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njh514
member
tell me about your chiropractic experience
njh514
member
I am sick and tired of always having a headache. Lately my neck has hurt and I can't turn it to check my blind spot. (that's a problem) So I started seeing a chiropractor. Just wondered what you've experienced. You read online but all you get are the super faithfuls and those who say it's a load of crap. I want real-life experience stories. Please and thanks!
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Re: tell me about your chiropractic experience
I started going to a chiro about 2 years ago. I broke my foot and spent 2 weeks teaching first grade in a walking cast, and my hips were way out of whack. I was in excruciating pain, but the idea of going to a chiropractor kind of freaked me out so I kept putting it off. I had this image in my head of how a neck adjustment would go and I was scared! Finally I broke down and went, and I'm so glad I did! One side benefit that I noticed was that I was no longer getting the migraines that used to plague me, so I decided to keep going back. I was so out of alignment that initially I had to go twice a week for several weeks, but after that I only had to go once a month. Now I go about every 2 weeks because this baby is throwing my back WAY out of whack. I can see the same guy I saw before because he treats pregnant women as well, but not all of them do. He doesn't do the other treatments on pregnant women, though - ultrasound wand on the neck, massage chair, etc.
HTH!!
I've never been to a chiro, but as someone that's suffered from very frequent headaches since childhood I'd recommend trying a baltic amber necklace. I didn't buy myself one with any expectations of it relieving pain (I thought it would be cute to have one similar to DD's teething necklace) but the difference it's made for me is like night and day. I haven't had a single headache in months, and before I would've considered it a huge victory to go pain free for a week.
I actually tried that. Even though I don't think it's cute, I got the light yellow one because it said that they have the highest amount/concentration of whatever acid it is. It does sometimes take the edge off, but it doesn't do enough to keep me out of pain. :-( That was the first thing I actually tried other than ibuprofen.
That stinks
I hope you're able to get some relief, headaches suck.
For me, I've come to the decision that a well-trained chiro is probably good for immediate pain relief, but on-going continuous treatment is counter-productive or useless.
I have a bad back (thrown it out twice, on-going pain) and I over-strained it working on a farm (limping and shooting pains down my leg). The initial consultations for a couple weeks did relieve the pain significantly. I moved and on the advice of the old chiro...signed up with a new one to do a 6-8 month intensive treatment. After several months, the adjustments were causing me more and more pain in my neck and back, and seemed to be doing more harm than good.
I stopped going...worked on yoga, stretching and core strength and just gave things time to heal and and am now pain free. My physical therapy sister has since given me stretches and strengthening exercises that do a world more good.
The other thing that makes me skeptical of chiro's long-term is it seems like every single person gets diagnosed with a hip that's "1-2inches out of alignment" and the cure is endless adjustments.
The first thing I tell people is it really depends on who your chiropractor is. There are the super doctor types and the super quacky types. The key is finding someone in the middle.
Going to a chiropractor definately helped that daily "background" headache as I called them and I've felt a lot healthier overall. I don't have any major problems other than lower back pain but going just 1x a month for maintenance really keeps me going strong.
I had a great experience with a chiropractor. He was able to correct my rotatory scoliosis, and help with my head aches. I think what made him so great is that he didn't go in for anything gimmicky or quacky, and he always had the goal of eliminating my problems so that I wouldn't have to keep coming back.
He actually got me started on yoga, too. He recommended it to strengthen my back muscles. It worked and got me completely hooked on yoga!
I agree with PP who mentioned that chiropractic care can be great for acute pain, but over the long term, it becomes one more appointment you have to make regularly and the cost can add up. I started doing chiropractic care about four years ago and I have had two different chiros in that time. I felt that much of what they were doing was helpful and I was able to find relief from neck/shoulder pain (I totally understand the blind spot issue).
On the downside, I often felt sore after adjustments and sometimes had lingering achiness that was worse than my original symptoms. Plus, I felt I was being pushed to purchase massages, supplements, and at home devices, which really adds up. Overall, I decided to stop the chiro because it began to feel like in order to stay well, I had to keep going in for adjustments.
About a year ago, I decided to take a break from chiro and try acupuncture instead. I was getting zero relief from my TMJ issues at the chiro and within two weeks, I was pain-free in my neck, TMJ, and shoulders. Plus, the treatments helped me with sleep issues, headaches, and PMS. I had to do several sessions at the beginning, but now I go in a few times a year for flareups.
FWIW, I think if you're firm about knowing your treatment plan and how much time and money you want to invest, you'll be satisfied with your treatment. Just be sure that whoever you decide to work with knows what they're doing and comes recommended.
I'm coming out of lurking to answer your question. I've suffered from migraines for years and take medication for them. I don't want to be on meds anymore so in seeking other treatments I looked into chiropractic care. I'm also interested in acupuncture, but my insurance doesn't cover that, so I started with chiropractors.
I second what other people have said: it really depends on the chiropractor. The first chiro I saw I DID NOT like. While she treated my initial pain (I threw my back out in an exercise class), she was too pushy and was trying to sell me everything from vitamins to pillows. Not my kind of practitioner. So I switched.
The chiro I see now is excellent. He's been in business for years and came highly recommended. I've been being treated twice a week for about a month I've noticed a big difference in my migraine pain and over all health. The frequency of migraines are decreasing, and the intensity of pain is decreasing significantly. For instance when I used to feel one coming on, it would take 2-3 hours for any medication to have an effect. Now, if I feel a migraine coming it's gone w/in 30 minutes. To me, this is amazing! I am also sleeping much better and without pain.
What I appreciate about this chiro is that he explains everything and educates me about what is going on in my body so I can make my own decisions about my health and recovery. He also has the goal of eventually not needing chiropractic treatments, or at least not depending on them.
I would encourage looking into seeing a chiropractor, but use word or mouth to find a good one, and don't hesitate to switch around until you find someone you like and trust. Good luck at finding relief for your pain. I know that constant headaches are some of the worst pain around. I hope you find relief soon! :-)
I was a non-believer but went anyways just to make sure I was doing all I possibly could to help with the pain in my back. After a few months I realized the pain was slowly going away. I went twice a week for about 3 or 4 months, and have felt better ever since. Seriously fixed my pain permanently, I don't go at all anymore.
And have to say it was well worth trying it even though I was so against it.
quotes Michelle likes
Thank you all for your responses. I started going and have been back a few times. I'm very happy with how I'm feeling right now. The chiropractor is super nice and not one bit pushy or anything. The staff is very laid back and I feel like after just 2 weeks they know me. They ask about my kids and how my day at school went. Just super nice. I'm glad I took the leap because I feel like I'm sleeping better and my pain is improving. Some days I have 0 pain all day. I'm becoming a believer!