Chiroprtactors: Good or bad?

[blueflame]

please, tell me more about acupuncture?
sorry for the hijack, i thought it may be helpful as well.
andreas

My Dad swears by chiropracters, as he's had problems with seperated shoulders from too much manual labor in the past. But I'd agree with posters above saying that it all depends on the chiropractor you get. Ask around.

I'm sure it also depends on your problem.

And as for acupuncture, it is amazing. Once again, it depends on your problem, it's not a miracle system, but neither is western medicine. If I ever have significant medical problems in my future, it will be acupuncture and homeopathic treatments only for me. I've been totally and thoroughly unimpressed with western medicinal practices.

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[mcarnes]

As has been mentioned, I worry most about going to a bad chiropractor. The spine is really something I don't want to just play with. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone around here who goes to one so it's a bit harder to make an educated guess.

You could just try one and see how you like it. One visit really isn't going to cost that much. Just be upfront and tell the chiro that you want to "try it once". If you don't like it or if the doc is pushy, don't go back.

I was skeptical at first as well and asked a lot of questions. As far as I understand it, adjusting is pretty safe. My chiro said his malpractice insurance was only around $400 a year, and he saw like 50 patients a day. Compare that with an osteopath or MD who pays $100,000 per year or a gynecologist who pays $250,000 per year and it is clear who is doing the serious damage to people and getting sued. A good chiro will diagnose your problem and realize it is either in his scope of practice to treat, or refer you if it is something more serious (i.e. cancer, infection, etc).

You should also realize that chiros in the U.S. are very different from other countries, as the licensing laws here are much more rigorous.

 

[frankblundt]

You should watch Jacob's Ladder - i'm not sure if it's a positive view of chiropractice or not but it plays a central role in an outstanding movie.

 

[iBlue]

they can be helpful but it's not always the "best thing". it's a lot like cracking your knuckles, after doing it for a while you NEED to do it in order to get your hands to feel right. not a very good habit in general.

i'm more inclined to recommend an orthopedist for most intents and purposes of this nature.

 

[CatLover]

I haven't personally used a chiropractor to be able to answer your questions. Many people are very pleased with their chiro's service though, and this site has compiled the top ten chiropractors by area based on customer satisfaction:

http://www.myprimebuyersguide.com/listings/health/chiropractors/sonoma/santa-rosa.html


Since all these chiropractors are reputable and recommended by their clients, hopefully you'll be able to choose a good chiropractor for your body's needs!

 

[obeygiant]

They are good but you have to find the right one.

If you go and he charges you 35 for adjusting one vertebrae and says "well we don't want to hit a home run just yet." Thats a sham.

The ones who give you full spinal adjustment each time you go. Thats the one you should stick with.

In both cases your first visit is going to be more expensive because they always take an x-ray.

First visit $75 for x-ray and $35 for adjustment

Subsequent visits $35 or $40

 

[abijnk]

I went to one as a desperate attempt to get some relief from bad whiplash (so, for my neck). The "spinal manipulation" scared the hell out of me. One wrong move and it wouldn't be pretty. I don't have that much faith in anyone!