Good or Bad Chiropractor

[jj]

I went to the chiropractor yesterday, b/c I have had a bad back for about 5 years. So I figured I would give it a try. Let's just say the X-rays looked really bad. He told me that me lifting properly is probably the only thing that has kept me from getting hurt. Apparently I am pretty bent out of shape back there. My question is, he wants me to come see him 3 times a week for the next 2 weeks, 2 times a week for 2 more weeks, and 1 time a week for two weeks, and then once a month for a while. What do you all think. Is he just trying to make me come to get $25 dollars a pop(pun intended), or do I really need this much adjusting to get back in alignment. I seen my X-rays, and I have about a 20 degree tilt in my lower back, and my neck needs adjusted back to its original curve, which he said would stop the headaches within a month. Opinions?


JJ

[russ]

Giving it a shot for 8-12 visits seems reasonable to me. Beyond that might be overkill. I wouldn't commit beyond the first month or so. If you're not seeing any improvement after a month, it's probably not worthwhile to contuinue. If you are seeing improvement, then you can probaly go on an 'as needed' basis. If he asks you to put down a payment for long term care (e.g. $2500 for a year), then I would find a new Chiro.

Whether or not the 'adjustments' will stop the headaches is debatable. There is some evidence to support spinal manipulation as a treatment for certain types of headches, but that's about it. Anyhow, you might find the treatment helpful if you have headaches, but there's no guarantee.

Perhaps some of the manual therapists in the forum can give their opinions, but I'm not sure how the 'normal curves' would be restored other than by relieving any soft tissue (e.g., muscles, ligaments) issues which may be present. The relationship of the vertebrae to one another should not change sinificantly as a result of spinal manipulation.