brocglock23 4 Posted May 19, 2013 So over the past few years my back and neck have been bothering me more and more. I've gone to the doctors and they can't find anything wrong and they now want to refer me to a specialist. Before I make that appointment I was curious on people's thoughts on chiropractors. I've heard people talk about them like they are gods and I've heard horror stories. Your thoughts......... sent from my Samsung Note 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueLineFish 615 Posted May 19, 2013 I have tried a few times.....not all that impressed. After my back surgeries no more. Leave it up the the specialists Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anselmo 87 Posted May 19, 2013 In general, they are all a little kooky and try to rope you in. I've had good success with chiros. Much safer than surgery Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brocglock23 4 Posted May 19, 2013 I have tried a few times.....not all that impressed. After my back surgeries no more. Leave it up the the specialists If you don't mind me asking what part of the back were you having problems with? I've been having problems with my neck and in between my shoulder blades (mid to upper back). I was told by my doctor that if they found something wrong that nobody would do surgery to correct the issue unless my life style is affected. I obviously don't want surgery but i'm getting sick and tired of having to wake up every morning being sore and taking ibprofen like tic-tacs throughout the day just to make it through work and be able to play with my daughter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NYMetsFan86 9 Posted May 19, 2013 BEFORE YOU HAVE SURGERY ON YOUR BACK CONSIDER ALL OPTIONS. What type of specialists have you seen? Lots of times people are sent to Orthopedic surgeons or spine surgeons who want to immediately operate. If you have a hammer everything looks like a nail. I have no particular problem with chiropractors, or orthopedists of any kind, I know a bunch, and they are great people. However, lots of people end up getting spinal fusions before considering other options which leads to arthritis and range of motion issues down the road. When you fuse two vertebrae together it puts stress on the surrounding joints and can lead to more problems down the road. Have you had any MRI's done? I do know some people who have gotten relief from chiropractics as well, they seem to need to keep going back for "adjustments" but if it works go with it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueLineFish 615 Posted May 19, 2013 I have bulging discs in my neck and two herniated discs in my lower back which i have had surgery on with minimal success. I am planning on have a bigger surgery some time next year if possible Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrg455 6 Posted May 19, 2013 I've never been to one, but I've had 2 back surgeries, and wish I would have tried a chiropractor first. I'd say try it once and see if it works for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NJDrew1 0 Posted May 19, 2013 There must be something to it, if some health care providers include chiropractic services in their list of medical services that are included in the policy. Go for an exam, a few manipulations and see if it helps. Sure beats surgery if you can avoid it. BTW -- if you can use Aleve, you might get away with less pain meds. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NYMetsFan86 9 Posted May 19, 2013 If you don't mind me asking what part of the back were you having problems with? I've been having problems with my neck and in between my shoulder blades (mid to upper back). I was told by my doctor that if they found something wrong that nobody would do surgery to correct the issue unless my life style is affected. I obviously don't want surgery but i'm getting sick and tired of having to wake up every morning being sore and taking ibprofen like tic-tacs throughout the day just to make it through work and be able to play with my daughter. Careful with large doses of NSAIDs, dont want to get into the side effects of high dose or long term steroid use. L Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NYMetsFan86 9 Posted May 19, 2013 I have bulging discs in my neck and two herniated discs in my lower back which i have had surgery on with minimal success. I am planning on have a bigger surgery some time next year if possible If you are up for answering this, have you ever had any injections? Also, have you ever heard of endoscopic discectomy or hydrodiscectomy? Minimally invasive, removes the portion of the herniation that is pressing on the nerve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
siderman 1,137 Posted May 19, 2013 I get to mine every 6-8 weeks for routine maint. Between my bad knees/shoulder my gait gets so wacky I hurt a lot. Always feel much better after "healing" for a day or so. My chiro trys to avoid the "violent" corrections like cracking the neck etc, he uses an actuater. Its a hand held tool like a mini jack hammer that pounds the sweetspots of nerves and muscles, much like acupuncture.Works for me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brocglock23 4 Posted May 19, 2013 BEFORE YOU HAVE SURGERY ON YOUR BACK CONSIDER ALL OPTIONS. What type of specialists have you seen? That's my next step Lots of times people are sent to Orthopedic surgeons or spine surgeons who want to immediately operate. If you have a hammer everything looks like a nail. I have no particular problem with chiropractors, or orthopedists of any kind, I know a bunch, and they are great people. However, lots of people end up getting spinal fusions before considering other options which leads to arthritis and range of motion issues down the road. When you fuse two vertebrae together it puts stress on the surrounding joints and can lead to more problems down the road. Have you had any MRI's done? I've asked my doctor about them and he said he would prefer a specialist recommend them. I do know some people who have gotten relief from chiropractics as well, they seem to need to keep going back for "adjustments" but if it works go with it There must be something to it, if some health care providers include chiropractic services in their list of medical services that are included in the policy. Go for an exam, a few manipulations and see if it helps. Sure beats surgery if you can avoid it. BTW -- if you can use Aleve, you might get away with less pain meds. I actually switch back and forth between the motron and aleve. both low doses and I'll do a few weeks of one then another. mostly just a dose in the morning and sometimes after work. Maybe wording like tic tacs was not an accurate description but I've just never been fan of taking meds so any amount is a big amount to me. I have bulging discs in my neck and two herniated discs in my lower back which i have had surgery on with minimal success. I am planning on have a bigger surgery some time next year if possible Sorry to hear about this. Hope everything works out for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
