Ever Been to a Chiropractor? (Considering It Myself and Need Advice)

Dear V.,
I have seen Tracy Sawyer at Lynnhaven Chiropractor in Virgina Beach on and off for years. She has helped me out of pain so many times, from were I caused problems when lifting weights, once in a car accident and then she helped my boyfriend and daughter. I believe she has "healing-hands", very professional and an excellent reputation.

Give her a call...its worth it

Chiropractic is wonderful, and could certainly help with what you are describing. I am a massage therapist and many of my clients also see Chiropractors, a great combination.

First visit will probably be as you describe it, and most good Chiropractors don't want you to be locked into going forever. So get some local referrals and go meet people, and find a practice that feels right.

For me, while nothing is "wrong" with my back or neck, I do get adjustments regularly. At this point, I know when my system needs an adjustment and head on it, and feel a lot better!

Yes. The chiropractor is worth it. I personally don't go but my husband had such back problems that no "real" doctor could see. however, he couldn't bend over to tie his shoes after a day's work. We went to a chiropractor in Leesburg and he did x-rays and showed us what was wrong. He set up a treatment plan and it helped my husband so much. We now go to Gateway Chiropractic in Gainesville, va. It is run by two women. They are wonderful. Both active in the community and very flexible with scheduling etc. They recently helped my 11 year old daughter. I was super nervous but the doctor did her treatment with no x-rays. The doctor could tell where the problem was just by talking to her and listening to her answers. I believe whole heartedly in chiropractors!!

A good chiropractor knows what they are doing and will not hurt you further. You may have discomfort depending on how your muscles have healed around your misaligned back. IF you see one it doesn't mean you have to go forever. But for an accute injury they will give you a treatment plan with evaluation points to determine how long you need to see them. In my experience this typically is around 12 weeks total. I have gone to a chiropractor several times in my life and it has helped a lot.

The first time they should take xrays and if they dont then find a different chiropractor. That is the only way for them to see fully what is going on in your back, especially since you are coming in because of an injury.

Then they will possibly have you on a machine for 10-15 minutes to loosen up your back muscles first. It doesn't hurt just feels good and relaxing. Then they will adjust you.

The problem with back injuries is that the muscles heal and hold the spine in the incorrect position. So even when it is realigned after a few days your muscles will have pulled it back out of alignment again. It takes many weeks to retrain your muscles to support your spine in the correct position. But there should be relief from the worst of the pain within the first couple visits.

I threw out my back in 2007. I was so bad that I couldn't stand straight,and I couldn't sit. I had never been to a chiropracter, but I decided I needed something, cried when one said they could see me as soon as I could get there.

The chiropracter that I saw was in Woodbridge. First he did an exam. I didn't need to explain, as soon as he saw me walk, he guessed the problem. I laid down on the table, and he did a cursory exam, checked flexibility, tenderness, etc. Then he hooked me up to the electric stimulus machine. Ahh. Magic!!. Next he took me back into his office where he did the adjusting, poping, etc. He had me come in every day for the first 10 days, or until I got mobility back. At first he was doing the push and pop method, and I ended up with bruises on my back. When I told him that he changed to a softer method of massaging the muscles into place. That did the trick, and OMG!! when things finally lined up!! I almost cried! He had me continue to go in 2x a week for a few months. He also taught me stretching exercises for at home.

One thing to consider, depending on your insurance. If you go to a chiro on your own, you have to pay the copay each time, but if you go under a prescription from your primary care doc., then sometimes you only have to pay one copay, and the series of like 10 visits is all covered by that one copay/prescription.
M.

My lower back started hurting after i had my daughter. Christmas Day was the final straw. After being on the floor all morning helping my daughter open gifts, I could hardly move. I had to have my husband pick up my daughter b/c I couldn't. I went to my regular family doctor who prescribed some pain relievers that did nothing to relieve the pain. My husband had been going to a chiropractor for his back so I thought I would give it a try. It worked great. I did not have to go forever (I'm not going anymore). He put me on a plan where I started going three days a week and then progressed to twice a week and then once a week. After a couple of appointments, I no longer had the sharp pain in my lower back.

That's a lot of questions. Good for you for seeking help.

