-workers stopped by to see him. They realized how out of control things were. One of them had been a patient of a wonderful chiropractor and decided to take him to his office immediately. DH cursed and fought them the entire trip. That was 21 years ago and DH continues to see this wonderful chiropractor on a regular basis. Reason I say this man saved his life....DH confessed to me later that the pain was unbearable and he had gone home to blow his head off. I will always wonder just why those 2 friends showed up when they did!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

I used a chiro for a stiff neck which turned out to be a pinched nerve, and she was great!!!! I felt like a million bucks, plus she gave me some good hints for the fututre regarding what type of pillow to use etc.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Originally posted by Carl
My chiropractor says that many chiropractors claim that they can treat things that they really can't. Colds and flu would be in that list. They can only treat things which are caused by misalignment.

When the upper neck is out of alignment that supresses your immune system and you are more susceptable to colds, flus, etc. When you realign the vertebrae the connection between the brain and the body is restored then your body can fight off the illness better.

It is not a cure, so to speak. DH just told me they don't "treat" anything. If that's how my post sounded I apologize.

 

[crz4mm2]

YAH!!!!
I go at least once a month. Have never felt better. I LOVE my chiro!!!

 

[mickey4ver]

I was a skeptic also, but since I've started going, it is about the best thing I've ever done. I used to have to roll out of bed in the morning, took me awhile to straighten up, but now, I'm so much better and can actually "move" when I first get up.

I must say (and Jenn Lynn I'm sure you would disagree ) but I go to the nicest, kindest chiropractor and his staff and whole attitude in the office is friendly and warm and always lots of fun. They also have massage tables, water tables and massage chairs (I don't know the tech name for these) that you get on before your adjustment and they are soooo wonderful to lay on. And yes, I was told in no uncertain terms (in a nice way ) that I was not being "cracked" but "adjusted" and the sound is gases being released after the adjustment.

I'd vote for at least trying it out if you have some symptoms that you think a chiropractor might help. He also started me on a magnesium supplement that is wonderful and has helped my system out tremendously. Even without going for adjustments, I'd keep up with this supplement. And a lot of insurances are covering these adjustments now too.

My vote is a yes!

 

[CALIFLADY]

Yep, I'm a believer.

In many cases, chiro treatment can SOLVE the problem, not just mask the symptoms with drugs (like the medical profession does sometimes).

Good luck!

 

[Kristi1357]

My Grandmother had severe neck / shoulder pain off and on for well over a year. She went to many docs in NH and FL to no avail. She finally tried a chiro in FL and they adjusted her and she's been fine ever since! Woo hoo!

On the other hand, I know of someone who had pain (not sure exactly what) and only went to her chiro. for a long time. This person kept getting adjusted and was still in pain. Finally, she went to her primary doc and had well-advanced cancer (again, not sure which kind). Her chiro had x-rayed her, but could not see the cancer on the films - her primary got these old films and could see it clearly. She died shortly afterwards. If her cancer had been caught, she would probably be alive today.

This is a true story. My Mom worked at the primary doc's office. Years later I found out it was my co-worker's aunt that was the patient.

I guess I am just trying to say be careful - as with any physician or provider!

 

[Alice28]

Yes, I went to one after I had a freak accident and I hurt my shoulder pretty badly (I was swinging with my son on some swings at the beach...I get to the highest point and SNAP- the chain broke off and I flew---I'm lucky I didn't break anything! Tip---check to see if chains are rusted before you swing!). I had seen the doctor, but the pain in my shoulder and back was really bad. So, I saw a chiropractor, who also happened to have been an RN in an emergency room for 20 years. He was an angel! I would recommend him and his services to anyone. And I know there are lots more like him!

 

[bjgrazi]

I went yesterday and I'm going back today. I'm still in great pain. But I'm hoping he helps. As he said it took years to get this way, it won't be fixed over night. I'm hoping, but boy could I use something for the pain.

 

[Mary Ellen]

Last year, DH's (late) cousin went to her chiropractor for back pain. She had a number of ‘treatments’. It wasn't helping. Finally when she was in SO much pain her DS took her to the ER. She had a kidney infection that had gone septic. It was too late for the IV antibiotics to help. She died a few days later.

Her kidney infection could have been easily treated - and she'd be alive today, IF it had been diagnosed earlier.

She was much too young to have died.