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Post by craftedbys on Sept 24, 2020 13:36:26 GMT
It seems there are 2 camps when it comes to chiropractors. One side loves them and raves how getting adjusted makes them feel better. The other camp thinks they are quacks and could do more harm than good.
I have always been leery of them because I have back issues, degenerative disc disease and four surgeries on my lower back, the last one was to fuse my vertebrae from L4 to S1. I remember one of my neurosurgeons was in the former camp and recommended that I not go to one.
However, I have been having some pains in the front of my torso and under my shoulder blade, muscular, not neurological. At my PCP appointment this week I asked about it and said when I bend over there are times when I feel like the muscles over my rib cage are twisting. At first I thought it might be my underwire in my bra causing the issue, but it happens when I switch bras and occasionally when I am not wearing one.
PCP felt my upper back and torso and recommended that I see a chiropractor, that if my spine was out of line even slightly it could be causing the muscular issues. He gave me the name of one who he has been referring patients to for over 20 years I just need to call an make an appointment.
Part of me is still leery about what damage could be done, but part of me is tired of feeling a knot under my shoulder blade and feeling like I am being stabbed when I bend over wrong/too far.
Since there is always a pea who has BTDT or has experience in just about every situation, please share your experiences, thoughts, and knowledge
Thanks!
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Post by buddysmom on Sept 24, 2020 13:45:25 GMT
OK, I'm jaded because I was in the insurance industry.
Couple things-I had a friend that back in the 80's was not admitted to med school. She got into chiro school and they emphasized that they were "real" doctors--she said it was like brainwashing. She quit school and got into another medical program.
Most orthos, neuros, do not think highly of chiropractors. If you need to be "adjusted, etc" have the doctor refer you to physical therapy. They have a lot of overlap and are generally more highly regarded by specialists.
If you are in a lawsuit, attorneys will often refer you to a chiro because they are considered a "doctor" (not an MD). They will say whatever the attorney wants them to say (either side of the lawsuit).
I would ask your PCP to refer you to physical therapy--especially since you had prior surgery.
Oh and this that I will never forget--this was about 20 years ago--I had to call a chiro's office for something as part of my job. Some guy answered the phone. I asked for the chiro and he said he was just a patient and the chiro asked him to answer his phone because he was busy. Always thought that was kind of unusual. Can you imagine a dr's office doing that?
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Post by workingclassdog on Sept 24, 2020 13:56:27 GMT
I was always leery of them.. my parents never went to them, but something that was never brought up if they were against them. I think they just never thought of going. So about 20 years ago I was in a car accident and my MIL referred me to her chiropractor that she raved about. I was so nervous but I went and he did miracles on my aches and pains. I have only been back to him maybe 3 times since then. According to my MIL he went to school for over 8 years to get his degree as he was specialized in a certain technique. (To be honest, I took her word for it, I never researched it or anything like that).
I have to say I am a big fan of what he helped me with. If for some reason you are in Colorado, I can give you his name, but I am sure that is a long shot.. lol
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,127
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Sept 24, 2020 14:00:36 GMT
If you need to be "adjusted, etc" have the doctor refer you to physical therapy. They have a lot of overlap and are generally more highly regarded by specialists. This is a great recommendation.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,706
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Sept 24, 2020 14:00:43 GMT
It definitely feels good to go. I'm not sure about the long term benefits of chiro though. I would maybe combine a visit with the chiro along with a good sports message therapist. I was having some trouble with my muscles in my hip area. Say my sports massage guy, and I feel so much better! It was not a pleasant visit, but it really worked out my muscle aches.
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Post by malibou on Sept 24, 2020 16:15:55 GMT
I do go to a chiro regularly, but mine is for jaw massage for tmj relief. He has had me pain free for years. He also occasionally adjusts my neck. However, in your case, I would start with a physical therapist. They can help you untwist and show you ways to maintain it at home.
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Post by gar on Sept 24, 2020 16:19:07 GMT
I would choose an osteopath over a chiropractor as they're more concerned with the body as a whole. Also my main advice would be to only go to someone who has been personally recommended to you, rather than picking a name out of a hat so to speak.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,864
Jun 26, 2014 22:49:09 GMT
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Post by tracylynn on Sept 24, 2020 16:22:42 GMT
I haven't been to one in a long time, but when I have back issues, I tend to go and get re-adjusted. Honestly, I probably need to go now, but with everything going on, just isn't happening.