I'll see if I can touch on them all. I have been going to a chiropractor for over 15 years. I thought it was quackery then, but I had been injured in a car accident (sacro-iliac) and I needed help. I was a convert immediately. To this day, I go at least once a month and feel better instantly. Usually, neck & shoulder pain from sleeping poorly.

Yes, they take x-rays and you'll probably wince when you see how out of alignment your spine is.

No, you don't have to go forever. I have a girlfriend for whom chiropractic did not work, so she doesn't go anymore. Yes, you may have to go frequently to start. This is to get your muscles used to their new positions. This is why you cannot go 1x or 2x. Your muscles are going to pull your bones back to their old, unhealthy state.

No, I don't know anyone who has been injured at a chiropractor's office. Yes, they know what they are doing. In fact, I believe a chiropractor can be a primary care physician.

Hi. I'm a chiropractor, but since I'm working from home, due to liability reasons I'm not able to adjust (the chiropractic word for the chiropractic treatment) patients. (I instead use holistic/nutritional means to help patients get healthier). It sounds as though you need to be adjusted. Chiropractors are all different so it really depends on who you see. Like all doctors, there are good and bad ones. I recommend you get a personal referral. I recommend Dr. Marina Alterman in Bethesda. She is who I personally go to. Other good chiropractors are Dr. Mariella Young in Rockville and Dr. Lisa Hepfer in Wheaton.

Most chiropractors, like myself, have a undergraduate degree. All have a 4 year doctorate degree from a chiropractic school and have had to pass board and state exams to be licensed.

Some chiropractors do take X-rays on the first visit and do an exam. Others just do the exam if they feel x-rays are not necessary. It usually takes more than visit to help a problem. The longer it has been there, usually the longer it takes. After you feel better, it is up to you if you want to continue or not. Some people choose to only go in when it hurts, others want to prevent problems and keep healthy so the go in on a more frequent basis. The chiropractor will give their recommendation based upon their findings but ultimately it is your body and your choice.

When I was pregnant I got adjusted weekly so my body could adapt better to the changes in my body (I had no back pain, sciatica, etc). When the baby was born she knocked my sacrum out of place so I was having trouble walking. I went to the chiropractor and after one visit was 80% better (I usually takes long, but I had been regularly being treated so I responded faster than most. But often people do feel to some degree better after their first treatment). It took another 5-6 visits to get me back to where I was. Now I get adjusted every 3-4 weeks just to keep everything in line.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I'm more than willing to answer any questions you have about chiropractic in general or anything else.

____@____.com
M. Bunker, D.C.

I've been to chiropractors over the years with great success. It started in high school after a car accident and most recently for pregnancy-related pains. I've learned that the method used by the chiropractor is important. If he only wants to crack your back and send you on your way, don't accept that. A good chiropractor will also teach you exercises you can do at home, do massage, electric stem, ultrasound, and other techniques to help the muscles hold on to the new alignment. Look for an office with exercise balls and equipment, not candles and incense. Otherwise, you will have to go back often. One excellent technique is called "active release". Look for a chiropractor qualified to do physical therapy or sports therapy. Most insurance companies will only cover 10 visits or less per injury, so you shouldn't expect a lifetime commitment, although it feels so good you'll want to go back all the time!
We go to Arlington Neck and Back Center - Dr. Maggs. They also have an office in Gainesville.

Maybe you can try something alternative first like acupuncture.

Hi, V. - I go to a chiropractor and it is great. They know what they are doing. That being said, there are different techniques they can use, and you can request the less forceful way of treatment! Some do take X-Rays; if what you have is current, take them with you. They may be able to "fix" you in a few visits; it depends on what you've done to yourself, and if you have a tendency to aggravate the injury by the way you lift, etc. Where are you located? If you are in or near Baltimore, I would suggest Dr. Dover (Lutherville) or Dr. Blaker (Towson.) Feel free to PM me if you need more info. Good luck! BTW - I also see a massage therapist, which is also very helpful! If you are in my area, I can provide a referral there too.

yes to all of your questions. could work might not and it could hurt you for life. chances are it wont but always a possibility. they will say you need to come in forever for maitenance or you might need to go back a few months later because what they did slowely or one day undoes itself. mainly it cant hurt to try one but there alway is that chance (a very slim one) that he could injre you more. good luck.

