# Chiropractors-yea or nea? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [June 24, 2011, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642 "2011-06-24T00:50:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/41 "2011-06-24T19:22:40Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Never been to one, never would consider going to one. > > [I’ll bet this woman wishes she hadn’t gone to one as well.](http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/toddler-crushed-to-death-at-minn-chiropractors-office-while-mom-was-strapped-to-table/2011/06/10/AG3ZzGPH_story.html) Really? That’s what you’re going with as an argument against chiropractic care, c’mon. Both of my experiences noted above involved pain that had failed to get better with home modalities, improved immediately upon adjustment and resolved within 6 visits. The first would have had me coming for years if I let him, and the second told me up front that these usually resolve in 5-6 visits. ---
**Author:** ![SanguineSpider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SanguineSpider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanguineSpider)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/42 "2011-06-24T19:31:44Z")
Well, I probably won’t go back to the chiropractor. I’ll work on this myself and hopefully be able to get some physical therapy sessions. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/43 "2011-06-24T20:19:14Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > In the IANOD spirit of things I’ve found that exercise after throwing out my back does a lot of good. Oddly, I’ve kind of discovered that today. I’ve been moaning about my lower back pain for a month, but after rock-climbing yesterday … I feel pretty good. Sore … but a good kind of sore. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/44 "2011-06-24T20:47:03Z")
I have a chronic lower back disc problem. Once or twice a year it’ll go out on me (usually through something strenuous like sneezing the wrong way, while bending and lifting don’t cause problems). The pain and stiffness generally resolve in about 7 days with no treatment. I’ll bet that if I went to a chiropractor he’d have me back in shape in only a week! ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/45 "2011-06-24T20:48:31Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > I have a chronic lower back disc problem. Once or twice a year it’ll go out on me (usually through something strenuous like sneezing the wrong way, while bending and lifting don’t cause problems). The pain and stiffness generally resolve in about 7 days with no treatment. I’ll bet that if I went to a chiropractor he’d have me back in shape in only a week! I’ll take that bet! How much? ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Ayebaw](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darth_ayebaw/32/9870_2.png) [@Darth\_Ayebaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Ayebaw)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/46 "2011-06-26T01:49:34Z")
At the very least, if they’re not causing direct harm, the placebo effect itself might make a difference. Then again they might as well pray for relief, but dressing up as a doctor these days seems to work better for some reason. ---
**Author:** ![markdash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@markdash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markdash)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/47 "2011-06-26T03:36:49Z")
I had some moderate lower back/hip pain a couple years ago, probably caused by repeatedly bending over and picking up my infant son from his crib. When the pain did not go away for a couple weeks, I started seeing a chiropractor. One of the first things he asked me at the initial evaluation: “Have you seen a doctor recently?” He made it very clear that it was important to go to the doctor for yearly checkups. He was also virtually woo-free: He does not prescribe chiropractic for non-back issues. The sessions usually involved an adjustment on the table (the man can crack backs like it’s nobody’s business. Well, I guess it IS his business), followed by electrodes on the affected area to stimulate the muscles for about 20 minutes. After a couple weeks of treatment, my back pain was gone. As an atheist, chemist, and general skeptic when it comes to alternative medicine, I had my doubts about chiropractic. But I think there are 2 reasons why chiropractic makes sense. First, if my back is feeling a bit weird, cracking it myself will often relieve the problem. Second, there’s something to be said for the placebo effect. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/48 "2011-06-26T05:54:47Z")
