Do you believe in Chiropractic Medicine?

[TaraMaiden]

Your meal analogy makes no sense in this context. Anecdotal or testimonial evidence rarely if ever has any scientific value. Modern medicine is a scientific discipline.

And is as fallible as any form of medicine.

i would wager there have been as many victims of 'modern medicine' as there have been of any other type, if not more.

So your grandiose supposition that 'scientific' equates with 'reliable', is fatuous and short-sighted, to say the least.

 

Therefore, it is useless for me to consider the experiences of a handful of people as proof of chiropractic's medical value or lack thereof.

It's proof enough for them, and the fact that they credit chiropractic with their improved state is all they need.

 

Show me some independent research that demonstrates that chiropractors can do even a tiny fraction of what their wacky philosophy claims they can do, and then I'll be convinced.

 

OK, tell me where you live, and I'll make you an appointment with a local chiropractor, for your own independent research.

Because until you yourself have ever had direct literal hands-on experience, you have absolutely no right nor grounds to discriminate against or criticise the practice.

 

And stop being so disparaging.

simply because you don't prescribe to it, doesn't make it "whacky".

 

That's just bloody rude, and extremely patronising towards those who use chiropractic with success.

[FitChick]

Here is the American Medical Association's policy on chiropractors. They are known for being very conservative.

[snug.bunny]

Thank you FitChick for the link.

 

My back has been much better as of late. Since I last posted, I've incorporated some light back exercises, stretching, Advil, hot bath, massage, heat pad, Icy Hot Patch, and the new bedding.

 

I have a follow-up with the Chiropractor once my X-ray comes back. I know he wants to apply the "Graston Technique" (which I prefer over any form of spinal manipulation), but I've read personal accounts that the procedure is very painful and there aren't enough scientific studies published on it. Yet, I've also read that some people have had great results from it. Decisions, decisions. Errr.

 

So, what I have since decided, is that I am going to make an appointment with my General Practitioner (I've been going to him for close to 15 years, and I trust him completely) and get his input FIRST, before having anything done to my back. I will see what the Chiropractor has to say with regard to my X-ray results, and also give them to my GP, but will not move forward with any procedures at this time. I don't know enough about Chiropractic care to feel at ease with it at this juncture. Thanks for all the helpful comments, if anything changes, I'll let you know.

[FitChick]

Just because you have a bulging disk doesn't necessarily mean that is causing pain. It can be that the ligaments are too loose. See if you can find a prolotherapist near you. It's basically an injection to set up the body's natural healing response. Check out this doctor's website. He teaches prolotherapy to other MDs. You may have heard it called PRP because many pro athletes who cannot afford being disabled by surgery try this technique first.

 

Prolotherapy video explaining it. This doctor has a lot of videos on youtube about this and other subjects.

[snug.bunny]

Just because you have a bulging disk doesn't necessarily mean that is causing pain. It can be that the ligaments are too loose. See if you can find a prolotherapist near you. It's basically an injection to set up the body's natural healing response. Check out this doctor's website. He teaches prolotherapy to other MDs. You may have heard it called PRP because many pro athletes who cannot afford being disabled by surgery try this technique first.

 

Prolotherapy video explaining it. This doctor has a lot of videos on youtube about this and other subjects.

 

Thanks FC! I'll look into this further and talk to my GP and see what he says. There's a lot of information to digest, oye!

 

[FitChick]

Thanks FC! I'll look into this further and talk to my GP and see what he says. There's a lot of information to digest, oye!

 

Your GP has probably never heard of it unless he is well versed in sports medicine.

[snug.bunny]

Your GP has probably never heard of it unless he is well versed in sports medicine.

 

Perhaps...

 

He's Family Practice certified for 25+ (and also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Chairman at a regional medical school + hospital). He knows my medical history, so, he can always refer me. If he has heard of it, you owe me $10.00.

[cerridwen]

Thank you FitChick for the link.

 

My back has been much better as of late. Since I last posted, I've incorporated some light back exercises, stretching, Advil, hot bath, massage, heat pad, Icy Hot Patch, and the new bedding.

 

I have a follow-up with the Chiropractor once my X-ray comes back. I know he wants to apply the "Graston Technique" (which I prefer over any form of spinal manipulation), but I've read personal accounts that the procedure is very painful and there aren't enough scientific studies published on it. Yet, I've also read that some people have had great results from it. Decisions, decisions. Errr.