I would be concerned about the surgeries you had. But, be up front about it with the chiro so they know. Also, try and find one that isn't a "bone cracker". They can adjust you without doing the jarring movements. I personally prefer the bone cracking, it's very satisfying to me for some reason.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Sept 24, 2020 16:24:40 GMT
My chiro kept kissing me on the lips. Freak!
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Sept 24, 2020 16:26:12 GMT
I’ve had success with chiropractic care and have gone off and on throughout my life. However, since Covid I have been a little Leary of some of them due to their response to the virus and how they act like they are more knowledgeable than epidemiologists or other medical doctors. I think if they stick to chiropractic care, that is fine. But I’m not sure how some of them have gotten to where they think they are experts in other areas of health as well.
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Post by gale w on Sept 24, 2020 17:21:49 GMT
I hurt myself to the point where I could barely walk. I had to crawl just to go to the bathroom, and dh had to help me get on the seat. Went to the chiropractor and was able to walk out after the first adjustment. After a few more adjustments my pain was almost gone. I still get adjustments once a month or so and it helps a lot.
I started out as a complete skeptic. I was desperate, or I probably wouldn't have gone.
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Post by stingfan on Sept 24, 2020 17:53:03 GMT
The chiro that my dd and I see combines PT with adjustments. On a typical visit, they'll use the TENS unit, apply some sort of heating pad thing, do adjustments, stretch you out, and then do a round of exercises with the PT. They've also been known to tape us up with that KT tape stuff for added back support.
I feel like it's a good balance of both philosophies. He also gave me a better explanation of my dd's MRI results than the PA did at the orthopedist's office.
If he weren't partnered with PTs, I don't know how I'd feel about it.
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,768
Location: Kentucky
Jun 25, 2014 20:31:44 GMT
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Post by Kerri W on Sept 24, 2020 17:59:26 GMT
I’ve had success with chiropractic care and have gone off and on throughout my life. However, since Covid I have been a little Leary of some of them due to their response to the virus and how they act like they are more knowledgeable than epidemiologists or other medical doctors. I think if they stick to chiropractic care, that is fine. But I’m not sure how some of them have gotten to where they think they are experts in other areas of health as well. Hoping you're speaking about your experience with your chiropractors? I've been to my chiropractor during Covid and they were using very appropriate precautions. There was absolutely NOT an idea of them being more knowledgeable than any other doctors. I think chiropractic care has a time and place. I have always been asked extensive questions in an initial appointment and have expressed that I wanted a certain type of approach-which was respected. I've been very happy with the care I have gotten from various chiropractors over the years-mainly for headaches but for a few other things too.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Sept 24, 2020 18:23:29 GMT
I’ve had success with chiropractic care and have gone off and on throughout my life. However, since Covid I have been a little Leary of some of them due to their response to the virus and how they act like they are more knowledgeable than epidemiologists or other medical doctors. I think if they stick to chiropractic care, that is fine. But I’m not sure how some of them have gotten to where they think they are experts in other areas of health as well. Hoping you're speaking about your experience with your chiropractors? I've been to my chiropractor during Covid and they were using very appropriate precautions. There was absolutely NOT an idea of them being more knowledgeable than any other doctors. I think chiropractic care has a time and place. I have always been asked extensive questions in an initial appointment and have expressed that I wanted a certain type of approach-which was respected. I've been very happy with the care I have gotten from various chiropractors over the years-mainly for headaches but for a few other things too. The father of one of my son's teammates is a chiropractor. I had gone to him once prior to Covid. He does a good job and I liked his chiropractic approach. However, during the shutdown he started posting some things on FB that made me question his judgement. One being the Plandemic video. I unfollowed him and his wife because of the things they were posting. My son needed a chiro recently so we went to this guy, despite my questioning. DS was nervous to go to a chiropractor and liked the idea of going to someone he knew. None of the people in his office were wearing masks, even though we have a mask mandate in our state. Also no attempts to socially distance in their small office. I have also seen some videos and other things on FB that portray "doctors" that are ranting about the virus and telling us to go buy things like Tonic water and zinc and other random advice. When you search these doctors, they are chiropractors. Many chiros around here are big into essential oils and things like that (which many advocates of oils say can heal pretty much everything), which I guess maybe goes along with their thoughts about the virus? I'm not sure. Of course it isn't all chiropractors that believe this, but it seems to be more than just the one we know. At this point I will be looking for someone else. A positive story is that in college I had what I thought was a digestive issue. It was very painful in my chest when I swallowed, and after a few days it got to where it was radiating down my arm. I couldn't eat or drink anything without pain. I went to the university health system as well as another doctor with no relief or idea of what was wrong. Someone suggested a chiropractor so I went because nothing else was helping. The chiropractor had a poster that showed what types of symptoms people would have if different vertebra were out of place. Mine corresponded with the symptoms I had. I felt better right after the first appt.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Sept 24, 2020 18:41:57 GMT
I've been going to Chiropractors for over 15 years. The one I had previously in the Bay Area and the one I go to here are fabulous. They don't do the *crack the neck* thing that most people hate. They use massage, instruments, heat, etc. and keep my spine in good health. I know there are bad ones out there, I've been lucky enough to find two great ones. I currently go every 3 weeks for maintenance. He masks up as do I.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 24, 2020 18:49:40 GMT
I originally thought they were all quacks. After I had my DD I gradually had so much pain in my neck, shoulders and all down my back that only got worse and worse. Finally DH told me to go to this guy in his business networking group that everybody who had seen him raved about. I was in such chronic pain that I figured what the heck, it couldn’t hurt. Within several weeks, the pain slowly started to go away. I kept going, and kept feeling better. We moved further away but I kept going for probably another year because my chronic pain was about 80% resolved.
After that I switched to a different one closer to my house who also came pretty highly recommended. He was able to keep the pain at bay, and after I learned I have some arthritis in my lower back he changed the way he adjusts that and now that is almost completely resolved too. I still have issues sometimes when I overdo things but overall it has improved so much that I can’t be a skeptic anymore. I pretty much go once a week and call it maintenance, because whenever I skip a week I can definitely feel it.
ETA: Mine also takes the Covid threat seriously. Everyone is masked, they have hand sanitizer in multiple locations and all the areas are sprayed with sanitizer between clients, plus they alternate which rooms they send people to so the sanitizer can air dry on the beds and benches in each room.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,454
Location: So Cal
Jun 26, 2014 16:42:12 GMT
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Post by caangel on Sept 24, 2020 18:58:01 GMT
I've had positive and ehh experiences with chiropractors. With all of your prior issues I would seek a PT first. I had to see a PT a few years ago for a knee injury a few years ago and that is now my go to for issues. I haven't seen a chiro for about 13yrs.
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kelly8875
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,391
Location: Lost in my supplies...
Oct 26, 2014 17:02:56 GMT
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Post by kelly8875 on Sept 24, 2020 19:28:44 GMT
I’m a chiro user. I know when my back is out when I get spasms in the muscles in my back. An adjustment fixes that, and within a day the spasms go away. Usually they’re gone within an hour. I only go when I need to, I’m not on a regular schedule. I fully trust my chiro when I need him. Not sure why people don’t believe in them honestly.
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Post by angieh1996 on Sept 24, 2020 20:23:16 GMT
I love my chiropractor. She was amazing when I was re-ended and had some whiplash. I've seen her for years. That being said. She uses the activator technique and is not one who actually cracks your bones. I do not like those types of chiro's.
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Post by julieinsweden on Sept 24, 2020 21:30:28 GMT
Due to my first moving, I've been to 4 chiropractors over the years. The first and current ones I love/d. Go in like a 90 year old wincing in pain every step, I come out practically skipping. I've tried two in between that I wasn't too impressed with. I want to be talked through what they are going to do before they do it and the middle two didn't communicate with me in the way I liked even though they clunked the problem out of my back.
I'm a believer. I would totally go to someone that comes recommended. But I would be very transparent about your surgeries and that you are nervous.
