I am always so entertained my these discussions. My boyfriend the last year and a half of college and the first year after is now a chiropractor. That was his sole focus the entire time we were together, and that last year together was spent living where he was going to chiropractic school.
He was just as anti-traditional medicine as traditional doctors are anti-chiro. Medicine was bad, including birth control, except when it came to ME taking it.
That aside, I saw many chiropractors over the years, and I do believe that initially did help relieve chronic back pain that I had. But I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t feel comfortable any longer seeing one. Especially after an acquaintance ended up in the ER after suffering that issue mentioned up-thread. That’s just terrifying.
What about an osteopathic doctor? Have you looked into that? I haven’t had experience with one in a couple decades, but as I recall, they’d be kind of “between” traditional medicine and chiro.
This is odd, considering the million things medicine doctors treat that chirps can’t. I have an OD for my PCP and he’s kind of a pita and wants me on meds I don’t want to take, so I’m looking into finding a new one. I found home be extreme in his ‘traditional medicine’ beliefs.
Oh he was definitely odd. He was ALL IN on chiropractic from a young age. He went to some conference while we were together and came back worshipping the guy because he made him cry on the table. It was bizarre. He works on babies and expectant mothers these days.
Post by starburst604 on Mar 9, 2022 19:15:09 GMT -5
I can’t believe the amount of parents around here that bring their very young kids, like infants and toddlers, to chiropractors regularly. For stuff like gas and to clear ear fluid to avoid ear tubes??? Tons of FB posts like “I take all my kids there to get adjusted!!” To get WHAT adjusted? I don’t get it. I’m clearly in on the side of leery with them. I’m ok with stuff like acupuncture- at least it can’t permanently hurt you if it doesn’t help.
Post by caddywompus on Mar 9, 2022 19:51:15 GMT -5
Not if you ask a physical therapist! Most chiropractors tend to give temporary relief, but expect you to keep coming back. A (good) PT will really explain the problem and treatment, and set you up with a program you can continue on your own.
For me personally, no. I would never visit one unless traditional medicine left me stranded.
I don’t want to downplay those who do feel relief for whatever ailments they treat with chiropractic care. But sometimes I will see posts for chiropractors who claim to cure tough orthodontic problems with their magic hands and all of us teeth doctors are like “um that’s not how adult bones work.” I think the infant massage stuff falls into this pseudo nonsense. I will read posts about that and it sounds like “laying of hands” to me.
Post by maudefindlay on Mar 9, 2022 20:14:45 GMT -5
I think PT usually treats most issues people seek chiro for and have better long term outcomes.....and they are very evidence based, best practices, pro meds when needed and many are not anti vaxx etc.
I still cringe and PTL when I recall 20 something year old Maude out for the night with a group of friends. We crashed at a friend's apartment. He was a recent chiro grad and had a table set up in his living room....yep, he adjusted all our drunk asses that night. Oy!
Post by Doggy Mommy on Mar 9, 2022 20:37:25 GMT -5
My dad was a doctor and also did chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture, so I probably have a more favorable view of it than others. I FULLY acknowledge that there are a lot of chiros out there who are 100% quacks. I go to one about every 2-3 months, sometimes I won't go for 6 months and other times I'll go more often for a while, and it works well for me. He's a nice, reasonable, vaccinated guy.
Not if you ask a physical therapist! Most chiropractors tend to give temporary relief, but expect you to keep coming back. A (good) PT will really explain the problem and treatment, and set you up with a program you can continue on your own.