> [@markdash](#): > > I had some moderate lower back/hip pain a couple years ago, probably caused by repeatedly bending over and picking up my infant son from his crib. When the pain did not go away for a couple weeks, I started seeing a chiropractor. > > One of the first things he asked me at the initial evaluation: “Have you seen a doctor recently?” He made it very clear that it was important to go to the doctor for yearly checkups. He was also virtually woo-free: He does not prescribe chiropractic for non-back issues. > > The sessions usually involved an adjustment on the table (the man can crack backs like it’s nobody’s business. Well, I guess it IS his business), followed by electrodes on the affected area to stimulate the muscles for about 20 minutes. After a couple weeks of treatment, my back pain was gone. > As an atheist, chemist, and general skeptic when it comes to alternative medicine, I had my doubts about chiropractic. But I think there are 2 reasons why chiropractic makes sense. First, if my back is feeling a bit weird, cracking it myself will often relieve the problem. Second, there’s something to be said for the placebo effect. So let me get this straight; you believe in chiropractic because 1) cracking your knuckles feels good, and 2) useless shit can work if you believe it does?? Well, i’m sold! ---
**Author:** ![markdash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@markdash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markdash)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/49 "2011-06-26T08:05:19Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > So let me get this straight; you believe in chiropractic because 1) cracking your knuckles feels good, and 2) useless shit can work if you believe it does?? Well, i’m sold! Back, not knuckles. Sometimes I get some minor pain in my back, which is remedied by cracking it. This would indicate that the adjustment part of chiropractic can actually have some benefit. But beyond that, yes, the placebo effect can be powerful. But good luck getting it with your attitude. ---
**Author:** ![papergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/50 "2011-06-26T15:31:29Z")
I’ve had good results with my chiropracter. Originally, I went to a clinic, and although the treatments were helpful, it was obviously one of those “come as often as possible until the insurance runs out…then you’re cured!” places. After that, I went to a chiro who made me watch a film on subluxations and then charged me a fortune. Then I found my current chiropracter. I had terrible, debilitating headaches related to neck/shoulder pain which I am sure is all related to postural and physical issues. (One leg slightly longer than the other for starters.) Someone recommended this man because he’s a no-nonsense guy–doesn’t try to sell me crap, doesn’t want me to come back a million times, doesn’t try to fix things that he feels are outside his realm. While I was there for the first time he was able to pinpoint the pain in my shoulder by palpating it (a good massage therapist can do this too, of course.) Then he took a phone call and I overheard him tell the caller that chiropracters can’t fix rotater cuff injuries, a surgeon or physical therapist would have to be consulted. (My first chiro would have treated you for measles if you’d come in with spots.) Then he worked me over, helped me up off the table headache-free for the first time in days, and charged me $30. I asked when I should come back and he said that was up to me…whenever I felt like I needed him. So…I’ve had some experience with several types of chiro, and this one works for me. I have no health insurance, I don’t want painkillers, and I have to do something to deal with my headaches. Physical therapy might help, but again, no insurance. For now, I go about once a month or so, and that makes a world of difference. As to the placebo effect, I’ll take it. The whole point of placebos is they work, after all. There was a point when I said if wearing a chicken on my head would make my headache better, I’d do it…on the whole, chiro is a less-wacky choice. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/51 "2011-06-26T19:43:41Z")
> [@markdash](#): > > Back, not knuckles. Sometimes I get some minor pain in my back, which is remedied by cracking it. This would indicate that the adjustment part of chiropractic can actually have some benefit. > > But beyond that, yes, the placebo effect can be powerful. But good luck getting it with your attitude. I’m sorry i just found the post funny. I DO agree with your sentiments on the placebo effect, however. But in that context, ANYTHING can be justified. ---
**Author:** ![Razncain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2011, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/52 "2011-07-01T23:43:40Z")
Excellent cite for what really goes on with chiropractors that I’ve used many times before: [http://chirobase.org/](http://chirobase.org/) ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2011, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/53 "2011-07-02T18:12:29Z")
