Pros and Cons of seeing a Chiropractor?

[fitmom43]

I have never been to a Chiropractor before. Lately I have been doing a lot more physical labor around the house (snow cardio, removing AC units from windows, moving furniture,etc.) Plus the cold weather really is affecting my body. My body aches more than the usual soreness from working out. A friend suggested a Chiropractor, but to be honest I have heard that sometimes seeing a Chiro can make things worse. I would really like to hear from those that see them on a regular basis and the results they are getting. Thanks!!!

[merlinsrealm]

I have used a chiro on and off for many years. Best thing I can do for myself. Its like anything else though, there are good and bad ones. Just like doctors. Ask around. try to get references from friends who may have used one.

[rpaul11]

sometimes going to a doctor can make things worse. Ask the person who got a bad diagnosis or died on the operating table. SOmetimes taking your car in for service can make things worse if they diagnose the wrong issue.

Point being chiropractic is very safe in general. The folks who feel worse generally feel worse after one adjustment and never go back. Face it...the vertebrae in your spine are being popped or forced back into position through manipulation. Short term, thats gonna cause some infalmation and you likely will be sore from it.

I go to one. I was the biggest skeptic until it was try a chiro or have back surgery about 5 years ago. I figgured what the heck do I have to lose. It actually did feel worse for about 2 weeks. then it gradually started to improve.

I have no issues now but I choose to go back about once every week or two just becasue I feel better in general than when I don't go.

[Firminator4]

Until about 18 months ago, I felt the same as you. I didn't know whether I wanted to try a Chiro or not. Then I went through a period of six months where I kept pulling a muscle in my lower back. I have always been able to rehab pulled muscles before but every time I thought I was good to go, a few weeks later and I'd hurt it again. When it got to the point where my wife had to go out and shovel the sidewalk last winter, I had enough.

I found a Chiropractor near by and started a series of sessions with him. My back has never felt better and I'm hitting it as hard as I ever have. My visits have tapered off to about once every couple of months now. He would like me there at least once per month but it's funny how the visits are easy to blow off WHEN you feel good.

Good Luck with your decision.

[bmontgomery87]

the couple times i went to a chiro i really felt a lot better afterwards.

[hypnocrip]

My wife went to a chiropractor after she fell down our stairs shortly after having our last child. This was a well respected guy around here and he seems to have made it worse. To this day you can here popping in her lower back and pelvis form his "adjustment". I'm sure they do wonders for some, but buyer beware.

[beachguy498]

Some are good, some are bad and keep you coming back forever. I've only gone when I was sure that a spinal manipulation would help me. I had a neck problem following a car accident which he was able to help. I had low back problems too which he also was able to help, one was an acute injury that had me one step away from a wheel chair.

I'd go again if I needed to, but knock on wood.. I'm doing fine outside of the shoulder. For everyday aches and pains like you describe, a simple deep-tissue massage may be the answer.

BG

[2BLAZERS]

One Chiro told me he can 'fix' or 'adjust' everyone because no one has the 'correct' or textbook 'perfect back'.

Chiro are good if you've strained something, been hurt, or had an accident. But other then that I'll never go see one.

[arsene]

I've explored many eastern/western medicine practitioners for various issues, including more than a few chiropractors for my back, knees, etc. Here's what I've learned after spending many hours in office visits and thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket.

Just like any profession, there are those who are good (or suit you) and those who aren't. Just because they are certified by governing bodies with certain standards, that doesn't mean they are all good.

Keep in mind that you know your body the best. Do not rely 100 percent on your docs/practitioners to know what's best for your body. You need to do your own thinking, too.

"Pros and Cons of seeing a Chiropractor?" is not really a good question to ask. Some will do wonders for you while others won't. You need to ask around in your neighborhood for a reputable one. And don't take advice from someone who "swears by" chiropractic.

Hope this help.

[erinlee01]

I went to a chiro for a year. Felt great after every adjustment. Then ended up out of the gym for 6 weeks when my back started hurting again. I think whether or not they are helpful depends on why your back is bothering you. Chiros treat the symptom (back pain), but they don't always treat the cause (in my case, muscular imbalances).

[mankaw]

My answer would be the same as most of the answers above. If you do go, try to find one who is certified with A.R.T. and has a Vax-D or other brand decompression table.

ART: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Release_Technique

Decompression: http://www.vax-d.com/VaxDbrnbspnbspT...4/Default.aspx

[fitmom43]

Thank You so much for everyone's responses. I think I am going to look into Beachguys suggestion first the Deep Tissue Massage. I never had one, I am going to google to see what the difference is between a regular massage and a deep tissue one. If that does not work then I am going to find a local Chiropractor.

