Chiropractors: Yay, Nay, I dunno.

[N2MYE30]

I get headaches quite often and I really dont like popping pills to remedy them so I go to "my chiropractor." He says that my c1, c2, hip, etc. is out. A couple of cracks here and there..."Ok, come back in two days." Ive been to the chiro doc for a couple of months on and off (as scheduled by him) and I still get my headeaches. Now he suggests that I take some herble meds/supplements to help stablize my body...for a small fee of course.

I feel that they are just taking my insurance company to the cleaners. I never feel relieved. Some people say that my chiro hits every spot perfectly and feel like a new person, some (like me) thinks its a bit of guess work. I want believe that the chiro doc is right, but maybe its not what I need.

So, do you have them on your speed dial, stay away,scam or no clue?

[pureaudio]

Snake oil salesmen for the most part in my opinion. I guess there are legit ones out there but anyone who makes you come in regularly for "adjustments" just so you can not be in pain should be avoided.

[chadthestampede]

Are they migraines? Does it happen when you wear hats, or if you don't eat regularly? The only thing you can really do short of medication is eat regularly and healthy, as well as keep yourself hydrated.

I have chronic migraines but whenever I get one I just pop a treximet and it always goes away.

[KenC]

They're knowledgable about a lot of musculoskeletal issues, but I wouldn't pay them more than a physical therapist. The "adjustment" are a crock of shit.

Go see an MD.

[jeff_b]

I went to chiros two times. The first time was when I was in my mid-20s, I received a free "back crack" coupon. I had no back problems to that point. He stuck me on the table, cracked me up and down, cracked my hips, off I went. That night, I hit four home runs in our softball game (not normal for me). I went again in my late 30s, after a couple of hard falls on the ice. This particular chiro took an xray, couldn't crack my back, then said my back was "too tight" for him to make any adjustments immediately, and that it would take multiple visits. I never went back.

[reelizmpro]

I go to them regularly because of the line of work I do and my insurance covers it. I get massages and adjusted twice a month. My friend swears they helped her with her migranes too. I would certainly go less if I had to pay out of pocket though.

[pbr87]

I've always been content having a petite woman walk along my spine. My GF says that chiropracters work for her. I don't know much about them though.

[E30 Wagen]

I guess you need to think of a chiropractor like you would a physical therapist. Sometimes people have chronic problems that need attention over a long period of time because their spine is so messed up.

I got whiplash when i was younger which messed up my neck, causing nerves to be pinched/inflamed, and caused me severe disorientation. It took many adjustments but eventually it went away. I notice that when I do not take care of myself, or sleep in a bad position, or generally over do it, some problems come back: neck pain, back pain, headaches, trouble concentrating...

To be honest, though, I would just advise somebody to first make an effort to maintain good posture, get some massages... Stay active and keep your back muscles in good shape and eat your veggies.

Also, sometimes your eyes going bad can give you headaches, or at least a bad lense prescription...

[BraveUlysses]

About 6 years ago I had immense back pain for 2-3 days and went to one, who promptly did something to my back to solve the issue. I continued visits for a few months and never went back after that.

I'd say yes for immediate relief, no conclusive idea if they help long-term.

[N2MYE30]

Ive gone to the MD and he said take two of these an call me in the morning and drink more water. :/ He did ask me if I wanted a scan but I was gonna hold off because there is no pattern to my headaches.

During the winter months I tend not to drink h2o as much so im sure me not drinking enough doesnt help. Excedrin migraine is the only thing that works for me. Coffee sometimes works.

Oh and Chad, sometimes a ballcap will bring one on and I eat moderatly healthy. .

Its not about my personal money cause im fully covered. Its my time that I want back. Hell, for all I know, it could be making it worse.

[Bishop]

I <3 my Chiro. My mom used to work in his office to so I got free treatment. I go maybe once every one or two months. I started stretching every morning after doctor's suggestion, and it's actually made me feel much better. Every time I go I get stretched, popped, massaged, ultrasound muscle massage thingy, and acupuncture. I love me some acupuncture.

[mitch500]

i like them i had band stomach pains after and accident i had when i was young.. i broke my knee and my femur.. it left my leg 1 inch shorter because i cracked the growth plate in my knee... anyways after about 5 years it threw out my back so much i started to cut off nerves that controll regular digestive issues... i went for about 6 months 2 wimps a week to the chiropractor, my stomach digestive issues is now fixed.;-)

[Hodge]

My dad had extremely bad scoliosis (had a big hump on his back) and his parents put him in a brace when he was a kid because they "didn't believe in chiropractors".

He started going about 25 years ago and went regularly up until he passed away. Not only did the chiropractor help stop the scoliosis from getting worse, he helped increase blood flow to the rest of his body. Not to say that he was ever in bad shape though. My dad was hyper athletic his entire life.

I go regularly as well, to the same guy. I always feel so much better afterwards. I tend to find that people who call them "snake oil salesmen" or "a load of crock" either A) never have been or have been brainwashed to think so, B) had a bad experience with a bad chiropractor (which there are plenty of, just like regular MD's btw), or C) believe that there is a pill or surgery for everything.

Oh btw, one of my brothers was developing scoliosis like my dad and he continually goes, and has had great posture and not too many back issues.

[Restoman]

Ask him where he went to medical school. That get's them fired up every time. Mine took it for what it was. He didn't ever get on his soap box and start preaching. He took the insurance to the cleaners when possible and made a living. He quit and now manages a gas station he leases from a friend of mine.

[mrsleeve]

when I was doing supper physical work for a living, bout once a month get an adjustment. Haven't been in a few years but yeah they are good for you, if you find a good one that knows what they are doing.