> [@SanguineSpider](#): > > I tried a four weeks worth of sessions (two times per week) and I couldn’t stand for about 10 minutes or so after attempting to get off the table (the doctor had to help me up and hold me). I have lower back issues and I dread going because I know it’ll take me time to stabilize myself after getting up into a standing position. What also makes me dread going is the fact that this guy has his tables out in the open, we’re not in a room where I can have privacy. I am very shy and it took a lot of talking myself into it to go in the first place. I really don’t enjoy having others see and hear my pain. > > He has me on my stomach at first and does compressions that make my back pop (which doesn’t hurt until he gets into the lower lumbar, iliac crest areas), then wants me to roll on my side to do more compressions, and then finally on my back to bring my legs up and then straighten them out as he pulls. Getting up from that position KILLS me, I can’t do it without his help and my back buckles on me. It’s not a wide table and I have a lot of trouble turning onto my side then onto my back. I know my muscles are very weak due to an injury from a couple years ago and am looking for OTHER ways to strengthen them instead of these chiro sessions. He did give me some"homework"… stretches to do at home and using an exercise ball. Those I have no problem doing and I can still stand after doing them. > > His attitude is of course that I “cannot” go without chiropractic help but I just dread going. My mother was very against my decision to do this, she had some horrible chiropractors who caused more harm then good. I am beginning to understand exactly what she means. > > I think I am going to attempt to get some physical therapy through insurance (if possible) and/or research some techniques to work those muscles on my own. Plus, getting rid of my evil futon will surely be a BIG help!! Do any Dopers have some tips, tricks, exercises they do for strengthening lower backs? I do not see myself going back to this chiropractor, I don’t want to end up in a worse state! I had lower back pain and thought I would have to give up racketball. I read on the net and had others tell me, that I should sleep sideways with a pillow between my legs. I thought it was a dumb idea, but I did have an extra pillow. I did it and my back pain is gone. ---
**Author:** ![Uber\_the\_Goober](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/58956e/32.png) [@Uber\_the\_Goober](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uber_the_Goober)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2011, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/54 "2011-07-02T18:55:53Z")
So honestly…what is wrong with accepting the fact that as with ANYTHING, some of it works, and some of it doesn’t? If the chiropractor is a quack (as a person), then likely he can’t help you and just wants your money. If the chiropractor is interested in doing what works for you, as an individual, and does not pursue treatments which do not have positive effects, then he is likely to help you. It CAN work, it DOES work, but not in all cases. And unfortunately, there are a huge number of frauds and fools out there. The homeopathic bunch are fools for scientifically proven reasons. But such isn’t the case with chiro because there are people who have experienced positive results. So you can’t scientifically prove that it’s not possible to have a positive effect. Look, if the chiropractor gives you bad vibes (your woo meter goes off) then don’t use him. But don’t write off the whole lot because of a few horror stories or because of one moron. Just do your own homework and make sure you’re not getting involved with a weirdo who has a record of hurting people or of doing nothing beneficial for years on end to the same patient. ETA: I’ve been to more than one chiro with good results, bad results, and neutral results. I only go to the ones who help. Which is currently only ONE. 🙂 And I don’t believe in “regular maintenance plans”. If it can’t be fixed shortly, then it can’t be fixed. ---
**Author:** ![Uber\_the\_Goober](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/58956e/32.png) [@Uber\_the\_Goober](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uber_the_Goober)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2011, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/55 "2011-07-02T18:59:35Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > I had lower back pain and thought I would have to give up racketball. I read on the net and had others tell me, that I should sleep sideways with a pillow between my legs. I thought it was a dumb idea, but I did have an extra pillow. I did it and my back pain is gone. Absolutely! Works great. Know what works better? Get a bed that works. If you need to use a pillow between your legs (as I do on my current crappy bed), then it’s indicative of a larger problem with your posture in the night. Usually caused by a saggy mattress. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2011, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/56 "2011-07-02T19:54:06Z")
> [@echo6160](#): > > So honestly…what is wrong with accepting the fact that as with ANYTHING, some of it works, and some of it doesn’t? > > If the chiropractor is a quack (as a person), then likely he can’t help you and just wants your money. > > If the chiropractor is interested in doing what works for you, as an individual, and does not pursue treatments which do not have positive effects, then he is likely to help you. > > It CAN work, it DOES work, but not in all cases. And unfortunately, there are a huge number of frauds and fools out there. The homeopathic bunch are fools for scientifically proven reasons. But such isn’t the case with chiro because there are people who have experienced positive results. So you can’t scientifically prove that it’s not possible to have a positive effect. > > Look, if the chiropractor gives you bad vibes (your woo meter goes off) then don’t use him. But don’t write off the whole lot because of a few horror stories or because of one moron. Just do your own homework and make sure you’re not getting involved with a weirdo who has a record of hurting people or of doing nothing beneficial for years on end to the same patient. > > ETA: I’ve been to more than one chiro with good results, bad results, and neutral results. I only go to the ones who help. Which is currently only ONE. 🙂 And I don’t believe in “regular maintenance plans”. If it can’t be fixed shortly, then it can’t be fixed. “So you can’t scientifically prove that it’s not possible to have a positive effect.” Um, yeah, you also can’t scientifically prove that it’s not possible to have a positive effect from eating dog food and believing in it. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2011, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/57 "2011-07-02T20:01:48Z")
> [@echo6160](#): > > So honestly…what is wrong with accepting the fact that as with ANYTHING, some of it works, and some of it doesn’t? > > If the chiropractor is a quack (as a person), then likely he can’t help you and just wants your money. > > If the chiropractor is interested in doing what works for you, as an individual, and does not pursue treatments which do not have positive effects, then he is likely to help you. > > It CAN work, it DOES work, but not in all cases. And unfortunately, there are a huge number of frauds and fools out there. The homeopathic bunch are fools for scientifically proven reasons. But such isn’t the case with chiro because there are people who have experienced positive results. > > Look, if the chiropractor gives you bad vibes (your woo meter goes off) then don’t use him. But don’t write off the whole lot because of a few horror stories or because of one moron. Just do your own homework and make sure you’re not getting involved with a weirdo who has a record of hurting people or of doing nothing beneficial for years on end to the same patient. > > ETA: I’ve been to more than one chiro with good results, bad results, and neutral results. I only go to the ones who help. Which is currently only ONE. 🙂 And I don’t believe in “regular maintenance plans”. If it can’t be fixed shortly, then it can’t be fixed. “So you can’t scientifically prove that it’s not possible to have a positive effect.”…Um, yeah, you also can’t scientifically prove that it’s not possible to have a positive effect from eating dog food and believing in it. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Zulema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/db5fbb/32.png) [@Zulema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zulema)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2011, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/58 "2011-07-02T20:25:24Z")
I never believed that chiropractors made a difference until my son saw one for breathing problems. He was having asthma symptoms while running and the doctor put him on asthma medications, long term and a rescue inhaler. Absolutely no help for him at all. We had a new acquaintance who is a chiropractor and said he might be able to help. We absolutely did not believe it would work and just tried it on a whim. He found out that half of my son’s rib cage did not expand very much. He did something and the breathing problems disappeared. I would say if he wants to run a lot he goes back every month or so and when he is only taking karate he goes every 4 or 5 months. I now think some people can have good results for muscular or skeletal problems and that there are probably good and bad chiropractors. We recommend him to everyone and anyone who goes says he’s the best they’ve ever been to. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2011, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/59 "2011-07-02T20:33:30Z")
I’m sure just as many anecdotal stories validating the use of glucosamine/chondrotoin(sp?) for joint/ligament pain and damage can be found; this does nothing to credibly, scientifically justify it’s use. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2011, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642/60 "2011-07-02T21:34:12Z")
> [@echo6160](#): > > Absolutely! Works great. Know what works better? Get a bed that works. If you need to use a pillow between your legs (as I do on my current crappy bed), then it’s indicative of a larger problem with your posture in the night. Usually caused by a saggy mattress. I have a very good bed. This was suggested by several people who do it. I think a Temperpedic is a great mattress. I get excellent support from it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chiropractors-yea-or-nea/586642.md?page=2)