Chiropractors: WDYT?

lenfant1201 · February 2012

OK, so I've always thought of chiropractics as being one step above crystals and bee pollen. This is not based on any personal experience--I just grew up in a poor family where you only saw a doctor when you absolutely had to, and you always viewed any kind of treatment as a potential way to milk more money out of you. I have great insurance and see doctors when I need to, but I still have this lingering suspicion of things like chiropractics and physical therapy. I fully recognize that these suspicions are not based in fact.

My question: Have you been/would you go at 7 1/2 months pregnant? This sciatica is killing me. I can't sleep, can barely walk, and am utterly miserable. I've tried Tylenol, heating pads, and a pregnancy support belt, and those have given me no relief.

I've looked at several chiropractors' websites in my area, and they all list sciatica as a condition they can treat. That said, I'd be skeptical of going when I wasn't pregnant--but now, with a volleyball sized belly, I'm scared that going could make things worse. My OB said some patients find relief with a chiropractor and I have his blessing to go, but I can't shake my old prejudices.

What do you think?

dojo1 · February 2012

At the risk of being totally insulting to chiropractors and their loved ones, I have always felt like they are witch doctors who encourage temporary relief and keep telling you "6 more treatments" is all you'll need.

That being said, when I had sciatica I would sit in my car for 15 minutes trying to move my legs out and during that time I would reconsider my views on chriopractics. I never went, but I do think you should do whatever it takes to make yourself more comfortable.

I would only be comfortable going to one recommended by my ob.

I minimized my pain by doing hamstring stretches, sports massage and rolling a tennis all under my low back while on the floor. If you've never had a sports massage before get ready for the tears to start flowing, that sh!t hurts, but it works! Honestly, if my rmt was torturing me for information, I would have sung like a canary!

tessatewks · February 2012

I've been going to the chiropractor every 4 weeks since I've known I've been pregnant. My last pregnancy was miserable between the back pain, headaches/migraines, and aches and pains. I wasn't even workign full time, but had to give up hours because I just could not do the physical parts of my job without collapsing in pain at times.

This time - entirely different story! I am 33 weeks pregnant, working full time in a physical job, and besides normal shortness of breath, I feel great! I can't believe how much I am still able to do and how much less pain I am in this far along.

Chiropractic adjustments and the Webster technique not only minimize pregnancy aches and pains, but relieve round ligament pain and help to keep/put baby in optimal birthing position. Adjustments can help turn baby from breech or transverse to head down.

They also can recommend specific types of exercises and stretches that will help with your individual problems for inbetween visits. These have been my life saver. If I overdo it at work - again, because I feel so great and sometimes just push myself too hard! - for weeks before I go back, I can do those exercises and stretches and feel a million times better. I should be doing them every day, but I'm not always so good about doing them.

Sunshine+Luv · February 2012

I was having sciatic nerve pain, and my ob recommended a chiropractor. Luckily my pain has gone away for now.

I went to a chiro for about 3 visits a few years ago. My neck was hurting for about a week and wouldn't stop. I went in somewhat skeptical, but it was AMAZING. He would adjust me and I would feel as great as if I had gotten a long massage. Loved it. My neck pain went away and never came back.

To be totally honest, the chiro did try to tell me I needed to come once a month for upkeep, but I just ignored him. He fixed my problem, so I was happy.

Also, I had a coworker compare a chiro to a drug dealer. They give you a little feel good so you keep coming back for more, haha.

westrose · February 2012

I can understand why you might be weary, but I am not sure what I would do without my chiropractor. She specializes in pregnant woman and has a special table to make room for the baby. I would get a suggestion from your OB and try it. We are only going to get bigger the next couple weeks and it might really give you some relief.

Caronl · February 2012

Hi- I am a physical therapist so here is my two cents about the two professions...

A chiropractor believes that any pain you have is coming from your spine and with a few adjustments you will be feeling better. This is usually true, however the physical therapy thoughts on it differ a bit. Physical therapy tries to find where your body is out of alignment and correct that problem, which in return usually solves the pain issue. If you keep up with the PT stretches and strengthening, in theory your pain should stay away, but with the chiropractor it can often be very temporary relief given that they have not really addressed the problem.

