Just out of curiosity, what's your take on Chiropractic, Doc? I've heard over the years that Chiropractors aren't taken very seriously in the 'Medical Field' from various means. And I know their course of study is nowhere near the length or depth of a General Practice doctor or even a specialized care provider. I'm also pretty sure they're not held in the same regard as even a physical therapist having attended the proper course of study.

But you can't dispute the fact that for the most part, when people go to the 'back-crackers,' they generally feel better afterwards.

So, what do you think of it in general? Snake-Oil peddlers and 'laying of hands on crack-pot medicine' with better alternatives? Or does it have it's place in the realm of legitimate practiced medicine?

Personally (with no medical basis whatsoever), I wouldn't give mine up for anything in the world. I've got scoliosis, and while it's actually gotten better as I've gotten older (the "C" curve between my shoulders is almost flat now, and the "S" curve in my lower back is far less than it was), I still have a vertebrae sitting at a 45 degree angle to the one below it, and a couple of lesser crooked ones as well. Having them sit that way causes innumerable problems with my whole body, not just my back. I've had pinched nerves, random numbness, random swelling (it's kinda scary when you wake up and one of your feet is twice as big as the other), and really bad pain over the years.

One visit to the chiropractor, and I feel like a new person. And considering it's $35.00 per visit without insurance, and I go approximately once every six weeks (or longer, or more often, depending on what I've been doing), it's not that expensive, either. Average I spend per year is about $300, give or take.

They might not be "real" doctors...but I'm good with paying such a small amount for something that makes me feel so much better for so long afterward.

Chiropractors do pretty good physcial therapy and as Felix said , for not a huge amount of money. To go to our local Healthsouth , they charge over $100 for the first visit and they don't do much besides show you a few exercise and hand you a couple of handouts. There are "good" chiropractors and "bad" ones , the same as with doctors. The good ones don't milk you. They listen , they lay hands on , perhaps a good bit of what they do is placebo , but it's pretty safe and doesn't have a lot of side effects. I have a few people who visit "herbalists" . If what they go for isn't serious or doesn't have any better real medical treatments , then I don't discourage the people from going. The bottom line is how do they feel. Sure , some of it is snake oil , but if they feel better , that in itself is worth it.

IMO ive been to one...OMG what a diffrence...IN PAIN's PRO OPINION YES....but listen to what the doc said too about milking ya.....

Since I'm totally incapable of relaxing, I've been contemplating an "adjustment." I think one or two sessions ought to relieve some tension and I think my health insurance covers it so... off I go!

That's what I figured you'd say.

It's neat to know a real doctor who's interested in curing the ailment, rather than just treating a symptom.

Thanks again, Doc.

I think that the ones that know what they can do, realistically, are great. I worked in the "land of Palmer" in the quad cities and some of them want to adjust babies, cure cancer and the common cold. They concern me.

I used to go but did get the occasional, we'll see you next week bs - not if I'm not hurting buddy!
There was also a time when I felt i had to go 3 days in a row and all he did was seem to make it worse, total pain.
I said hell with this, went to my GP got some muscle relaxers, popped one and hit the hot tub, fixed me right up, was fine the next day!

And some doctors I know treat patients for "chronic systemic yeast infections" , use chelation therapy , H-Wave therapy , and other forms of medical quackery.

My allergies have gotten better since I've been going.

(of course, he never claimed they would, and it could just be that I'm growing out of them somewhat as I get older )

I think ifyou find a good one, it's worth it.

The first one I went to was not so great. I'd leave with headaches every time, and then I'd have to go back for him to fix it.

But the one I'm seeing now is not so bad. He's helped a lot with my tight neck. Today will be my last session (of four) with him.

I should also add that depending on the affected area or injury that a chiropractor can actually hurt you or make it worse (much). I went to one for my neck and after several treatments it only got worse - seeing as this was not helping I saw a specialist who eventually sent me to have an MRI that showed two herniated disks in my neck - the last thing you want to do with a cervical herniation is snap the head around to try and loosen up and realign. The guy could have actually paralyzed me!

The first rule in medicine is "Do no Harm". I would imagine that applies to chiropractic as well. Any intervention runs the risk of making a person worse. A good chiropractor will recognize the signs and symptoms of a herniated disk and will not attempt to manipulate. They also have access to MRI scanning and do not require my authorization to order one.

I had a chiropractic dr keep me out of surgery for 2 years , last time i saw hin and he looked at my xrays with 2 steel rods , 8 screws and bolts he said NO WAY.
good man.

I have no earthly idea if a herniated disk would show up on regular x-ray or not, but maybe this applies.

My chiro takes a full series of x-rays every two years at most. I had my second set done last fall, about 15 in all. He also wouldn't touch me until he did a series of x-rays the first time I went to see him. It was my third visit before I got on the chair, the first was for consultation and taking x-rays, the second was for looking at the x-rays and more consultation.

You can't see a herniated disk (HNP) on regular xrays. It takes a MRI or myelogram with CT. But you can get some idea of the spine and the amount of interspace room.

There's a much cheaper and easier way of relaxing for you!! Noise Noise Noise!
15 bucks, little man - put that sh&t, in my hand!!

G