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Post by craftedbys on Sept 24, 2020 23:58:22 GMT
Thank you everyone for taking the time to share your experiences, bith good and bad and giving me insight as to what I need to look for/expect in a chiropractor.
I think I may first try to go back to my physical therapist who helped me after my last surgery plus a few times since. If some good therapy doesn't help, then I will try a chiropractor.
I will call tomorrow to see if they will write me a referral to PT. I have no clue why I didn't think about it while I was with my PCP.
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Post by AussieMeg on Sept 25, 2020 0:08:52 GMT
It seems there are 2 camps when it comes to chiropractors. One side loves them and raves how getting adjusted makes them feel better. The other camp thinks they are quacks and could do more harm than good. I have always been leery of them because I have back issues, degenerative disc disease and four surgeries on my lower back, the last one was to fuse my vertebrae from L4 to S1. I remember one of my neurosurgeons was in the former camp and recommended that I not go to one. I am firmly in the "you couldn't pay me to go to a chiro" camp. I have friends who are doctors, and there is no way on god's green earth they would ever refer anyone to a chiro. I can't believe anyone who has had "back issues, degenerative disc disease and four surgeries" would even consider for a second going to a chiro. Please think very carefully about this.
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xea
Shy Member
Posts: 23
Jun 26, 2014 3:48:57 GMT
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Post by xea on Sept 25, 2020 1:43:54 GMT
Hello. I logged in to respond to this post. I have been a lurker for years ☺️
I am a chiropractor.
I think going to a PT can be a great choice. I would go to a DPT rather then one who only has their masters.
Chiropractic has two main camps which in my opinion is one of the biggest problems. There are chiros that are more medical/biomechanic based and a group that is “principled.”
As an FYI we do have four years of schooling after undergrad and must pass national boards after every year. We do not have the same schooling as MDs. It is on the same level of difficulty but we focus on nerves/muscles and the skeletal system while they focus on the visceral system. I receive referrals from many types of Drs everyday and I refer out as well. In my opinion we are all a vital part of health care.
There is a lot of research now days regarding the benefits of chiropractic but there is a time and place for it. If any one has any questions I would be happy to answer them.
Edited to add. The best part of chiropractic is that is very low risk. It is a great place to start.
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Post by vjlau on Sept 25, 2020 5:21:15 GMT
I have degenerative disk disease, and also severe SI joint problems. I'm sorry you are in pain, I know what it feels like. It does get better, although I find there are always good days and bad - and I still usually have a bad day every couple of weeks.
I have done both chiro and PT, and although I think I had a great chiro, it really didn't help my specific problem. I got to physical therapy, and it's really really good. In an hour-ish appt we warm up with a review of my home exercises, I receive manual PT (which is a nice deep massage, and some body manipulation/stretching), then we go to some new exercises. Pre-pandemic I'd also do about 10-20 mins with their tens machine, but now we skip it because it's busy and they shuffle patients through in spurts. Usually when I come home I feel really good for an hour or so, then I need to ice it a bit. By the next day I'm feeling good.
The best part (IMO) about PT is that as much as it's pain relief, it's also an introduction to a new way of life. New ways to move, to sit, to strengthen. It's a workout! But I notice my recovery time is much faster on the bad days when I can use what I've learned. Chiro was definitely more of a quick fix, but not maintaining.
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,736
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Sept 25, 2020 6:37:15 GMT
I would choose an osteopath over a chiropractor as they're more concerned with the body as a whole. Also my main advice would be to only go to someone who has been personally recommended to you, rather than picking a name out of a hat so to speak. Yes, I would also go to an osteopath rather than a chiropractor, but I don't believe they have osteopaths in the US, or not many. I also think that chiropractors in the US use a lot of the techniques that our osteopaths use. For me, it's the repeated percussive (if that's the right word) impact that bothers me. I went and still go to osteopaths in the UK, but I couldn't find one when we moved to Australia at first, so I went to a chiro instead, thinking the end result had to be about the same. My neck was merely jammed up from sleeping on unusual pillows and I knew from experience that it just needed a good crack that an osteopath would have done in one session. Whatever they did, in about 6 sessions, it did not cure the problem and my neck has never been the same since. I know that's an isolated experience though.
