Opinions of Chiropractic Medicine

[Galaril]

I am thinking about going to a chiropractor for some alignment of my back (spine) since I recently had some pain in my upper back around the scapula spine area and it is hindering some of my work outs in the gym. I have had some chronic mild lower back pain and am aware that my shoulders appear to be some what misaligned or something. I decided to just do some flexibility exercises to increase range of motion and not go to a chiropractor since it has not been covered by my health insurance and I had heard that it does more damage than help. Now my health insurance covers 20 visits a year and I am looking for opinions of this by others who have gone to chiropractors.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Totally anecdotal, but the best I've ever felt in my life was when my insurance covered a handful of chiro visits after an accident.

I imagine there's still some quacks/frauds/scammers out there but if you find a good one, I'd be surprised if you weren't happy with the results.

[Izulde]

Worked wonderful for the back.

However do NOT let them touch your neck. Chiropractic medicine actually makes neck problems worse if they monkey with it.

So stick to the back and you should be good.

[Butter]

Worked well for me during the time I went for lower back pain. Just have to be careful of the quacks though.

[Sgran]

I've been dealing with back problems for more than 20 years now. I've done chiro, physical therapy, and, most recently, a form of yoga that focuses on spinal health. Here's what I recommend in order of preference:

1. Private physical therapy -- it's expensive, but if your insurance is going to pay for it, then jump at the chance.
2. Yoga -- even the "normal" version of yoga reminds me of PT. I wouldn't be surprised if they borrowed from one another liberally. This is a great, cheap options. A big bonus to going to yoga class is the ridiculous gender disparity.
3. Chiropractory -- It did provide me with some relief, but I am highly skeptical of the purported long-term benefits. I just don't believe they're capable of realigning your spine.

For me, the difference between PT/yoga and chiro is like vitamin C and Tylenol. PT and yoga relieve tension and build up the muscles you need to avoid pain. Preventative is always better than temporary relief.

[Kevin]

I've been going to a chiropractor for 10 years. Never regretted a single minute. Exercise and diet are best in the long run, but on those days you can't move without gritting your teeth, absolutely nothing gets you back on your feet quicker than some good snap, crackle and pop. I have used a chiro for upper back, lower back, arches, neck and wrist.

I tried physio once before that for 12 weeks, three times a week with little or no improvement. Two visits to the chiropractor had me right as rain and pain free in three days.

I find I get maximum benefit by going every two months whether I have pain or not.

What I found most amazing was that my chiro could so easily manhandle me when he was going through chemo and radiation treatments for his own cancer. It was very inspiring.

[DeToxRox]

My back was such a mess my senior year of hockey that I would go to chiropractor (who, bonus points, was a dad of a kid I played with) and I would feel great. I probably went once a week for four months and it got me through the season. Two thumbs up here.

[Galaril]

I am hoping to not have to go more than a few times to get things back in order.

[Mustang]

I've went to a few chiropractors, but I haven't had much success with them. I usually felt worse afterward especially if they manipulated my neck. I've felt the best after doing physical therapy and also when I went to a doctor specializing in osteopathic manipulation. I know plenty of people that have gone to chiropractors and swear by them so, guess it depends on how you feel.

[rowech]

I was in a car accident seven years ago and started going. I go once a month still and when done correctly, you will be amazed at how different you can feel, work, and exercise.

[duckman]

However do NOT let them touch your neck. Chiropractic medicine actually makes neck problems worse if they monkey with it.
I'm living proof of that. I have a 4 inch scar down the back of my neck from spinal surgery and some neurological problems from the result of genetics and a chiropractor.