anactivegrenade 25 Posted May 19, 2013 Some chiros are quacky, but some are legit and I would consider them "sports doctors".Look for ones that work with athletes and other members of the medical field. I went to APRCNJ in Short Hills/Milburn. The head chiro there is the team chiropractor for the New York Jets and the New York Redbulls. Pretty effing legit to me. Also, if you've got one long weekend to read a book, check out "Ultimate Back Fitness" by Dr. Stuart McGill. He's the spine-biomechanics professor at the University of Waterloo. His research and findings have really revolutionized the way strength-and-conditioning coaches rehab their athletes. I hurt my sacrolumbar region of my back (either a bulging disk or SI-joint pain, I'm not sure), and the methods in this book have helped me BIG TIME. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greatgunstatenj 32 Posted May 19, 2013 a chiropractor was able to resolve an issue for me that several other traditional doctors could not. my SI joint was out of whack, took a couple of months of weekly visits but it has been resolved for quite some time with no return visits. if you are having pain in upper shoulders and neck first thing to do is seriously examine your daily routine, specifically your posture. do you sit all day? at a pc? do you drive all day? sitting is actually bad for your neck and shoulders. it is a constant stress and strain. the new thing is standing at your desk although standing all day really isn't all that great either. best scenario I'd mixing it up and getting up to walk around at least once an hour. also for those with disc issues, look into the DRX-9000. it uses spinal compression/decompression to draw healthy fluids back into the discs. I know two people who have used it to recover from very bad back injuries, one person was unable to walk with out a cane but after several months of treatment is almost back to normal - walking unassisted, still not supposed to lift anything over 40lbs though. metsfan is correct, get off those NSAIDs. being on those things for weeks at a time is terrible for you. one of the good things about most chiropractors is that they take the whole system into account and like to find the root of the problem not just fix the symptoms. you are way south but I know of a great doc up in the Bridgewater area. if you want his info PM me. if you can't get to him maybe he can recommend someone in your area. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
9X19 125 Posted May 19, 2013 I have gone to one for years and it does work. PM me with any questions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
anactivegrenade 25 Posted May 19, 2013 Also, on another note.. I'm studying to become a strength coach. A lot of what I've read/studied/watched/listened to claims that we, as modern-day humans, have to much mobility in our low-backs and our necks, and not enough mobility in our upper-backs, hips, and knees.Movement in our low-backs (such as bending over to pick up a box) should be substituted with: 1. rigidness in the lower-back, and 2. movement in the hips and knees. Looking at our anatomy, we've got these MASSIVE muscles controlling our knees (our quads and hammies) and more MASSIVE muscles controlling our hips (our glutes, hip flexors, and hammies). In turn, we've got these long, thin muscles controlling our spines, that are optimized for endurance, not strength. Research shows that these core muscles are used best when they act isometrically. Basically, staying rigid and not producing movement. That takes a bit of endurance.Sorry for the rant. Just felt like that'd be useful knowledge to you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maksim 1,504 Posted May 19, 2013 I go weekly.... it has made amazing progress. Same with wife. She had constant back issues, no more. Go a few times and see dor yourself. Its like gun training. You cant do it once and say you are done. Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brocglock23 4 Posted May 19, 2013 I do Commercial and Industrial HVAC. It's actually a combination of Sitting, Walking, Climbing, Lifting, carrying..... Active I'd say for the most part. Anything but consistent. a chiropractor was able to resolve an issue for me that several other traditional doctors could not. my SI joint was out of whack, took a couple of months of weekly visits but it has been resolved for quite some time with no return visits. if you are having pain in upper shoulders and neck first thing to do is seriously examine your daily routine, specifically your posture. do you sit all day? at a pc? do you drive all day? sitting is actually bad for your neck and shoulders. it is a constant stress and strain. the new thing is standing at your desk although standing all day really isn't all that great either. best scenario I'd mixing it up and getting up to walk around at least once an hour.also for those with disc issues, look into the DRX-9000. it uses spinal compression/decompression to draw healthy fluids back into the discs. I know two people who have used it to recover from very bad back injuries, one person was unable to walk with out a cane but after several months of treatment is almost back to normal - walking unassisted, still not supposed to lift anything over 40lbs though.metsfan is correct, get off those NSAIDs. being on those things for weeks at a time is terrible for you. one of the good things about most chiropractors is that they take the whole system into account and like to find the root of the problem not just fix the symptoms. you are way south but I know of a great doc up in the Bridgewater area. if you want his info PM me. if you can't get to him maybe he can recommend someone in your area. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobertJames 14 Posted May 19, 2013 I go to my Chiropractor every other week. I too was reluctant to go at first, as it seemed that once people started going, they were always going. When I listened to what she explained to me and how the process works, how maintaining a spine in alignment rather than adjustments after I did something stupid made sense. So, I've been a patient for going on close to ten years. I used to get very bad headaches several times a month. The kind where you just want to lay in bed all day and not move. My lower back also tightens up on me, as a result of my job. I get relief from this too. My issue with regular doctors is that most only seem to want to pump you full of drugs, or cut you open. I know that there are some docs who want to treat you, but they are hard to find. To the OP, explore your options and keep an open mind. Find a good Chiropractor, I'm sure friends or family can recommend one, and follow there advice. If it doesn't work for you, see a doctor. It doesn't hurt that my Chiro is an incredibly beautiful woman. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mag1 0 Posted May 19, 2013 So over the past few years my back and neck have been bothering me more and more. I've gone to the doctors and they can't find anything wrong and they now want to refer me to a specialist. Before I make that appointment I was curious on people's thoughts on chiropractors. I've heard people talk about them like they are gods and I've heard horror stories. Your thoughts......... sent from my Samsung Note 2 PM me and I can help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mag1 0 Posted May 19, 2013 I get to mine every 6-8 weeks for routine maint. Between my bad knees/shoulder my gait gets so wacky I hurt a lot. Always feel much better after "healing" for a day or so. My chiro trys to avoid the "violent" corrections like cracking the neck etc, he uses an actuater. Its a hand held tool like a mini jack hammer that pounds the sweetspots of nerves and muscles, much like acupuncture.Works for me. It an activator, LOL! Unless it runs on electric, then its an arthrostim usually. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BarkNBite 15 Posted May 19, 2013 Chiropractor: "I believe we need to remove this"..................(your wallet). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djg0770 481 Posted May 19, 2013 Many of us have little to no core strength. In my unprofessional opinion and worth about as much as the electrons on this page, I believe the general lack of fitness and sedentary nature of the entire population contributes/creates the myriad medical problems this country experiences. In addition the absolute desire to fix absolutely everything with a damn pill bottle... Get back to eating healthy non antibiotic jacked up meats and organic no pesticide grown foods along with a reasonable caloric intake as well as a good deal of weekly exercise does wonders for overall body health including mental health. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheLugNutZ 21 Posted May 19, 2013 Do you strength train at the gym? My lower back used to bother me, but i have been lifting for the last 4+ years and hardly ever have issues anymore. Never used a chiro but some ppl swear by them. Like others have said, some are good and some arent, but usually they try to find the root of the issue, not mask it with drugs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhunted 887 Posted May 19, 2013 My ex wife had scoliosis(sp?).... He cured it believe it or not.... Helped me out quite a bit too. If you have a good one, you must trust him and be consistant. Sent from John's iPad 2 via Tapatalk HD Typos courtesy Apple... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brocglock23 4 Posted May 19, 2013 Many of us have little to no core strength. In my unprofessional opinion and worth about as much as the electrons on this page, I believe the general lack of fitness and sedentary nature of the entire population contributes/creates the myriad medical problems this country experiences. In addition the absolute desire to fix absolutely everything with a damn pill bottle... Get back to eating healthy non antibiotic jacked up meats and organic no pesticide grown foods along with a reasonable caloric intake as well as a good deal of weekly exercise does wonders for overall body health including mental health. Do you strength train at the gym? My lower back used to bother me, but i have been lifting for the last 4+ years and hardly ever have issues anymore. Never used a chiro but some ppl swear by them. Like others have said, some are good and some arent, but usually they try to find the root of the issue, not mask it with drugs My lower back use to bother me but going to the gym and exercising regularly helped with it. Not so much with this. My eating habits aren't as great as they should be but I'm working on it. I think alot of this stems from my motorcycle accident in 2007. At least I can say that for my neck, not my mid back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BarkNBite 15 Posted May 19, 2013 My next door neighbor the Chiropractor: Oh.....don't worry you don't have to pay me....your medical insurance will cover it, just keep coming for your treatments......what a bunch of BS ....this is what he use to tell his patients, he told me......SCAM...no wonder why our insurance rates are the way they are.....thank god he finally sold the house and moved away.....he sickened me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
67gtonut 847 Posted May 19, 2013 Wife and I see a great Chiro in Fairfield...... honest, and brilliant ..... we think he didnt become an MD, because he hates the sight of blood.....lol Never asks to set up the follow-up appt. Leaves it up to me, to see how I feel. Usually corrects any issue on 1 visit. I see him only 3-5 times a year. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BarkNBite 15 Posted May 19, 2013 Yup.....my neighbor also use to have his patients work at his home doing whatever their trade was.......he told me he used the Barter System for payment.......I actually thought these patients were probably on disability and working on his home....I believe it to be a Fictious profession....sorry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maksim 1,504 Posted May 19, 2013 Actually not a scam. He was doing you a favor. Most insurance would not cover chiropractic anyway, or charge a high deductibe, such as $50. We pay our chiro $40 a visit cash since our chiro is out of network. Chiropractors are severely underpaid. Insurance rates so high because nj has had obamacare for past 10 years or so. Smokers on death bed pay same rates as their healthy non smoker people. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites