question about chiropractors- update post #29

[luvflorida]

My daughter, 15, dances 8/10 hours a week, and competes on a dance team. She has issues from time to time with lower back pain, enough so that I want to have her evaluated. She has been to her regular doctor for regular check-ups and physicals and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong.

I'm thinking this may be something that a chiropractor should evaluate. I have no experience with chiropractors and neither does anyone in my immediate family. I've spent time this morning researching chiropractors in the local area and I don't have a clue how to choose one.

Is there anyone here who has experience with a teen who goes to a chiroprator? Anything specifically that I should, or shouldn't be, looking for?

Thanks so much for any input!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

How low is the back pain. Doctors and chiropractors didn't help me with trouble with my sacrum. It took 2 PT's--one who just couldn't figure it out and then one who did.

My diagnosis was a tipped sacrum--caused by a tight psoas muscle. They kept adjusting my sacrum but it wouldn't stick. They went and checked my psoas and it was soooo tight it was scary. The release hurts like the dickens---but after several of these..what a difference.

So my suggestion is not necessarily a chiro--but perhaps a PT that specializes in manual adjustments (can do some but not all chiro things) and have that psoas muscle checked...if her pain is really really low on her back.

The sacrum is the triangular shaped bone at the base of the spine just before you get into the tailbone. (about the area of where the the "crack" starts on the tushy).

The ultimate cause for all of this was weak core structure. (And I was training for a marathon at the time--the weakness stemmed back from my first pregnancy 4 years prior).

So just something to check out!

ETA: Along with the PT I was given Pilates to do at home and was recommended to use Stott Pilates--though your daughter dances a bit--her pain could be the result of a weakness that she isn't aware of.

 

[Christine]

I found mine through word of mouth. But since you don't know anyone--that's going to be more difficult.

I would say that for your DD's condition, you should find one that has a sports medicine and physical therapy background. I was lucky in that my chiro had first been a physical therapist before he went to school to become a chiropractor.

I would also advise you to stay away from the chiros that seem a little "new age." These are the types that are also going to try to cure your back pain through nutrition, supplements, and just odd stuff.

Sometimes you can get a feel for their "flavor" just buy looking at their ads in the phone book.

My chiro told me that there are different teaching within chiropractic care. He went to a school out of Oregon whose philosphy is not to teach anything that isn't back up with science and medical literature. That made me feel better. But I only got to know these things by talking with him

I would also say, though, first and foremost, you can't tell if your DD has a problem or not. If she's tried all the things possible with her GP doctor to relieve pain and it hasn't worked, you *should* really get an MRI done before going to the chiropractor. You don't want to have an unknown disc problem and then go in and get manipulated. A chiropractor won't be able to tell this either, without an MRI.

 

[cardaway]

Has anybody went to one for a very accute problem that was treated and then they stopped going?

Seems to me that the usual is for them to treat things in such a way that requires you to go back on a regular basis long after the accute problem has gone away.

 

[Christine]

Has anybody went to one for a very accute problem that was treated and then they stopped going?

Seems to me that the usual is for them to treat things in such a way that requires you to go back on a regular basis long after the accute problem has gone away.

Mine was pretty much fixed. I was in severe pain most days, did the excess drugs prescribed by my M.D., did the stretching, etc. Nothing worked. I went to the chiro and within the first week, I had some relief, and within 2 months, the pain was down to minimal levels. I don't go at all anymore and only get the occasional flare-up.

Mine is caused by some age related degredation of the spine and some muscle weakness due to sitting at a desk for 8 hours. Obviously some sort of "pressure" or stress builds up and the chiropractor is able to relieve some of it. But, I'm not fooled into thinking that he can cure age related issues.

 

[luvflorida]

So my suggestion is not necessarily a chiro--but perhaps a PT that specializes in manual adjustments (can do some but not all chiro things) and have that psoas muscle checked...if her pain is really really low on her back.

The pain does seem to be pretty low on her back. She has no trouble, or pain, when bending backwards, only if she is bending forward. Also, she NEVER gets cramps during her periods but always gets lower back pain. I don't know if that's related in any way to the lower back pain she gets when she isn't menstruating.

 

[luvflorida]

I would say that for your DD's condition, you should find one that has a sports medicine and physical therapy background. I was lucky in that my chiro had first been a physical therapist before he went to school to become a chiropractor.

This is what I was thinking. I checked with our insurance company and found eight chiropractors just in our town alone. There are dozens more within a ten mile radius. I really don't know how to choose one over another.

Thanks for the MRI info. She has never had one and I'll ask her doctor about that.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Has anybody went to one for a very accute problem that was treated and then they stopped going?

Seems to me that the usual is for them to treat things in such a way that requires you to go back on a regular basis long after the accute problem has gone away.

I had trouble with my wrist after a fall at EPCOT. The initial pain went away--but it felt like I had something in there--it was very bizarre. While seeing my chiro for something else--I asked...an adjustment on 2 sequential visits and I never had the problem again.

So yes--there are some ailments that can be fixed during a course of treatment. I do get my next adjusted as well. Sometimes it just gets into a state--and I go and get one adjustment and I am good for many months. It freaks me out to do this--but sometimes it truly is the only way to alleviate the problem.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The pain does seem to be pretty low on her back. She has no trouble, or pain, when bending backwards, only if she is bending forward. Also, she NEVER gets cramps during her periods but always gets lower back pain. I don't know if that's related in any way to the lower back pain she gets when she isn't menstruating.

I don't get pains bending.

But while you have her checked..just in case--request that her Psoas muscle be checked. If it is found to be very tight--it may very well be the cause and without a manual release, no adjustment in the world will fix it. I know b/c I tried several chiro visits to no avail. Needed someones hand to dig in, find that muscle and squish it to smithereens. (okay technically that is not what they did ).


I am newly pregnant and having trouble with my sacrum as we speak. I will be ordering a new device called a sacrowedgy (had one but misplaced it as I didn't need it for a while). It helps to get the sacrum to position properly.

But this is IF that is her problem. She needs a thorough assessment to be sure that is the cause.

Someone suggested an MRI--that isn't always necessary. Especially if she has experienced no trauma to her body (i.e. she didn't hurt herself in anyway). I didn't get one--I have had 2 on my neck and one on my knee so I do understand their importance. But if she has no record of hurting herself...stranger things have happened though.

 

[Christine]

Someone suggested an MRI--that isn't always necessary. Especially if she has experienced no trauma to her body (i.e. she didn't hurt herself in anyway). I didn't get one--I have had 2 on my neck and one on my knee so I do understand their importance. But if she has no record of hurting herself...stranger things have happened though.

Lisa,
I was the one who suggested the MRI. I agree with you that they aren't necessary in all cases. I just kind of thought that will all the hours of dance she was doing plus being on a dance team it sounds like there could have been potential for an injury even if she doesn't recall one.

BTW, congrats on the pregnancy! I didn't realize this. How far along are you?

 

[hlbtimes2]

I checked with our insurance company and found eight chiropractors just in our town alone. There are dozens more within a ten mile radius. I really don't know how to choose one over another.

You choose one just like you would choose any other dr or dentist. Start by finding who your insurance covers (which you've done). Ask for recomendations from co-workers, your dr, neighbors, friends. Make an appt at an office or two.

Meet with them. See if you feel comfortable with them and their office. If you dont feel comfortable with something, go with your gut and try another office.

I loved my first chiro. He was great. But, he moved and started his own practice. I hated the set up at the new office. He did treatments where everyone could see you. It made it uncomforatable to talk about personal issues. Who wants the whole waiting room to know they are constipated or have a pain their rear? I stopped going to him. I started going to the same one as my dh. I love him! I dont like the owner of the office or his wife, but the dr I see does a good job. We have became personal friends with him and his family. Its all about feeling comfortable.

 

[cardaway]

Good to know aobut people getting help with accute problems.

I have family members that have had opposite experiences that looked to be the result of them being set up to need to come in on a regular basis.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa,
I was the one who suggested the MRI. I agree with you that they aren't necessary in all cases. I just kind of thought that will all the hours of dance she was doing plus being on a dance team it sounds like there could have been potential for an injury even if she doesn't recall one.

BTW, congrats on the pregnancy! I didn't realize this. How far along are you?

You raise a good point--it could be overuse causing some trauma..you never know.


I am almost 5 weeks--cautiously optimistic..had a good blood test result yesterday and getting another on Thursday--as long as my HCG is doubling at the proper rate--I can change that to optimistic. We lost our last pregnancy in this same week--so not a good week for me. But thanks for asking.

Sorry OP for that detour!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Good to know aobut people getting help with accute problems.

I have family members that have had opposite experiences that looked to be the result of them being set up to need to come in on a regular basis.

Some problems do require longterm treatment. It isn't necessarily that they have something that can be "cured" by treatment. But rather used as a pain management tool.

Much like some people and medicines they take. It doesn't fix them--but it makes them feel better.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Has anybody went to one for a very accute problem that was treated and then they stopped going?

Seems to me that the usual is for them to treat things in such a way that requires you to go back on a regular basis long after the accute problem has gone away.

I just wanted to chime in that I went to amazing chiropractor for a skiing accident. He wouldn't touch me until he had x-rays. He then marked a course of treatments and exercises. I was weaned off of him in 3 months. He had me come back only if I re-damaged the area - like falling while rollerblading or something like that.

However, I do agree with your assessment that some chiros do not work towards this goal. My sister pays a monthly fee for the family and they can go as many times as they need. Since there are no issues I'm not sure why they need this. Save the money for WDW in my eyes.

But back to the OP, mine was word of mouth through a co-worker. Ask people at church, school, work, heck even ask the cashier at the grocery store. Those poor people are on their feet all day. Oh, ask the dance teacher. They might have had injuries and might have needed one. Good luck with everything with your DD.

 

[Christine]

Good to know aobut people getting help with accute problems.

I have family members that have had opposite experiences that looked to be the result of them being set up to need to come in on a regular basis.

There actually are some types of problems that would require continual care.

My cousin has two herniated disks. He refuses to have surgery on them because, in his opinion, everyone he knows that has had surgery for the same problem seems to be just as bad off as ever. He elected to use a chiropractor for management. In the beginning he had to go 2-3 times a week. Now he goes every 2 months for an adjustment just to keep things "in line." His herniated disks are going to be cured so he will continue to favor his back, stand incorrectly, etc., because of the disk problem. The chiropractor manipulations just release the strain that is created by the situation.

He pays $35 for is periodic adjustments and it's really no big deal, and it gives him relief.

I don't disagree that there are probably chiros out there who will put you on a maintenance plan and have you keep coming back. The best thing is to be your own advocate. If you keep going back and you are seeing no improvements or you aren't getting relief, then you just stop.

 

[twojo21]

board certified, referral, electrolosis treatment offered, adjustment options manual or computer.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

OP be very leary of those offices who heavily advertise. Some really are only in it to get a patient for a long haul. I do not live in a small area..but of the pages and pages of chiropractors in the phone book--my insurance will only cover TWO. And I haven't seen the other one--but the one I do use..advertises minimally. Doesn't have the biggest ad in the phone book and is for the genuine treatment of a patient.

Many years ago--a chiro was doing a little mall display. They did some computer imaging (using probes I think) of your body to mark areas that needed help. I have had my problems for years--so that assessment I did agree with. The ailing parts they pointed out were consistent with my troubles even in the levels of pain (what their colors marked as a serious issue..was for me a serious issue).

So I go to their office for their FREE visit. (ha ha!!). I go--they do a full body x-ray. They wanted to charge me for this after they said the entire first visit was free. I was let off the hook and not made to pay that bill. They discovered I had scoliosis. Now i do have a very very mild case of it--but my spine looked like an upside down question mark. There is no way that my spine is like that IRL--I would have been a very crooked woman.

A few years later--met someone whose daughter was treated at that practice (She was an adult who was pregnant). She left her appt in a lot of pain and then all of a sudden lost the ability to walk. I think she ended up being fine in that regard--but b/c of all her trouble and additional medical expenses--they did end up suing him. I was shocked.

So be very careful--try to see someone reputable and ask your daughters doctor--or even yours of someone they recommend. And someone with a massage therapist on staff would be good as well--a PT would be even better...b/c then they can see if their are any muscular issues causing the problem. B/c it isn't always the bones causing the problem.

 

[DVC Daisy]

Has her Dr. specifically checked her for a pars defect? With her age and all of that dancing I would think it is a big possibility. Has she gone to a sports specific Dr.? An x-ray or MRI would help too. You don't want to let something like that go without being checked. Back problems later in life are not fun so if it can be cured now, I would do it!

Hope this helps!

PS - I am not a Dr. and I don't play one on TV. And I did not stay at a Holiday Inn last night either!

 

[luvflorida]

OP be very leary of those offices who heavily advertise. Some really are only in it to get a patient for a long haul. I do not live in a small area..but of the pages and pages of chiropractors in the phone book--my insurance will only cover TWO. And I haven't seen the other one--but the one I do use..advertises minimally. Doesn't have the biggest ad in the phone book and is for the genuine treatment of a patient.

Many years ago--a chiro was doing a little mall display. They did some computer imaging (using probes I think) of your body to mark areas that needed help. I have had my problems for years--so that assessment I did agree with. The ailing parts they pointed out were consistent with my troubles even in the levels of pain (what their colors marked as a serious issue..was for me a serious issue).

So I go to their office for their FREE visit. (ha ha!!). I go--they do a full body x-ray. They wanted to charge me for this after they said the entire first visit was free. I was let off the hook and not made to pay that bill. They discovered I had scoliosis. Now i do have a very very mild case of it--but my spine looked like an upside down question mark. There is no way that my spine is like that IRL--I would have been a very crooked woman.

A few years later--met someone whose daughter was treated at that practice (She was an adult who was pregnant). She left her appt in a lot of pain and then all of a sudden lost the ability to walk. I think she ended up being fine in that regard--but b/c of all her trouble and additional medical expenses--they did end up suing him. I was shocked.

So be very careful--try to see someone reputable and ask your daughters doctor--or even yours of someone they recommend. And someone with a massage therapist on staff would be good as well--a PT would be even better...b/c then they can see if their are any muscular issues causing the problem. B/c it isn't always the bones causing the problem.

Exactly. I want to be sure that the doctor my daughter ends up going to is someone we're comfortable with. Funny, you mentioned looking at the heavily advertised doctors in the phone book. I spent a good part of this morning looking at chiropractors in the yellow pages and visiting their websites, if they had one. Still difficult to pick one!

I also talked a bit to one of my daughter's dance teachers this afternoon, and another mom, and was given a few names of chiropractors to check out.