Do you think chiropractors are effective?

[BlackestLily]

I have seen several, and all have told me I'll probably be a lifetimer. It feels great when I'm done and I'm completely okay with going. But a lot of my family feels differently.

My grandma thinks that it's a load of crap (not to mince words). She relayed an experience she had with a friend who was having back and chest pain. She went to the chiropractor and he adjusted her and called it good. Later she apparently died of a heart attack.

Even my aunt thinks I should be going to a hospital and talk to a doctor there instead of doing what I do, because she feels all I'm doing is treating the pain and not the "real" problem.

I also used to have a friend who told me I should try tai chi rather than going to have my back adjusted because, "It's never ending. All they try to do is take your money. Notice how nothing is ever fixed?"

So my question to you is, how do you feel about chiropractors and do you find them effective?

 

[Mitchell]

Lily, I've never personally been to a chiropractor, but, in my experience, from what immediate family members went through, I didn't find them to be effective at all.

In the mid 1980's, my late maternal grandfather kept complaining about back problems. He had visits to his regular doctor, who couldn't help the situation, so, my grandfather's doctor sent my grandfather to a chiropractor. My grandfather had his visits with the chiropractor, as they did their program, and manuvered his back this way and that way. Still no success.

A few months after his chiropractor's visits, my grandfather had a major stroke, and was paralyzed. The tests they took after the major stroke, found that he had suffered a minor stroke around the time that he had been seeing the chiropractor. At that point, the doctors concluded that my grandfather's back problems, were due to what was a minor stroke, that for whatever reason was not detected at the time.

Some people swear by chiropractors, I personally don't believe in them. As with any doctor, it's a matter of personal choice.

Mitch

 

[Bugman]

I have known people on both sides of the fence. Some were happy with the results, others not. One friend of mine was bled nearly to death (financially) by a guy who turned out to be a shyster. But that was back in the 70s. I imagine there is more oversight by the states these days.

 

[Morpheus72]

I see this issue from two different sides. If you are in acute back pain, a chiro is a good solution. A few years ago, I had site-specific, acute back pain for four days straight, and a local chiropractor gave me relief instantly. On the other hand, for milder pain, there are definitely better solutions. My original encounter with a chiro was definitely a negative one. His adjustments didn't relieve my pain - it's bad when you have to ask "why does it still hurt?" and he says "oh, it'll get better in time" -- and he tried to sell me Amway-style health products that I supposedly "needed". It's my understanding that lots of chiros do this as well. He also tried to put me on a ridiculous schedule of appointments - four a week for the first month, etc. - which finally clued me in to the scam. I've found much better results with losing a little weight, using heat, and doing more stretching in conjunction with working out.

 

[GQguy]

My little brother is a Doctor of Physical therapy. He hates chiropractors. He says they steal his business by providing a temporary fix to patients keeping them coming back for more. He says physical therapy is the way to go. PT's are more concerned about ensuring you are in the least amount of pain for the longest possible time at the cheapest TOTAL cost. Pro athletes rarely see chiropractors.....they see PT's....i'll go with what my Dr lil bro advises and what millionaire athletes choose!

 

[Capnmad]

Every one I've gone to in the past has wanted me to return for continual work 1-2 times a week. Always thought that was a bit of a money-sucking scam for what they accomplished. And since they were all at least 40 miles away and not covered by my insurance, I'd go once, and that's it. Most of the time these days I don't need anything anyway, but I've found that on the rare occasion that I do, I've trained Fireguardian effectively to perform the equivalent of a CPR-style chest-compression on my back while I'm standing against a wall. I'm sure some folks would think that stupid, and I know FG's been downright horrified when she hears the >CRAKK!< of my spine, but it gives me the same feeling of temporary relief that any chiropractor ever has.

That said, everyone's spine and needs are different... Hope you can find what best suits.

 

[maniactickler]

I never had any luck with them.

 

[shark]

It depends on your problem and the chiropractor you choose. They can be very effective when they stay within their limitations. A number of them overestimate their effectiveness and expertise, and these are the ones to be avoided.
If an exercise regimen is called for, forget the chiropractor, go to the PT. If there is a structural issue, make the search for a GOOD chiropractor, and don't hesitate to bail out if you're not comfortable with them.

 

[Ticklish9's]

Not really. It's sort of crap. :lol: I mean if it makes you feel better, then that's a plus. But don't forget that chiropractic "medicine" began as a way of unblocking your "chi" so it could flow more smoothly through your body; it's not a real medical discipline.

Again though, if it makes you feel better, don't discount that. Just be careful.

 

[Deuce]

I been to them and I think they can do good cause one time I want she did something wrong and had to go back the next day to get done again.

I think anyone older the 55 think it's witchcraft and they also think the internet is a flash in the pan cause it's different then what they did.

Like I always say if it feels good do it and if it really feels good do it twice.

 

[Cosmo_ac]

I have gone to Chiropracters who have helped me with problems i had for some time before i went to them. They fixed me up after a few weeks of visits, so i feel that yes, they are legitimate.

 

[Cosmo_ac]

Not really. It's sort of crap. :lol: I mean if it makes you feel better, then that's a plus. But don't forget that chiropractic "medicine" began as a way of unblocking your "chi" so it could flow more smoothly through your body; it's not a real medical discipline.

As far as this goes, i'm going to have to disagree from what i've seen. I used to believe that stuff like acupuncture, which works with Chi was crap, but after what i've seen and experienced, i'm much more inclined to believe that it does indeed work.

 

[TMJ Productions]

I know one and so I don't get scammed

I only go 3 or 4 times a year and must say it helps a lot!!

 

[tickmankyle1]

So my question to you is, how do you feel about chiropractors and do you find them effective?
A high school buddy of mine does chiropractor and he works wonders on me. He also uses the needles on me to help with my pain. I think they are worth it is just depends on your personal problem...

 

[Skipadeedoodah]

My mom loves going to the chiropractor. I've never done it, and I don't intend to. I went with my mom once, and I had the fight the urge to scream and throw him off of her. He either looked like he was trying to kill her or trying to hump her. It was a very scary experience, but she swears by it. She only goes a few times a year, too. I think that unless you're going several times a month, even if you are throwing your money away, if you feel good when it's over I'd say it's worth the $30 every couple months or whatever.

 

[MrTicklefeet]

They helped me back when I started developing these huge knots in my back. Massage wasn't working. The chiropractor smoothed things out within a few weeks. Looking at the x-ray, my spine was moving out of line, which was causing the muscles to react to try to pull everything back in alignment. So for me it worked.