I don't have a specific problem due to injury, just aches and pains from so much manual labor the past two years. I have been doing a lot of work around the house strictly on my own, and seriously lately I have been having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning LOL

[erinlee01]

My answer would be the same as most of the answers above. If you do go, try to find one who is certified with A.R.T. and has a Vax-D or other brand decompression table.

ART: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Release_Technique

Decompression: http://www.vax-d.com/VaxDbrnbspnbspT...4/Default.aspx

ART is awesome! I didn't realize chiros did that. I had it done in PT.

[whatevergirl]

I saw years ago...shortly after an injury to my neck. I have a herniated disk. The ortho surgeon I saw (I did not have surgery, he was just the doc who treated me at the time) warned me against chiros. He said with neck problems, they can do more damage than good. I went anyways. And he was right. That said, many swear by them ....and I think there are many good ones out there. Just have to really look hard to find one who isn't running an assembly line...and pretty much 'adjusts' everyone the same way.

In looking at what you're intending to go to one for...maybe try to see a massage therapist...once per week...to do a deep tissue massage. Sara...I'm not kidding. You will feel like a million bucks. I saw one on Sunday...and she did things to my neck, and I felt so much better. Massage has come a long way. They blend a lot of healing techniques, stretching...and massage into their sessions. Maybe give that a try before the chiro route.

[beachguy498]

Thank You so much for everyone's responses. I think I am going to look into Beachguys suggestion first the Deep Tissue Massage. I never had one, I am going to google to see what the difference is between a regular massage and a deep tissue one. If that does not work then I am going to find a local Chiropractor.

I don't have a specific problem due to injury, just aches and pains from so much manual labor the past two years. I have been doing a lot of work around the house strictly on my own, and seriously lately I have been having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning LOL

I have a good chiropractor in Commack if you want to go that far, he's pretty good. Let me know. I'm going for a deep-tissue massage myself either later this week or next week.

See what all the body building stuff does for functional strength? I work a machine shop job on the side that always involves heavy lifting or other physical exertion. I get to cut up material, most bars are under 75 lbs, but there are a couple of bronze jobs that go 257 and 323 lbs each per bar. Great DL material! I also change out tooling plates, vises and index heads on the CNC milling machines. And they have to be socked down tight.

BG

[BrotherWolf]

I have never been to a Chiropractor before. Lately I have been doing a lot more physical labor around the house (snow cardio, removing AC units from windows, moving furniture,etc.) Plus the cold weather really is affecting my body. My body aches more than the usual soreness from working out. A friend suggested a Chiropractor, but to be honest I have heard that sometimes seeing a Chiro can make things worse. I would really like to hear from those that see them on a regular basis and the results they are getting. Thanks!!!

I think you need a good man to do your choirs and to keep you warm .. that's all

[Iceman1800]

I think its one of the best things I add to my training. I also use a foam roller in between visits.

[philipj]

If not for Chiropractors I would still be walking sideways.

A RN at a hospital got me my first Chiropractor appointment, saying when one of them hurt their back or neck, that is the DC they go to.

[Free Weight Friedel]

I've been going to the same Chiro for over 10 years! My whole body feels way better after every adjustment.

BTW, the good Chiro's are not just back doctors because Chiro is way more than that.

[taf1968]

I've got an awesome chiro . . . have known him for 20+ years and he's saved my arse more than I care to count with various issues. Yes, there are "quacks" out there, but if you can find a good chiropractor they are fantastic!

[beachguy498]

If not for Chiropractors I would still be walking sideways.

A RN at a hospital got me my first Chiropractor appointment, saying when one of them hurt their back or neck, that is the DC they go to.

The above is true with me... when my lower back is truly FUBAR, the chiro is my only hope. I've been going to the same guy since 1987 and we usually work out a cash deal which is better than going through my insurance. I find that no matter how wrecked I am when I show up, I'm much better even after the first treatment.

BG

[lhprop1]

Chiros treat the symptom (back pain), but they don't always treat the cause (in my case, muscular imbalances).

How do you know that your muscular imbalances weren't caused by poor alignment in the first place? More often than not, poor alignment is what actually causes the muscles to compensate or favor one side in the first place. Misalignment leads to lateral imbalances which leads to pain and injury. A leads to B which leads to C. A does not directly lead to C.

All I have to say to the OP is that it took your back 44 years to acquire it's current position. It isn't going to get fixed in one, two, or even 10 adjustments. It's going to take time and persistence to overcome the muscle memory you've developed over the decades. In the end, the payoff is worth it.