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Post by gar on Sept 25, 2020 8:13:56 GMT
It seems there are 2 camps when it comes to chiropractors. One side loves them and raves how getting adjusted makes them feel better. The other camp thinks they are quacks and could do more harm than good. I have always been leery of them because I have back issues, degenerative disc disease and four surgeries on my lower back, the last one was to fuse my vertebrae from L4 to S1. I remember one of my neurosurgeons was in the former camp and recommended that I not go to one. I am firmly in the "you couldn't pay me to go to a chiro" camp. I have friends who are doctors, and there is no way on god's green earth they would ever refer anyone to a chiro. I can't believe anyone who has had "back issues, degenerative disc disease and four surgeries" would even consider for a second going to a chiro. Please think very carefully about this. I have to agree with this, despite the fact that I do use an osteopath. In the OP's case, with serious back issues I would be very wary. RedSquirrelUK - I didn't know that osteopaths aren't a thing in the US, interesting
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Post by AussieMeg on Sept 25, 2020 11:23:42 GMT
I would choose an osteopath over a chiropractor as they're more concerned with the body as a whole. Yes, I would also go to an osteopath rather than a chiropractor, but I don't believe they have osteopaths in the US, or not many. I also think that chiropractors in the US use a lot of the techniques that our osteopaths use. For me, it's the repeated percussive (if that's the right word) impact that bothers me. I went and still go to osteopaths in the UK, but I couldn't find one when we moved to Australia at first, so I went to a chiro instead Plenty of osteos here. DSO was seeing one once month, and he absolutely loved it. I agree with both you and gar, I'd look into going to an osteopath.
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Post by Patter on Sept 25, 2020 12:31:17 GMT
I have always been leary (I have had back surgery also), and I used to teach childbirth where some doulas highly recommended chiropractors (even for infants)!!!! Then my daughter was accepted to medical school (she is now a 3rd year on her medical rotations). Now I know a lot more, and we have had many discussion on this issue. I absolutely would never go to a chiropractor, and I also am very careful in using that word "never." I would highly, highly recommend that you find a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (NOT a chiropractor) that practices OMM. They are all trained in it but some do not practice it once they are in their medical specialty. There may be a family practitioner D.O. that practices it or sports medicine D.O. Start there. Ask your doctor if he knows of any or do a google search. That's where I would go or back to my neurosurgeon but never a chiropractor. Hope you feel better.
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,838
Jun 26, 2014 17:47:08 GMT
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Post by peppermintpatty on Sept 25, 2020 12:45:22 GMT
OK, I'm jaded because I was in the insurance industry. Couple things-I had a friend that back in the 80's was not admitted to med school. She got into chiro school and they emphasized that they were "real" doctors--she said it was like brainwashing. She quit school and got into another medical program. Most orthos, neuros, do not think highly of chiropractors. If you need to be "adjusted, etc" have the doctor refer you to physical therapy. They have a lot of overlap and are generally more highly regarded by specialists.If you are in a lawsuit, attorneys will often refer you to a chiro because they are considered a "doctor" (not an MD). They will say whatever the attorney wants them to say (either side of the lawsuit). I would ask your PCP to refer you to physical therapy--especially since you had prior surgery. Oh and this that I will never forget--this was about 20 years ago--I had to call a chiro's office for something as part of my job. Some guy answered the phone. I asked for the chiro and he said he was just a patient and the chiro asked him to answer his phone because he was busy. Always thought that was kind of unusual. Can you imagine a dr's office doing that? I don't agree with this. I have done both and I spend a hell of a lot more time and money for PT than a chiro. PT does more for mobility and general exercises. I was paying $75 to be there and do exercises that I can do at home or at the gym. Then they will put ice on me. That's it. The chiro manipulates you in ways that you cannot possibly do it yourself. I have seen many different PT's and about 5 different chiros over the years and only one chiropractor was terrible. They all do things a bit differently but they look at the entire body and treat it as such. PT will only address the immediate reason you are there per your orthopedist.
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Post by Patter on Sept 25, 2020 13:10:02 GMT
And just a bit more info on D.O.--D.O.'s also treat the whole body, look at the body as a whole and how everything works together, AND they are a medical doctor where a chiropractor is not.
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