That being said...I have worked with and met several chiropractors who get the whole picture and work very closely with PT to totally relieve and solve the problem.

If you decide to go the route of chiropractor, there is no reason why you can't go while pregnant, just make sure that you find one who specializes in pregnant women.

Hope that helps!

FlyHigh37 · February 2012

Personally, I would go to a physical therapist. However, I am biased. I am a phyiscal therapist. Actually, I don't think chiropractic is a bad idea completely, but if you do go to a chiropractor go to one that gives you exercises... and I personally don't believe in having people come back for maintenace. As a PT, I believe that things are hurting for a reason. You should correct for those things with adjustments, exercises, ect, to a point in which you can independently keep it corrected and don't need maintenace.. however, a lot of america prefers not to do exercises or stretches on their own or don't have the dicipline.. which is why going to a chiropractor regularly might be easier.. however, I think being overly adjusted throughout life can become a complication over a long period of time. Whatever you do, do something. Sciatica is painful. Get relief. Also, check with your insurace. Insurance pays for PT to some degree. They don't always a chiropractor.. you would just need a referal from your doctor to see a PT.

Monicagail1 · February 2012

If not for my chiropractor I'd have been incapacitated a long time ago. I have been to some chiros who want to put you on a 3x a week plan and charge your for a million things, but my current chiro is very laid back. He encourages your to come in only when you feel you need it.

I think with any professional providing services (medical, automotive, sales, etc) there's a risk that they're a bad apple and just out to take your money. The trick is finding someone who is qualified, knowledgeable and reputable. Definitely ask your OB and your local board for suggestions in your area.

OrganicTeacher · February 2012

I LOVE my chiropractor - he does a good deal to help both me and DH out physically, and while I used to believe that all that stuff was voodoo - the past few years have really changed my thought and life. I can go for long periods of time without getting adjusted and having anything done - and when I am having a tough time, then I go back a few times to see him. It is especially awesome when I can FEEL that I am out of whack and he can fit me in. That always rocks. He has a masseuse in his office - and I go once a week to see her to keep everything loose. It is nice because it all bills through my insurance.

GAPeach68 · February 2012

I have a great chiro that tells me to come when I need it. I feel like a new woman every time I leave her office. I am going about every two weeks now. I would love a prenatal massage but what she does LASTS and isn't just a day of relaxation.

adamstodrake · February 2012

Okay, I am going to br frank, I also thought going to the chiropractor was a waste of time and money. But, I broke down and started going about 2 months ago, and I feel SOOOOOOO much better! My horrific hip pain is gone, my lower back pain is much better, and my upper back, while still hurting a bit, is hurting so much less. I had aweful sciatica by this time with DS and it had started already, but we headed it off and I have zero sciatica pain at this time. My chiropractor is also helping to treat my heartburn and inner ear pain... who would have thought?!

Bonidiebabe · February 2012

I really understand where your opinion comes from. I went to a chiropractor and totally felt like he filled my head with terrible thoughts about my alignment and scared me into treatments i prob didnt really need. IMO there are good ones and bad ones. My mum went to a chiro for years that she absolutly loved.

If I were you, i would try to find personal references. I would go for sure though.

Ximena M · February 2012

I've had really bad back pain and hip pain on and off since October. I went to my regular chiropractor then and I felt really good immediately after. Then I got a little freaked out about the safety of the treatment so I decided to try massage. While that was fine it didn't last long and it wasn't covered by insurance. In January I was hurting sooo bad that I told my doctor's nurse, she gave me a recommendation to see the physical therapist. After I went to th physical therapist I could barely walk for two days. Then I felt great for about a week longer. By the time I went back to my doctor's I was once again waking up crying at night with pain. I asked her how she felt about me going to the chiropractor and she was all for it. She just wanted to know who I was going to see and gave him a BIG thumbs up.

I expect that I will need to see him a few more times, but it really helps. On top of that he is SUPER HOT!

biochembelle · February 2012

I've seen a chiropractor every other week for years, partly because in the summer I wakeboard, which does a number on your back. However, he's very laid back about letting the patient decide how often they want to come in. DH went for about 3 months when he was having sciatic pain, and then quit when the pain got better. The chiropractor frequently asks how he's doing and tells me to tell DH "Hi" but that's it, no pressure.