One of my best friends is a physical therapist and made me promise I wouldn't go to a chiropractor. I spent 3 years going to multiple physical therapists for heavy pain. I even went to a specialist that she recommended, she saw me, we worked together for 20 weeks, she released me saying she'd done everything she could, and I'd maxed out my $4k deductible. The chiropractor I went to did massage/theragun type stuff and had me mostly fixed in a couple of sessions, which were $40 each. I agree I wouldn't recommend it as a first line, but there are some chiropractors that can provide long-term improvements when PT has failed, and I really wish PT programs would incorporate that portion of it so I could avoid the side quackery. I was feeling very hopeless and want other people to know to keep trying and they shouldn't be stuck with chronic pain. My chiropractor didn't try to set me up with a "program" and was happy to never see me again, and respected me when I told him not to touch my neck or do any "cracking".
There are many quacks out there for sure, but after I fell off a step ladder and tweaked my hips, the local chiro fixed me right up. I could barely walk and within two sessions was feeling back to almost 100%.
I haven’t been in 4+ years and don’t feel the need, but it was what I needed at the time.
As everyone else has said, there are definite quacks out there. That being said, I go to one who is also a social acquaintance. She is great and doesn't push any treatment plans or anything. In fact, last time my son went, she said it had been two years since she had seen him and our insurance required an exam. She didn't feel that he needed a full exam and offered to just do the adjustment for cash payment and not bill insurance. It ended up being like $40, whereas our insurance copay would have been $30. She also worked on an upper back/shoulder issue with me. She was the one that said a PT would be able to alleviate the issue better with dry needling and other exercises. She knew she wasn't the right answer for that issue. I've always appreciated her honesty. My 13 year old has a mild tic disorder. Usually, he is able to alleviate some of his tics with magnesium, but every once in a while he will ask for an adjustment. Even if it's all in his head, if he thinks it helps his tics, then it's fine with us. (The neurologist flipped her kid when we said we tried a chiropractor, whereas his PCP supported it. 🤷🏼♀️)
I think what they practice is legit, but it's not a regulated industry (is it?), so some people do shady things. This was told to me first-hand by an actual chiropractor, although a long time ago, so who knows, now maybe the field has cleaned itself up.
Having said that, the one chiropractor I went to was NOT trustworthy; it was so lame, the level of BS he was throwing out there, and this was at a very big, established place. So personally, I always use physical therapists.
My loony tunes relatives are hardcore anti vax weirdos and all went to the same chiro school; they apparently have a very successful business.
Of course, there are MD quacks too (my Hs old college roommate just headlined a “Doctors for Medical Freedom rally), but the risk of quackery/woo is higher with chiropractors.
I think it depends entirely on the chiropractor and why you're seeing them. I have seen a number of them over the years and had both good and blah experiences.
I see mine about once a month and pay OOP for it. I primarily see him for acupuncture, which keeps my migraines under control, but he adjusts me as well. A lot of people consider acupuncture woo, too, but I tried it as a last resort before going on daily preventive meds and it was life-changing.
I see my chiro more than I see any other health care provider. I only see my doctor when I get sick or need a check-up, I see my chiro/acupuncturist every month to get what is for me, effective preventive/maintenance care of a lifelong issue. Occasionally other issues crop up that I see him for, but they are limited in scope to musculoskeletal stuff. I'm not going to go to him for a sprained ankle or an earache or stomach pain, but for example, occasionally I've popped a rib out of joint from coughing because I had bronchitis. I go to the chiro and he pops it back in.
Much like my experience with my first acupuncturist, I started out at a more frequent cadence because I was in a pretty bad spot, and once I was seeing positive results, the provider immediately tapered down the frequency of treatment. I would not trust any provider who didn't or who was constantly pushing additional services or visits. I only go more than once a month if my migraines tick up, and as soon as that is addressed he moves me back to the once-a-month cadence.
My husband sees a chiro (different one) regularly as well, for back issues. His does a combination of adjustments plus massage and a stretching/exercise regime for him to keep his back pain under control.
I see mine about once a month and pay OOP for it. I primarily see him for acupuncture, which keeps my migraines under control, but he adjusts me as well. A lot of people consider acupuncture woo, too, but I tried it as a last resort before going on daily preventive meds and it was life-changing.