 

So, what I have since decided, is that I am going to make an appointment with my General Practitioner (I've been going to him for close to 15 years, and I trust him completely) and get his input FIRST, before having anything done to my back. I will see what the Chiropractor has to say with regard to my X-ray results, and also give them to my GP, but will not move forward with any procedures at this time. I don't know enough about Chiropractic care to feel at ease with it at this juncture. Thanks for all the helpful comments, if anything changes, I'll let you know.

 

So glad you're feeling better, Bunny niblet.

 

FWIW, I've used a chiropractor in the past for injuries to my lower back.

Fabbbbulous!

She had been a vet at one point.

Had big old ranch hands.

She was great at cracking me and I always left feeling like a million bucks.

Keep us updated.

[snug.bunny]

So glad you're feeling better, Bunny niblet.

 

FWIW, I've used a chiropractor in the past for injuries to my lower back.

Fabbbbulous!

She had been a vet at one point.

Had big old ranch hands.

She was great at cracking me and I always left feeling like a million bucks.

Keep us updated.

 

Thank you Pumpkin Pudder!

 

Very glad to hear the Big C helped you. I cracked my own back last night, it did feel goood. haha.

[shorty7]

Hello snuggles!

 

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Was thinking about you, thanks for the update. I think seeing your GP for his opinion is likely the smartest move in this case.

 

I know it sucks to have to incorporate all those new things in your life to alleviate your pain without knowing what single thing exactly contributes to efficient pain management. But you seem like a well rounded person who understands that a wholistic approach of everything in moderation is what is effective (just as a dietitian would tell anyone there's no single food source or pill that you can just eat to miraculously lose weight and a combination of good diet, sleep, exercise and plenty of water is what is needed to keep balance).

 

I wish you luck.

[shorty7]

Show me some independent research that demonstrates that chiropractors can do even a tiny fraction of what their wacky philosophy claims they can do, and then I'll be convinced.

What is this "wacky philosophy" you talk of?

 

You also still haven't answered the question of what exact alternatives other than chiro do you suggest for pain relief specifically related to snug.bunny's injury.

[FitChick]

What is this "wacky philosophy" you talk of?

 

You also still haven't answered the question of what exact alternatives other than chiro do you suggest for pain relief specifically related to snug.bunny's injury.

 

He probably works for BigPharma and recommends plenty of drugs. Take crack for your back! Like

[snug.bunny]

Hello snuggles!

 

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Was thinking about you, thanks for the update. I think seeing your GP for his opinion is likely the smartest move in this case.

 

I know it sucks to have to incorporate all those new things in your life to alleviate your pain without knowing what single thing exactly contributes to efficient pain management. But you seem like a well rounded person who understands that a wholistic approach of everything in moderation is what is effective (just as a dietitian would tell anyone there's no single food source or pill that you can just eat to miraculously lose weight and a combination of good diet, sleep, exercise and plenty of water is what is needed to keep balance).

 

I wish you luck.

 

Hiya shorty! Thank you for the warm sentiments. And, I'll keep trying to find other means to combat it. I can deal with the occasional pain, the pinched nerves and the loss of feeling in my arm/hand from time-to-time is what annoys me the most, but I'll just have to suck it up for now.

 

Weee!!

[TheBigQuestion]

What is this "wacky philosophy" you talk of?

 

You also still haven't answered the question of what exact alternatives other than chiro do you suggest for pain relief specifically related to snug.bunny's injury.

 

Read any basic article about chiropractic. Try Wikipedia, even. If that doesn't raise a million red flags to you, I admit I will be speechless.

[TaraMaiden]

Read any basic article about chiropractic. Try Wikipedia, even. If that doesn't raise a million red flags to you, I admit I will be speechless.

OK, here's the deal...

 

I have now read loads or articles about chiropractic.

I have also perused wikipedia.

 

Hell, I have even received chiropractic treatment (one up on you there. )

 

Not one single red flag raised, I haveta say.

 

Can we now hope this does in fact render you speechless?

[TheBigQuestion]

OK, here's the deal...

 

I have now read loads or articles about chiropractic.

I have also perused wikipedia.

 

Hell, I have even received chiropractic treatment (one up on you there. )

 

Not one single red flag raised, I haveta say.

 

Can we now hope this does in fact render you speechless?

 

I lied. It takes a lot more than that to shut me up.

