Chiropractors. Rip off or know their thing

I have had bad muscle cramps in my upper back and neck that leave me twisted and in pain. 2 years ago is when I last had one and now they are back (no pun intended)My doctor gave me Valium.

I decided to go see a Chiropractor who stings me $35 a time for between 5mins and half an hour. All he does is crack the joints in my neck and back and says "My reception will now releive you of $35 and make another appointment". You dont need a calculator to work out that $70 a week soon mounts up.

Do these guys know what they are doing? or are the rip off merchants?

Have you ever been to one?

I've not been to one but know people who have. Mixed reports, some seem to think them good, others not. It must depend to some extent on what is actually causing the pain and the skill of the individual chiropactitioner

Do you know what the problem is? A trapped nerve?
Needs a diagnosis before treatment! What does he say it is?

I have a superb chiropractor I've visited regularly for 4 years. Without her I wouldn't be able to walk far without a walking stick (which I find embarrassing), tells me exactly what was wrong, which joints are out, deals with other joint and muscle problems which occur. I still have to go once every 6 to 8 weeks but she sometimes suggests longer times (10-12 weeks) without going in when the joints feel quite reasonable, it has to be my body that decides the right time to go. She doesn't cost as much as yours either! I did go to another one 8 years ago when the problem first became serious, he was good too.

If you're not happy with the service try someone else until you find one that works well with you, you should feel some relief from pain but it takes a while to get better. He should be suggesting a sliding scale on visit times. You should be going several times in the first month then either you're better or you're given a plan of action for future visits.

There are other alternative therapies you could try, it doesn't suit everyone.

I just get a dull ache in my neck or shoulder area that grows into a pain. I dont make my body twist it does it itself. My chin ends up on my chest and my chest pushes out. the cramp is sore down my neck or across my shoulders. It cn go as quick as it comes. It will cost me £200 a month which I cant afford. I was there today and he has left me very sore. I cant sit comfortable or drive without pain

My husband used to go a few times a year for his back and he got some relief. Once he started getting major cramps in his leg and numbness in his lower leg, foot, and toes he saw an orthopedic dr. After lots of tests they said he had a herniated/crushed disc in his back. The orthopedic dr told him that chiopractors can do both good and bad. He's not permitted to go for his back anymore that it would definitely cause damage. Mark, my suggestion is perhaps you should go see an orthopedic dr. In the long run it may cost you less.

I certainly hope you get some relief soon...

"T" :)

Mark, the pain is normal in the first few weeks. What's happened is your muscles and joints/vertibrae have become used to a certain position when relaxed, the chiro has moved them about so they can't go straight back into that position and the area around it is protesting!

Women who have several children close together lean slightly to one side by carrying the child on their hips, it becomes a natural position for the spine and causes problems later on. Same thing, it's going to be painful to start with.

My DH has visited them in the past and I used one after my car wreck last Fall.

Some are in it just for the money and will do just enough to keep you coming back.And then there are the ones like Baa has who are interested in fixing the problem.

There is one on every corner around here and just by asking a few questions of friends will help weed out the quacks.

The right one can keep you from some serious problems,but there are so many schools out there these days that teach them the 'business' of hooking in patients that you have to be careful.

The one my DH sees is on a graduated visit schedule too.He only sees him once a month now.

Has he said what the problem is Mark?

I dont think so. He chats non stop while doing his stuff. I have 2 bruises on my neck where he was working today. If only I was in the US I could sue his

I noticed significant improvement in my neck and a lessening of headaches when I was getting regular adjustments. Any chiropractors worth their salt will tell you flat out that they don't want to work on you if they're not confident they can work on you without causing injury.

By the way, did you know DG's own Twinlakeschef is not only a great cook, but a chiropractor? :)

Looks as if you need to find someone else. Shame you're not nearer TLC then LOL

I'm glad they're here! I'm a good one for pinching a nerve, and I HATE pain! Mine does charge $35 per visit, but I'm usually fixed by the 3rd or 4th!
'Sides, my Insurance usually pays (:

Thought all Europeans had paid Medical Insurance?

