Chiropractic: Best thing ever or quackery?

[WickerBill]

I'd appreciate you smart people chiming in.

Currently can barely turn my head left, ortho doc more or less told me it's the result of my big car accident in 1995 and "that's the way it is".

I've had chiropractor adjustments in the past and it really loosens me up... for a time. But am I doing damage by temporarily solving my problem?

Yes, I realize we aren't heavily laden with MDs here. But some first-hand experiences would be good to hear. When reading online, I think I've discovered a schism as big as "The Split".

[Napoleon]

When reading online, I think I've discovered a schism as big as "The Split".

Then what I would suggest is go to Track Forum and seek out the advice of someone like Defender, then do exactly opposite of what he says (better yet would be finding out what Tony George thinks then doing the opposite).

PS, I hope you find something that helps.

[Tifosi24]

My wife went a couple times for migraines and she wasn't really impressed. I haven't gone before, but some of the statements from various chiropractors regarding natural medicine and vaccines are "interesting." I can't recall the exact line from the Simpsons where Homer is practicing chiropractory without a license, but if you can change the debilitating to just annoying and then go in every week for the rest of your life for an adjustment, I say it's worth it.

[Don Quixote]

Never worked for me. Temporary benefit but over the long run I think it hurt me. When I finally stopped going my back problems have decreased. I bought one of those inversion tables at Costco and that has been a lifesaver. Works better for the lower back rather than the neck, however.

[cameraman]

The answer will depend greatly upon the exact nature of the damage you did to your neck. I am quite surprised that an ortho would just say deal with it as most of those folks are all over physical therapy. Have you tried a different MD because if the first was is saying "oh well" then you really ought to find a second opinion or maybe even a third. For most things I'd go to a physical therapist before I went to a chiropractor.

[dando]

My mom sees every back specialist known to man. :saywhat: She them, but needs other opinions. Don't expect a long-term unless you plan to see one regularly.

[datachicane]

Unadulterated, unmitigated quackery.


That said, a first-class massage really can be a big help, and some chiropractors manage to pull that part off nicely. Given how much I hate to encourage that sort of thing, I'd take my money to a good sport masseuse.

[WickerBill]

cameraman, I've been to PT for several rotations through (keep in mind the accident is 20 years old later this year). From my experience, and this is entirely without a scientific method behind it, PT can get me loosened up in 4-5 visits in a way that chiropractic can in 4-5 minutes. However, the PT result lasts longer and there aren't nearly as many websites telling me that PT is going to paralyze me as there are for chiro.

[chop456]

If your PT looked like mine, the decision would be easy. :D

[Elmo T]

I think it is quackery. But I've also gone myself and felt better after. I refused any neck cracking stuff though. :saywhat::flaming:

I think that is the point. If you feel better after, does it really matter?

[cameraman]

cameraman, I've been to PT for several rotations through (keep in mind the accident is 20 years old later this year). From my experience, and this is entirely without a scientific method behind it, PT can get me loosened up in 4-5 visits in a way that chiropractic can in 4-5 minutes. However, the PT result lasts longer and there aren't nearly as many websites telling me that PT is going to paralyze me as there are for chiro.

So are you supposed to continue to do some kind of stretching/exercise as part of the PT? As in all the time to keep things loosened up?

[Tifosi24]

If your PT looked like mine, the decision would be easy. :D

Or my son's speech pathologist. Dad doesn't mind going to the doctor for that appointment :D.

[WickerBill]

So are you supposed to continue to do some kind of stretching/exercise as part of the PT? As in all the time to keep things loosened up?

Yep, absolutely. Ultimately, one thing or another will happen (sleep on the pillow wrong, get a twinge lifting weights) and boom, I can't stretch without significant pain. Ortho basically says I have a permanent restriction of motion, and PT just helps with pain management. But the chiro restores my range of motion almost completely -- but just for a day or so.

Maybe the answer is somewhere in between.

[Insomniac]

Are you seeing an orthopedic doctor or surgeon? Kinda surprised they would say it is what it is when treatment either via a chiro or PT has demonstrably shown improvement in ROM. Maybe a neck specialist (doctor and PT) would be able to better assess and improve things for you. I've seen a lot of PTs/OTs and their knowledge and experience really vary and shape their effectiveness in treating your problems. Sorry I don't have any advice on a chiro, but have plenty on PTs.

[dando]

So are you supposed to continue to do some kind of stretching/exercise as part of the PT? As in all the time to keep things loosened up?

Yes. I was given a list of exercises to do post-PT last year as part of recovery from my stroke and fall. My range of motion for my shoulders was maybe 50%, but has returned to 100%. Took ~6 mos. Found out yesterday when I went to the ER for a serious nose bleed that I was on life support. :saywhat: I suspected as much, but I wasn't coherent enough while in the hospital to understand anything the doctors said, and my estranged wife handled my medical affairs. :irked: Yet wouldn't discuss anything with me. We haven't spoken in 2 years. :saywhat:

[TravelGal]

Insomniac's post reminds me that I've read that one should seek out a doctor/PT person whose specialty is the cluster of vertebrae you need to have healed. Not just upper back but very specific groupings. I personally have been harmed by both chiropractors (both HIGHLY recommended and famous) I've seen so I'm not the right person to ask.

[nrc]

Yes. I was given a list of exercises to do post-PT last year as part of recovery from my stroke and fall. My range of motion for my shoulders was maybe 50%, but has returned to 100%. Took ~6 mos. Found out yesterday when I went to the ER for a serious nose bleed that I was on life support. :saywhat: I suspected as much, but I wasn't coherent enough while in the hospital to understand anything the doctors said, and my estranged wife handled my medical affairs. :irked: Yet wouldn't discuss anything with me. We haven't spoken in 2 years. :saywhat:

Is it safe to assume that situation is remedied with some kind of legal document?