I got acupuncture for migraines after being on daily medications that slowly stopped helping. I always feel wierd recommending it because of the woo-ness lol but I did really help!
Anyways not that you need more opinions OP but I would also try PT. I've never seen a chiropractor mostly because I'm cheap and my insurance fully covers PT but doesn't cover chiros so I go with the free option.
I’ve seen chiropractors on and off since I was a kid. I’ve moved a lot and seen many different ones. None of them have been anything like your terrible experiences (I could tell similar experiences about dentists though). I’ve usually gone off personal recommendations and the best ones I’ve gone to really understand and incorporate elements of physical therapy, massage therapy, ergonomics and home exercises / stretches into their treatment. I’d never go to one of the trendy places with lots of chiros. When my DH was having sciatica issues he tried everything including acupuncture but the only thing that helped long term was physical therapy and he still does stretches at home. The worst ones I’ve seen just weren’t very effective.
I have had both good and bad experiences. Thankfully none that have caused any negative long term effects. I have a chiro I like that I will see if I injure my back. Each time I get a full exam and x-rays. My appointments usually take 45 minutes, most of which are focused on PT exercises/massage. I only get adjusted at the end of the appointment as long as improvement has been made and he feels that it is appropriate. If I am still very painful, or my muscles are too tense its a no fly zone and we keep working through it. By far my happiest middle ground.
I could take or leave chiros, honestly. I went to one for a while because he was next door to my office. He was great. He concentrated on sports medicine so there was none of the woo or anti-vax BS, which I was thankful for. I originally started seeing him because of migraines/sinus headaches.
I've also been to PT for a herniated disc in my lower back and TMJ. Worked great for the former, just ok for the latter. But I'd definitely trust a PT for any diagnosed issues/injuries. Think of it this way - in PT you exercise to help correct and build strength. (My H is doing PT now on his knee because he injured it and had surgery on his quadriceps tendon in December.) Yeah, sometimes it sucks. It can be uncomfortable. Ultimately, things usually get better, expecially when you're talking about routine orthopedic things that PTs see a lot. Manipulating your joints and whatnot won't have the same long term effect.
Anyway, the chiro felt good and my insurance covered it, but after we started working from home 2 years ago, I was a lot less likely to make a 30 minute one-way trip out to see him.
I will say that my herniated disc has left me with some residual numbness in my right leg/foot. Not enough to effect day to day life, but I'll have some tightness and I'm more subject to muscle spasms on that side and stuff. Anytime I've mentioned it to someone with a chiropractic background they know exactly what I'm talking about and can pretty much circle on my body where the numbness is based on which disc I tell them is herniated.
BUT the PT is the one who helped me go from crying if I moved suddenly to absolutely no pain in my lower back.
I see mine about once a month and pay OOP for it. I primarily see him for acupuncture, which keeps my migraines under control, but he adjusts me as well. A lot of people consider acupuncture woo, too, but I tried it as a last resort before going on daily preventive meds and it was life-changing.
I got acupuncture for migraines after being on daily medications that slowly stopped helping. I always feel wierd recommending it because of the woo-ness lol but I did really help!
Anyways not that you need more opinions OP but I would also try PT. I've never seen a chiropractor mostly because I'm cheap and my insurance fully covers PT but doesn't cover chiros so I go with the free option.
I don’t think it’s weird to recommend!
I love going to acupuncture. Western medicine isn’t the only right way to wellness. I wish acupuncture was more accessible to more people.
One of my friends from college went to chiropractic school (considered one of the best in the country) and was pretty horrified at how much woo was in the curriculum.
I don't consider them to be medical professionals, but a field where people can get relief from pain in certain situations, akin to massage therapists.
My H is a PT and has worked with chiros for years, the military has them in many pt/rehab clinics. Some are whack a doos. Some are great and work in their scope.
OP - H said your issue likely won’t be resolved by a chiro. I’d wouldn’t waste your time.