I upped my frequency to weekly when I started having horrible sciatic pain, which I further exacerbated with a fall the weekend after Thanksgiving. He has a table that drops down for the belly and treats pregnant women right up to the day they deliver, if they want. I'd be miserable without him.

My advice is to shop around and find one you like. I've been to good chiropractors and sleazy ones, just like anything else.

Harper'smom · February 2012

I am going to a chiropractic center that specializes in pregnant women. I was nervous but it is a well respected center. I went for 4 treatments and since I was feeling good and everything was loose my chiro said I was done until it came back or until I want to start labor prep at 34/35 weeks. I'm planning a VBAC at a birth center and this is my last baby so the extra measures and expense are worth it. Also my center does a combo of massage and adjustments at each visit. I would choose your provider very cautiously.

erniebufflo · February 2012

My biased view as an MD's wife: chiros are very good at temporary pain relief. It's when they start claiming an adjustment can cure your constipation or allergies that they get into quack territory. I bet one could help your sciatica.

JaimeG183 · February 2012

I used to be scared of the chiro but about 3 years ago my hips and back were constantly killing me. I have an extra vertebrae and my hips would go out of place. I started seeing a chiro every month and it really helped.

Since being pregnant, I've been going the entire time. He has really helped my sciatica and now I'm going to him for SPD as well. He has been honest that he can't cure any of it but he can realign me so the pain goes away (until my joints loosen again- anywhere from a week to a month)

I think you have to find one you really trust and one that specializes in pregnancy.

Johlise · February 2012

I recently asked my chiropractor what a manipulation actually involves. He told me that most people are scared because it seems like he is "forcing" things to go back in place. Which in fact isn't true. When he does an adjustment, with the techniques he knows and minimal pressure your body automatically corrects itself.

Based on what you are saying about your sciatica, I would go and give it a try. I had the same problem and it was bad until I went for several chiropractic treatments. So far I've been for 3 in the last 1 1/2 months and it's made a world of a difference for me! He did suggest going for a massage first, and then within 48 hours coming to see him. The massage helps loosen the muscles which is also helpful.

If you have any questions feel free to ask, and I'll try answer them.

lenfant1201 · February 2012

Thank you SO MUCH ladies for sharing your experiences & views--this has been really helpful! I looked in my town and found two practices that look promising, neither of which are open on weekends. I drove by one of them, and there was a big banner out front that said "Dr. Horne can help you lose 30 lbs in 30 days through chiropractic adjustment!!!" Sigh. So that guy's out. I'll call the other office and see what I think, but sadly, that reinforced my existing prejudices.

I hadn't thought about physical therapy at all--I don't know why! I've been to PT before, but it was for running related injuries. I guess since I haven't injured myself, that route didn't even occur to me. I'll call my PT and see if they have anyone who's worked with pregnant women and sciatica. I feel much more comfortable going that route.

Again, whether you were pro or con, I really appreciated reading what you had to say--thank you!

Keeks14 · February 2012

I have been seeing a chiro on a weekly basis during this pregnancy. It has helped me so much with all types of pain.

There are chiros who are hacks out there, and there are chiros who are good and give great care. As with any type of doctor, you just have to find the right one.

MaryYVR · February 2012

I studied physiotherapy but don't work as a physio now. I would personally look into physio or osteopathy, if you have one nearby (osteopaths are frequently physiotherapists and have completed several years of additional training). When I studied physio, I did a few "stages" with osteopaths and they were INCREDIBLE. I usually try and see one when I have similar types of pain. With a few treatments they have usually resolved back, neck and SI issues.

I've never been to a chiropractor. I have a few friends who are neurologists (they don't even know each other) that will rant for hours if you ask them about chiropractors and have pretty much forbidden family members from seeing them.

TotallyLoCo · February 2012

I started having sciatica very early - I think around 13 weeks. After a couple of weeks of barely being able to walk I went to a chiro that specializes in maternity, and by the second visit I had no pain. I now see her just about every week and feel great. I have scoliosis and am prone to lower back pain so always assumed that pregnancy would be brutal for me, but I rarely have any pain and I really think that's due to my chiro visits.

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