[bigpete650]

I have never been to a Chiropractor before. Lately I have been doing a lot more physical labor around the house (snow cardio, removing AC units from windows, moving furniture,etc.) Plus the cold weather really is affecting my body. My body aches more than the usual soreness from working out. A friend suggested a Chiropractor, but to be honest I have heard that sometimes seeing a Chiro can make things worse. I would really like to hear from those that see them on a regular basis and the results they are getting. Thanks!!!

i used to go to a chiro who is actully the SF giants team Chiro. i felt great after the first visit. the next day i was sorry and couldnt sit for more that 30 minutes. which is bad since i drive a service vehical. i went back in and told him the deal and said he want to do another visit that day. again i was fine the next moring was not good. my lower back locked up and a pain shot down my leg. to sum it up. he herniated my L4 to L5 and L5 to S1 disk and required surgery. i am now able to start working out again after surgery. i would say chiro's are got for standard adjustment but other than that have your doctor take a look first.

[fitmom43]

i used to go to a chiro who is actully the SF giants team Chiro. i felt great after the first visit. the next day i was sorry and couldnt sit for more that 30 minutes. which is bad since i drive a service vehical. i went back in and told him the deal and said he want to do another visit that day. again i was fine the next moring was not good. my lower back locked up and a pain shot down my leg. to sum it up. he herniated my L4 to L5 and L5 to S1 disk and required surgery. i am now able to start working out again after surgery. i would say chiro's are got for standard adjustment but other than that have your doctor take a look first.

Sorry to hear the horrible experience you had with a Chiro. That is what I'm worried about because the few people that I know that have gone said that once you start you will always need to go.

I do not have any medical problems, I go for a full physical every 6 months. Mine is due to a lot of stress I am putting on my body.

I am going to start with the massages and then go from there.

[fitmom43]

I think you need a good man to do your choirs and to keep you warm .. that's all

LOL well if you know of any good men send them my way J/K. I'm pretty independent, and try not to rely on anyone for my chores. I rather do them myself than go for husband #3. It's a lot cheaper this way LOL

[demike]

I went to a chiro after hurting my lower back. It helped me a lot. He said if I feel I need to come back for "tune ups" come on in, but otherwise up to me. I haven't been back in some time so just because you go for a little while doesn't necessarily mean you will forever.

This is just my experience though.

[chickeneater]

read "Healing Back Pain" by Dr. John E. Sarno. s/b free at your library. It will put a new spin on why you have a lot of pain lately.

[Bando]

I went for syatic (sp?) pain, he did a few manipulations, felt better for a while. But he showed me how to stretch that nerve specifically which I do after every workout. After 2 months with that stretch there is no pain in my a$$ (literally).

I could have probably got that stretch off of youtube but his diagnosis was key.

[flyingbody]

I have never been to a Chiropractor before. -- I would really like to hear from those that see them on a regular basis and the results they are getting. Thanks!!!

There are two type of chiropractors: diversified and specific.

Diversified do adjustment across the complete spine, and typically provide temporary relief and require multiple visits. Many of them will tell you that you need to come for the rest of your life. They also do what is called "back cracking ".

Specific do work only on top 5 vertebrae and the theory is that when the top 5 are aligned the rest of the spine has innate intelligence to adjust itself to the proper position. Specific is also called Palmer-Blair method. Specific chiropractors are few in between but I would not go diversified. http://www.blairchiropractic.com/

Personally I would only go to specific chiropractor. I have visited both and can tell you that I am not happy with temporary relief diversified chiropractors provide.

Do your own research to see the difference. Visit specific chiropractor and see what a difference he/she can make in your health.

[JOHN GARGANI]

SARA: let me give you the low down on Chiropractory:

things sure have changed from when I was a child: in those days, a Chiro could literally operate out of one room, with one table...

the adjustment was their answer to everything....

today's modern Chiropractor is more akin to a physical therapist than anything else: besides adjustments, which is only one small part of their overall treatments, they have a vast majority of other machines and tactics; decompression, stretching, ultrasonics, sound waves, infrared heat, electrostimulation, and various rehab muscle machines, similar to what we see in our gyms.

as such, the variety and approach of a modern well trained chiropractor makes his predecessors look like dinosaurs.....

many also use various approaches such as A.R.T. and Reflexology, and Kinesiology to name a few.....

the sky is the limit, as to how far a Chiro can diversify himself in today's world.

I have been very fortunate for the length of my professional career, to have a Chiropractor right across the hall from me, and , as such, I have witnessed first hand, the incredible advances this profession has made.

I am also fortunate to receive free treatment, lol, ( professional courtesy) for my wife and family over the years.....

I can tell you, boldly, that Chiropractory is a very vital and important addition to the health field, and I cannot have imagined doing what I have done over the years without it's assistance.

My Chiropractor also teaches Human Anatomy and Physiology at Westchester Community College: they have to know everything that a medical doctor knows......

but, as pointed out by others, there are good and bad in everything, so, recommendations by friends and family do always count.