 

"A 2008 critical review found that with the possible exception of back pain, chiropractic manipulation has not been shown to be effective for any medical condition.[16] Health claims made by chiropractors regarding use of manipulation for pediatric health conditions are supported by only low levels of scientific evidence[105][131] that does not demonstrate clinically relevant benefits.[132]"

 

A 2011 Cochrane review found strong evidence that there is no clinically meaningful difference between spinal manipulation and other treatments for reducing pain and improving function for chronic low back pain.[23] A 2010 Cochrane review found no current evidence to support or refute a clinically significant difference between the effects of combined chiropractic interventions and other interventions for chronic or mixed duration low back pain.[139] A 2010 systematic review found that most studies suggest spinal manipulation achieves equivalent or superior improvement in pain and function when compared with other commonly used interventions for short, intermediate, and long-term follow-up.[24]

 

"The core concept of traditional chiropractic, vertebral subluxation, is not based on sound science. The biomechanical listing systems taught in chiropractic college technique offerings have been criticized as inaccurate, inadequate and invalid.[194] A critical evaluation found that research has not demonstrated that spinal manipulation, the main treatment method employed by chiropractors, is effective for any medical condition, with the possible exception of treatment for back pain.,[16] whereas, another review found manual therapies in general to be effective for back pain, neck pain, some forms of headaches and some extremity joint conditions.[22] Although rare,[1] spinal manipulation, particularly on the upper spine, can also result in complications that can lead to permanent disability or death; these can occur in adults[33] and children.[174]"

 

The extent to which anti-vaccination views sustain the current chiropractic profession is uncertain.[17] The American Chiropractic Association and the International Chiropractors Association support individual exemptions to compulsory vaccination laws, and a 1995 survey of U.S. chiropractors found that about a third believed there was no scientific proof that immunization prevents disease.[18] The Canadian Chiropractic Association supports vaccination;[17] a survey in Alberta in 2002 found that 25% of chiropractors advised patients for, and 27% against, vaccinating themselves or their children.

 

So... none of this concerns you at all? All these paragraphs are from the Wikipedia article that you read. How do you respond to these claims?

 

I for one am glad that immunizations were largely responsible for killing off the smallpox virus. Yet less than 20 years ago a pretty significant portion of American and Canadian chiropractors actually believe that vaccinations are ineffective. Pure idiocy.

 

The general knowledge available about chiropractic is pretty much in line with what I've been saying since my first post in this thread: Chiropractic may be an effective treatment for back pain for some people, but overall, it is pseudoscientific nonsense that should not be trusted. The fact that it may be effective for a handful of medical conditions does not make it any more viable as a legitimate medical discipline. After all, a broken clock is correct twice a day.

[TaraMaiden]

You don't get it, do you?

 

your protestations come to absolutely two parts of three-fifths of naught when speaking to someone who tried it and found it to work.

 

I found a great practitioner who kept me on my feet.

Other people have had very favourable results after physical treatment.

 

Actions speak louder than words.

 

You insist on presenting all the references for us to read, but you ignore the fact that we have actually experienced chiropractic treatment and found it to be beneficial.

Spout citations all you like.

 

Until you've been there, and experienced it yourself, it's all utterly trivial and irrelevant.

[snug.bunny]

Now that you two have stopped arguing , I will post my results with my first Chiropractic adjustment.

 

How exciting .

 

Anywho, my Cervical Spine Xray indicates I have what's referred to as "Military Neck" (Cervical Kyphosis). My neck is completely straight with no curve, which can contribute to a lot of the pains/strains I've had as of late.

 

The Chiropractor only did one manual manipulation, in my neck, and it popped. Combined with electrotherapy and the graston technique. I went in there with chronic neck pain, and walked out with none. Though, I still have nerve damage/pain in my right hand leading to my elbow, but the neck pain was alleviated.

 

I have an appointment with my GP in two weeks, so I'll see what he says, but I decided to try the Chiropractor because the pain was becoming unbearable and I couldn't wait any longer.

 

One of my concerns, is the cost. My health insurance covers only a portion of it, and the co-pays are $50 a session, so I cannot afford to see the Chiropractor a couple times per week as he suggested.

 

If anyone knows of anyone who has Cervical Kyphosis, I'd be interested to hear what has worked best for them.

[FitChick]

Buy a memory foam pillow at Bed Bath and Beyond. Worth the money and should help your neck. If you sleep on your side, your head shouldn't tilt up or down but be horizontal with your mattress. I have to use a folded up sheet under my pillow to slightly raise it to accomplish that. If you sleep on your back. the molded form will cradle your neck.

 

You might want to try sports massage if it's cheaper.

[Crusoe]

Late answer, I prefer an osteopath to a chiropractor but will go to both before seeing a GP or going to hospital. Have popped 5 discs over the years, traditional medicine did nothing to help but my osteopath smashes me back into shape immediately. Never had to have more than one visit for any injury.