I have been seeing my chiropractor for the past 3 years now and I used to have migraines so bad every day that I just wanted to bang my head up against a wall. To be honest, in the very beginning I didn't want to go back anymore because I hurt more when I left than before I got there. With time I spine and neck adjusted though and now it's great relief when I go now. My migraines have disappeared so that's a good thing. I have to go in 3x a week. We are on a family plan which covers 6 visits a month for $130 but since he wants me in more than that and I told him we didn't have the money to pay for all the extra visits, he put unlimited visits on my chart and I don't pay any more for the extra visits. Now there's a doc who really cares :)
I wish you luck

I used to think they were quacks!! But I had a pinched nerve in my neck and all the doc gave me were drugs - slept good, but when I woke up the pain was still there. In desperation I went to a chirop - he said he could fix it (3 mos timeline) or I could have surgery with the doc. I chose the 3 mo - Went three times a week and by the end of the third week I could really, really tell a difference. I did go for the full 3 mo, but felt much better sooner than that. I am a very satisfied customer!!

I haven't personally gone to see a chiropractor, but my mom is going to one now. Her hips got "out of alignment." She was having muscle spasms in her gluteous maximus (butt for those who don't know), which were either the cause or the result of the misalignment. She tried muscle relaxers from her normal doctor, but they just masked the pain and it would come right back when they wore off. So then she tried physical therapy. That didn't help (it hurt worse) and it was too expensive--ins. didn't cover it until she'd paid $1,000 and she's on a fixed income and can't afford that kind of expense. So her doctor recommended she try a chiropractor. The chiropractor had her coming in 2X per week to start at $40 a pop. After only a month, she's down to only once per week. Soon she might be going every other week or so. It has helped her immensly. But, as others have said, it depends on the problem as to whether they can help you or not. And, yes, chiropractors can hurt you if you have certain medical problems--back injuries was mentioned and is a good example.

Bottom line is you are in charge of your own health and well-being. If this doctor isn't working for you, find someone else. It may be worth seeing if another method would work better--maybe you need a physical therapist. Sometimes you do have to take control of the situation.

We're very fortunate that my husband's insurance covers chiropractic care, something unusual in the coverages we've had through the years. I have a $10 co-pay per visit, that's it. Sure can't beat that - I don't want to know what people are charged who don't have coverage!

My wife has some major back problems; she swears by her Chiroptator, she gets instant relief.
I guess its like anything else its who you go to.

paul

I used a chiropractor after a major car accident. He worked with my neurologist. I think it made a big difference in getting better.
There are some chiropractors around here though with really bad reputations, so ask around before you decide on one.

I have a most wonderful Chiropractor...he is also an Accupuncurist. I go in and complain of a hurt in a certain area and he knows exactly where to treat that pain. Also, he helped me to quit smoking by a few treatments of Accupuncture. I had tried every thing. An he is one of the most caring people I have ever been to for treatment.

A good one won't treat a back problem with out first seeing X-rays of your spine and back. Mine doesn't do the X-rays at this time, and for Medicare to pay for them, my General Doctor orders them and I take them to Dr. Lopez. I just love him. Jo

Thanks God for my Chiropractor! She is a petitte little lady but has powerful muscles strength. I have Fibro and residual pain from whiplash and arthritis. Without her, I could not work or stand the pain many days. She shows me the x-rays and tells me exactly what is wrong and what she is doing to fix it. I think that is why I have so much confidence in her. Hope you find a better one , who will be of great help. Lou

all my Chiropractor was interested in today were my body piercings. He asked more questions about them than how I was.

Sounds like you need a new doctor Mark.

Ours have always been professional and have taken x-rays,asked about medical conditions,medications and eating and sleeping habits. They have taken notes and refer to our charts.

Our current one even goes so far as to stress to us when we are healing from an injury that you shouldn't even be watching stressful or violent programs on TV. He said that it tenses your muscles without you even being aware of it.

Some are great folk who love to help people.Some are doing it because they are in it for the money.We've been to both kinds.

You need a new chiro Mark!

Violabird, in the UK we pay for medical treatment through our paypackets for compulsary National Insurance stamps (which goes towards a number of things in the welfare departments) but Chiropracters are considered alternative therapists here and therefore don't come under the National Health Service so we have to go private. Were Mark or I to rely on the NHS we'd be told to buy a couple of paracetamol and go to bed for a day.

Hi Mark, I have had no luck with Chiros. I went to a doctor who specialized in orthopedic medicine (not surgery) and pain management and that really helped. no major problems since.

polar

Yes it was quite a sight,after I tilled Brugies garden,TLC was there,I had her jumping on me trying to get a spot on my back!