Post by onomatopoeia on Mar 10, 2022 10:02:31 GMT -5
DH finally went to one who took care of some back pain and other issues that he had not been able to find relief for and it worked wonders. He only goes about 1-2 times a year now, and swears there's no woo involved. So for him at least, it's been legit.
There's a woman in my town who specializes in chiropracty for animals. People swear by her. I do roll my eyes at that.
Post by simpsongal on Mar 10, 2022 11:32:40 GMT -5
I saw one in HS that was a quack - in hindsight he gave me an insane number of xrays considering I didn't have an underlying condition. I don't even remember why I saw him?
I saw one more recently who was excellent. He definitely helped fix some structural issues that seemed to present from childbirth, bad posture, weightlifting, and a long time shoulder injury. I didn't have to keep going, my body adjusted and eventually I was just fine.
I have a few times for some lower back pain when I hurt my back working out. It absolutely helped me but I will not let her adjust my neck. It freaks me out and things have happened to people. The one I go seems to be very crunchy- sells oils, probably anti vax, etc but she's never tried to push any of that on me or get me to sign up for a crazy package or anything. If you decide to go to one get recommendations friends/family because they widely vary on their quackiness! lol
This thread is as clear as mud, lol. I kind of agree though, it's hard to get a good answer. I used to see a chiro regularly about 10 years ago for some neck pain that led to headaches. I got varying relief but nothing permanent. The best one I saw was an Active Release Therapy chiro - she did not crack me but instead did some stretching type movements while pressing on spots that were causing me pain. I have a permanent knot in my neck and my gluts get really tight, and what she did definitely helped. I stopped going to her when I moved and never found a replacement, and although I still have those issues, they are not as bad as they were back then. I am not sure if it's because she "cured" me or if it is something else.
My dad went to one for years, but had a back issue in 2013 that was made much worse by an appointment with one. He ended up with surgery, though it's hard to say if they caused it or if he would have reached that point eventually without treatment anyway. I do believe that was the last time he went, though.
I can’t believe the amount of parents around here that bring their very young kids, like infants and toddlers, to chiropractors regularly. For stuff like gas and to clear ear fluid to avoid ear tubes??? Tons of FB posts like “I take all my kids there to get adjusted!!” To get WHAT adjusted? I don’t get it. I’m clearly in on the side of leery with them. I’m ok with stuff like acupuncture- at least it can’t permanently hurt you if it doesn’t help.
my niece and nephew were adjusted minutes after they were born by their chiro dad. My sister had a home birth bc ‘hospitals are where people go to die’ 🙄🙄
I can’t believe the amount of parents around here that bring their very young kids, like infants and toddlers, to chiropractors regularly. For stuff like gas and to clear ear fluid to avoid ear tubes??? Tons of FB posts like “I take all my kids there to get adjusted!!” To get WHAT adjusted? I don’t get it. I’m clearly in on the side of leery with them. I’m ok with stuff like acupuncture- at least it can’t permanently hurt you if it doesn’t help.
my niece and nephew were adjusted minutes after they were by their chiro dad. My sister had a home birth bc ‘hospitals are where people go to die’ 🙄🙄
Oooooookkkkkkk
Why are people always trying to borrow trouble? For the most part people are born “adjusted” lol.
Post by formerlyak on Mar 10, 2022 15:18:08 GMT -5
Full disclosure, I have never gone to a chiropractor. But I have had many injuries that some would go to one for. I have always opted for physical therapy first, and while it is hard work, it's always worked for me. The other thing I like about it is I can use it again at home on my own if I need to. Example, I have an ongoing issue in my spine. Working my internal core muscles in a certain way really helps. The physical therapist gave me pilates-like exercises that I can do anywhere. When I start to feel the issue coming on, which happens every few months, I can start doing the exercises. If they don't work after a few weeks, I can go back to the doctor for an evaluation. I like that it has given me tools I can use.