Chiropractors

[supergreen]

I'm going to a chiropractor.

Something about it has me uneasy. Some people swear by them right? But others say it's basically a scam and probably does more harm than good.

I just don't know if it's a good idea for me to keep going. I just don't want to get hurt. The adjustment they do to my neck makes it pop/crack really loud. And after 4-5 adjustments I don't really feel any better in any way. Not that I was in particular pain before. I was hoping it could help a problem with my knees and feet, but I'm having doubts that it's the right thing to do.

Does anyone know anything about chiropractic care? Is it a scam? Is it dangerous?

[Revvell]

Does anyone know anything about chiropractic care? Is it a scam? Is it dangerous?

Many people have been helped by chiropractic. One of my former boyfriends actually became a chiropractor because of the help he'd received.

I worked with about 4 or 5 of them and found most people receive more good from the hands-on work they received from the massage therapist than they did the chiro. Plus, if one's muscles are contracted, chiro usually doesn't go any good because any "adjustment" will just go back unless the tension is released.

Personally, I wouldn't waste my money/time.

What's wrong with your knees/feet that you feel you need help?

Revvell

[juliebove]

Keep in mind, there are different types of chiropractors and not all of them are good. The one my daughter and I go to uses a HeNi (I think that's how it's spelled) in addition to doing adjustments.

The cracking noise you hear has nothing to do with healing or aligning. It's simply the sound of gasses expanding from the cartilage. I've had really loud cracking sounds that didn't hurt at all but they sounded just horrid!

I'd say if you've been doing this for 3 months and are not feeling any better then either give it up or try a different Dr.

[supergreen]

Many people have been helped by chiropractic. One of my former boyfriends actually became a chiropractor because of the help he'd received.

I worked with about 4 or 5 of them and found most people receive more good from the hands-on work they received from the massage therapist than they did the chiro. Plus, if one's muscles are contracted, chiro usually doesn't go any good because any "adjustment" will just go back unless the tension is released.

Personally, I wouldn't waste my money/time.

What's wrong with your knees/feet that you feel you need help?

Revvell

Fortunately it's no longer a waste of money, as through my insurance I now only pay $4 per visit because I have reached my deductible, and it only takes about 5-10 minutes.

My kneecaps aren't tracking right. My arches fall when I put weight on them. My left knee hasn't healed very well from surgery to fix a partial tear in the quadriceps tendon. It's actually much worse than it was before the surgery. I can function, like walking, even running, but my knees just feel bad. I can't squat with weight or play racquetball without significant pain though I can do those things. It feels like I shouldn't though. I'd like to be able to "play" with abandon, rather than with concern.

You might have a point about the muscles preventing any adjustments from working. I would not be surprised at all if I had tense muscles all over that need to be worked out.

[Ariella]

i think chiropractors are good. IF you find a good one. i have visited a few of them and have found one that is really good. i am a yoga instructor and i have pretty good body awareness i can feel when i have hips out, ribs out, shoulder out etc. usually it just takes one or 2 times if i really pop things out and then i am back in for awhile and running and dont need to go back again unless i fall or something and pop stuff out again. he has been invaluable. i think they do work hand in hand though with massage. in many states in the US there are these places called migun and you can get free massages there (www.migunworld.com) you can check there if there is a place near you or not. i love those! they are great!

i definitely do not think they are a scam. there have been so many times i have been out and have been greatly helped by putting the body back into alignment.

maybe you need to see a different chiro?

[Revvell]

$4 is $4 and how much is your time worth? After 3 months, if you're not seeing a change I'd check out some bodyworkers and/or qigong classes. Again, have to find a good one. See if you can find referrals keeping in mind that just because someone is good for one person, may not be good for you. It's a conundrum.

Fortunately it's no longer a waste of money, as through my insurance I now only pay $4 per visit because I have reached my deductible, and it only takes about 5-10 minutes.

My kneecaps aren't tracking right. My arches fall when I put weight on them. My left knee hasn't healed very well from surgery to fix a partial tear in the quadriceps tendon. It's actually much worse than it was before the surgery. I can function, like walking, even running, but my knees just feel bad. I can't squat with weight or play racquetball without significant pain though I can do those things. It feels like I shouldn't though. I'd like to be able to "play" with abandon, rather than with concern.

You might have a point about the muscles preventing any adjustments from working. I would not be surprised at all if I had tense muscles all over that need to be worked out.

[Zuri]

I love my chiropractor. He had me bending on that table like a pretzel. Like some of you said, it's importannt to relax while the chiropr. is doing their work. I got a lot more out of my sessions this way and when he was done, I felt more relaxed and energized. I really think adjusments, esp spinal adjustments, realign certain energy centers in the body.

If you feel uneasy and like you're not getting anything out of your sessions maybe look elsewhere or try another modality?

[aililiu]

i love my chiro. im in spinal rehab for scoliosis and hes fantastic. he knows a lot about the body, i can ask him anything, and he studied nutrition before he went into chiropractics--- and he approves of my raw food lifestyle, so thats good :) also made my parents accept it more, hearing that he approves.

i go three times a week but im in corrective acute care. i actually just got my three month point xrays yesterday and get the results back tomorrow! i dont like getting xrays but i am excited to see the results.

[exurb]

I stay away from them in general. ESPECIALLY NECK MANIPULATIONS.

If I were to consider going to one in the future, I would sure ask around all doctor friends and see who is good, because the impression I get is that there are a VERY small handful who may actually be good in some situations, but across the board, no thanks!

My husband blew a TON of money "I can fix your back but only if you commit to the full treatment plan", going in 3x/wk for like 6-8 months. He's worse not better.

If lightening your wallet can fix your back, then that was successful!

From what you said, supergreen, in your case, I wouldn't go. And I definitely wouldn't have neck manipulations unless I felt like increasing my chance of stroke or death.

For scoliosis and what alililu said, it's good for her.

[aililiu]

i agree. definitely do your research. i never went to chiros before this. the place i go to specializes in scoliosis and they showed me all these xrays where they had actually helped to correct the curve of peoples spines when my doctors and physiotherapist told me is could never be done! if he helps me accomplish this i will cry tears of joy, it would be such a miracle to me.

but you do want to be careful of who youre going to. its a very sensitive area, as im sure you know :)

you could look into physiotherapy, or therapeutic massage, or acupuncture, maybe?

[daisyduke]

I loved my chiropractor and my experience with mine was wonderful. I hope you find one that helps you, too!