[snug.bunny]

Buy a memory foam pillow at Bed Bath and Beyond. Worth the money and should help your neck. If you sleep on your side, your head shouldn't tilt up or down but be horizontal with your mattress. I have to use a folded up sheet under my pillow to slightly raise it to accomplish that. If you sleep on your back. the molded form will cradle your neck.

 

You might want to try sports massage if it's cheaper.

 

I have always been a stomach sleeper, which as of late, I have found is part of the culprit. It's going to suck-a-roo not being able to sleep on my stomach. I'm going to get a Body Contour pillow and perhaps a Cervical Traction Neck pillow (I have the memory foam mattress topper). There's also a product called a Cervical Traction Posture Pump, I'd feel like a tool though using it (heehee).

 

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nDXUGAGML._SL500_AA300_.jpg

 

 

Late answer, I prefer an osteopath to a chiropractor but will go to both before seeing a GP or going to hospital. Have popped 5 discs over the years, traditional medicine did nothing to help but my osteopath smashes me back into shape immediately. Never had to have more than one visit for any injury.

 

Not too familiar with Osteopathic medicine. What do you mean by "smashes your back"?

[CopingGal]

My teacher said that chiropractors were glorified witch doctors. But there are people that insist that chiropractors have really helped them. Learning to become one is very technical. You take a lot of science courses.

[Crusoe]

Not too familiar with Osteopathic medicine. What do you mean by "smashes your back"?

 

Whatever is out of position gets put back into position. He's pretty rough and I often end up hanging from what he calls his "rack" whilst he uses me as his punchbag. It's not pleasant but it works.

 

It's all about finding the right person for you, though. Before I met this fella I had been to all sorts. GP's always seemed very reluctant to do anything about back trouble other than give me pills and put me on a waiting list. The chiropractors I saw seemed to whisper sweet nothings, give me give me a rub down, loosen things up, lessen the pain for a day or two and ask me to empty my wallet on them the next week. The osteopath I use now will snap me in half and put me in a lot of pain but he gets the job done. Have literally crawled into his office on my hands and kness before, only to walk out an hour later and go straight back to work.

[TaraMaiden]

 

Not too familiar with Osteopathic medicine. What do you mean by "smashes your back"?

 

Note, he didn't say "smashes MY back into shape", he said "smashes ME back into shape"...

 

[snug.bunny]

My teacher said that chiropractors were glorified witch doctors. But there are people that insist that chiropractors have really helped them. Learning to become one is very technical. You take a lot of science courses.

 

It's all a matter of perspective. Some say the same of Acupuncturists, some say the same of Traditional Medicine. What I don't agree with, is the over-prescribing of medications (which I'm not sure what Country you live in, but here in the US, seems to be rampant). Medications have their place and in certain cases, are needed, but a personal choice of mine is one that includes finding alternate methods, and medications as a last resort.

 

I've had mild success with Acupuncture, and Day three after my first Chiropractic adjustment, and the pain has been reduced. Today, being the first day that the pain in my hand has subsided. I'm also continuing with my neck/back exercises, and avoiding sleeping on my stomach.

 

Whatever is out of position gets put back into position. He's pretty rough and I often end up hanging from what he calls his "rack" whilst he uses me as his punchbag. It's not pleasant but it works.

 

Eek! That sounds brutal. I think I'll pass on that. But, glad it has helped you.

 

It's all about finding the right person for you, though. Before I met this fella I had been to all sorts. GP's always seemed very reluctant to do anything about back trouble other than give me pills and put me on a waiting list. The chiropractors I saw seemed to whisper sweet nothings, give me give me a rub down, loosen things up, lessen the pain for a day or two and ask me to empty my wallet on them the next week. The osteopath I use now will snap me in half and put me in a lot of pain but he gets the job done. Have literally crawled into his office on my hands and kness before, only to walk out an hour later and go straight back to work.

 

You raise a valid concern, "emptying your wallet". My Chiropractor suggested coming in to see him 2-3 times per week, which would end up costing me $400-600 per month, which is outlandish. But, he said, do what I am comfortable with. So for now, I am limiting it to 1-2 times per month. He spent an hour with me, the first 1/2 hour was discussing my "condition" and, the remaining 1/2 hour was performing work on my back/neck.

 

 

Note, he didn't say "smashes MY back into shape", he said "smashes ME back into shape"...

 

 

Yah, literally. I've figured it now!