I have been going to Crackers for 20 years,you do find the ones that drive Vets,and have 10 nurses,push you from room to room.they are not worth much.

I got to the point where I walk in,tell them I have 20 bucks,I want a rack and crack,I do not want to wait or fill out any paper work!
I used this method to find the one I have been with for 5 years,he likes 20 cash in his hand and I can walk in anytime!

A good Cracker should be able to lay you down and feel your back and tell you what is wrong,of course Xrays will be needed for cases that are involving more care,but just good alignment,give me a guy who can tell by touch.

I go to the local one that is always doing TV commercials (homemade). He jabs, pulls, tugs, lifts, and all that before I then lay on the table, on my side, and he pushes down, and at the same time, drops the table in a big crash. For some reason this does the job after 3 or 4 visits, and I go back to gardening (lifting, weeding, and such). The office then calls weekly to see if I am ready to come back for adjustments. At $35 a crack, I tell them only when I am once again in dire need. And only then. Oh yea. The machine that has the moving bar underneath the table seems to help too.

The most important thing I look for in a chiropractor is one that is trained in Applied Kinesiology, sometimes known as MRT (Muscle Reflex Technology). Since there is no school per se that teaches AK for a degree (at least in the US), many people get a DC (Doctor of Chiropratic) to be licensed and add the skills learned in AK. Most also employ Accupressure and other forms of Natural Healing.

As a physician yourself, you must be aware the body knows much more about itself and how to heal itself than we normally discern. AK is the practice of tapping into the body's 'computer' to have it tell us what is amiss and what to 'fix' first.

My background is in thoracic surgery and it took me a long time to accept (much less promote) AK because I still reject many DC's as licensed quacks who can do more harm than good.

You should have NO MARKS on your neck from adjustments, nor if he did Accupressure. And, Mark, I concur about spinal x-rays being needed. There is an AK guru in Austin, TX whom I knew well at one time. He used to teach AK and always kept a list of good AK's for referral. I have no idea if his list also included an International List, but if you don't find a good one, let me know and I will write to him.

Must say you all have given Mark good advice . . .

We are trained in many different techniques and continue training on a yearly basis. (recently completed 30 hours of study).A good doctor must arrive at a working diagnosis in order to choose the techniques appropriate to the condition as well as to the patient.

1. The approach in my office is to start with the gentlest,simplest, least expensive treatment. It is a very general adjustment and in many cases it is all that is needed.

2. The challenge of excellent doctoring comes with complicated conditions requiring more expertise,more treatment and at times changing the treatment plan bringing in techniques that are appropriate.

3. And in severe conditions, it can be too late for Chiropractic and one is left to look to drugs and surgery (hoping that is not the case for Mark).

Mark, it does sound like your condition may need a more innovative approach. We don't usually make small chat when we are working hard to get you well. This doc sounds so casual . . . does HE think you are getting well?

If you go back to him ask him, What is wrong with me? What is the medical term for that? Write that on a piece of paper for me. Can YOU get me out of pain? How long is it going to take? What can I do to speed my recovery? (cold packs, hot packs, gentle stretching of muscles, walking, special exercises for the condition) . . .getting you well should be a team effort.

If you like the doctor and his treatment works, the fee does not "sting" so bad . . . good health is priceless.

Dr. Arlene Marshall, Chiropractor

Well said, TLC!

Thank you, darius!
And your post made me think about how true it is that the body knows. And most of you would be surprised at how well YOU really know your body. I only get to spend 20 minutes to a half hour with your body. You're in it 24-7-365! I often get clues to what is needed by LISTENING to my patients! Wow! A new concept in medicine. LOL

DR Marshall....you deserve the title...and I used to be very skeptic about these little electrode things...(I am not good with medical names). The other day, after a hard day volunteering at a place for 7 hrs, my back hurt so bad that I stopped by Dr. Lopez's office and he put these electrical things on different point of my back...WOW! I felt good afterwards.