V.,
I've read the other responses,and have a few comments. I have worked for several chiropractors in the past doing physical therapy in the office. I also am a chiropractic patient, and a massage therapist myself.
Chiropractors go through extensive training,despite what some other responders said. They do have better outcomes than MD's in allied fields.
They can help your back in most cases. It will take more than just one or two times, and you will not have to go forever.
There are several different chiro techniques.
If you contact me, I can send you a referral to a good chiro in your area.
L. M

I have never done it until recently. I have always been sceptical epsecially since they are adjusting your body and I have 2 medical doctors in my family. I just started going recently and it has been great. I had been having sciatic nerve pain really bad in my leg and back. I went for a consultation and he did x-rays and an exam and then gave me a diagnosis. It has helped me a lot so far and I went 4 times already. I would definitely reccomend going but to someone who is reputable who you trust. I can give you the name of the person that I go to if you are interested.

chiropractors.. oh the stories i could tell! one chiropractor decided that he needed to work on my back..while naked, both of us. i don't think so ! the next chiropractor took one look at me and instantly decided that i needed back surgery, he honestly believed that i was so stupid that i would agree to major surgery, without him so much as doing an in depth exam first when i asked him to explain how he came to his conclusion without doing an exam first, he got huffy and belligerent and informed me that he was the doctor, not me. two strikes so far. after all that, i decided to try something on my own,so, pre pregnancy i would lay out flat on the floor, legs together and my hands bracing the support arm of the futon behind me then, slowly bring the legs up toward the waist, try not to bend your knees, or bang your head, and see how high you can raise your legs first to your waist and then as close to your face as you can, it is going to be uncomfortable the first couple of times you do this, but you will feel better and you might even gain an inch in height . just go slow, and without distractions while doing this
K. h.

Good morning. I have not read the other responses that you have gotten. However I see a Chiro. for TMJ (lock jaw) and for my lower back (that has been giving me problems since I was pregnant w/ our first son who is now almost 4). It has helped alot. I will tell u there is no quick fix. Depending on how bad it is. ex: My TMJ I go twice a week until it starts to reset itself. (this is the second time I've had it.) She also does my back at that time also. The first visit pretty much goes over your history and you'll have an x-ray to see what is going on. Though I didn't get one this time b/c I told her I had it before. B/c I had TMJ before, I was told it could possible happen again and that getting an adjustment every couple of monthes (after we get it back to normal) will help in not locking up again. It has helped my lower back considerably. I use to be I'd wake up w/ the pain and stay in pain for a day or two, before it would subside, but now I may wake up a little stiff, but shortly after gettig up it's gone. And we are still working on that too. I would definatly say go and give it a try. What could it hurt.

I've never been to a chiropractor, and I know a lot of people who don't trust them. I have some friends who swear by them though. Even with not going, though, I have an uncle who is one, and he definately knows what he's doing. Some people go back for recurring problems that can't be fixed. For others it's a one-time deal. It depends on what the problem is. Chiropractors are like any other doctor-some are great at it and some not so great. Find a really reputable one and my guess is that you'll be much more like the people who swear by them.

Chiropractors are NOT medical doctors. Although almost all try to portray that they are. I do not think they should be able to use the title of 'Dr.' in my personal opinion. My father in law used a Chiropractor for back pain, and got x-ray's taken, etc. The Chiropractor completely missed the cancer in his back causing the pain and continued to treat him. Again, they are not medical doctors. The cancer was not caught in time. If you decide to use a Chiropractor, do not substitute them for a medical doctor. The amount of education is not the same. They can not preform surgery or prescribe medicine. I would work very closely with your doctor in addition to using the Chiropractor, if you decide to do so. I personally do not trust them at all. If you have not already done so I would get an MRI. Best of luck.

Hi V.,
I do not have personal experience, but my mom goes to her chiropractor about once every month or two. She loves it. She had injured herself at work many years ago, and could hardly move afterwards. At first she had to go several times a week, until the muscles were working right again, but now she just goes if it is bothering her. I remember when she first went, they did x-rays and an adjustment and set up a plan for the coming months.

Hope this helps and that you find relief soon!