My daughter has worked for him as a licensed Chiropractic Asst.(still does on an "as needed" schedule), but I would go to him for treatment even if she didn't. He also uses nutrition and herbals in his practice. Jo

So, golddog, if you crack twice, does that mean it costs $70??? He he he ;)

TLC, good point about us knowing our bodies better than the doctor. I had a terrible ear infection once and knew that the antibiotics I got were not doing anything for me. My symptoms hadn't leveled off, much less gotten better after one day, and normally I can tell the drugs are working within 8-12 hours of first taking them. I called the doctor's office and the nurse told me that I'd only been on them for 24 hours and needed to give them another day to work. I reluctanctly caved and the next morning woke up clutching the sheets, tears streaming down my cheeks, shaking with stabbing pains in my ear (my eardrum was bulging and on the verge of bursting!) I was miserable and worse, I could have lost my hearing in that ear. I know next time I will be more persistent. Communication is important.

I'll ask questions on Tuesday. Thanks for all the input

well, I was back today so I asked the following questions

1. What is wrong with me?
A. Mild postural related Thoracic joint irritation.

2. Is there a medical term?
A. laughs - T4 Syndrome

3. Can you provide relief of the symptoms?
A. Usually yes, by correcting joint dysfunction

4. Over what period?
A. usually 8-12 sessions

Twin Lakes how come every time I come out I feel worse? I told him I have pain under my right shoulder so he stuck accupuncture needles into me somewhere on my back for about a minute( I told him last Thursday I was needle phobic), then cracked my neck and then my back - at the top of my spine, between my shoulders, middle back amd then lower back. He has now given me an exercise to do. I have to face a corner with my palms and fore arms on the wall and elbows at shoulder height. I have to do a kind of pressup holding for 30 secs towards the wall repaeting this a couple of times an hour.

Hi Mark,
Is this now your third visit?
Do you even get temporary relief after seeing the Chiro?

A small number of people do get sore from an adjustment but usually see the greater good. Can he do some therapy
after treating you to help with that ~ like ultrasound - reduces swelling and dissolves microscopic calcium deposits
and then High Voltage Stim to relax those cramping muscles.

If you are very muscular, perhaps your doc needs to do the therapy BEFORE the adjustment. That sometimes helps.

When adjusting in the T4 area ~ has he ever gotten an audible? (sound) If that truly is the problem area, I have to say it is not the easiest area to adjust. I have been to a lot of docs that skip right over that area; don't even try to move anything ~ maybe because they don't know how?


Is he doing the exact same treatment every visit.

If so, you might tell him,"Ok; I've been here X number of times and had the same treatment with no improvement. I feel it is time you alter the treatment to try for a better response". OR refer me to someone who can take a more innovative approach.

That diagnosis really didn't tell me much; have never seem a perfect spine so of course most everyone has postural problems. What is he doing to change your posture (he seems to think it is contributing to the problem so he better be adressing it)

Let me think on it a bit more.

Doc Marshall


Edited to ask if the acupuncture relieved the pain?

I love it when my doctor uses the voltage thing. Feels so good later. Jo

Muscular? I wish LOL

The acupuncture hasnt relieved the pain. The dull ache which is now in the region of my right shoulder, now and again, stops me taking very deep breaths. ie it gets very sore

Is an audible when my vertabrae crack? If yes then they do every time buy not s much as when I first went. This is my 4th visit.

I asked for his card today also.

It reads

Dr D. J. Black
D.C. BSc (Hons) DipHe RMN
Doctor of Chiropratic

Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Mark,
I would urge you to find another Chiropractor fast! Just like a medical doctor or any other professional who provides a service, there are great ones and really bad ones!
Two years ago I fell cross-country skiing. I was in incredible pain and couldn't move me arm up more than a few inches. I tried everything, including muscle relaxants (which I had never taken before)....FINALLY I got smart and went to a local Chiropractor. I liked him the minute I met him. He spent quite a long time with me on the first visit asking me how I did it, exactly where and how it hurt, as well as questions about my physical activity in general, my state of health and my diet! Three visits later I was almost completely better. He never made me feel like he was in a hurry, he always answered my questions honestly and completely, and when I went in and told him I thought I was fine again, he never pushed me to come back (but I have anyway!). He charges $35.00 and I can take my sons, 18 and 13, in any time for $5.00 a visit. Since they both play basketball, they go in: once right before the season starts and once just after it ends. He's fabulous!
I would recommend Acupuncture as well. Hope you are better SOON!

Like it always does my pain went during the night. I cant say the Chiro did it. It will reappear one day and when it does I will go elsewhere.

Thanks everyone for your in put