does chiropractic treatment for cervical spine injury work or is it fake?
114319
Most of the time (95% or better) conservative chiropractic care is very effective for work related cervical spine injuries.  Most of these injuries involved "deranged" spinal joints (and often involve shoulders, upper back, jaw and other regions) and associated damaged soft tissues, including muscles and tendons, but ligaments, fascia and other connective tissues which attach to and surround the spine, which need to be rehabiliated and restored to normal function, when possible.  It is important to do a thorough history intake and physical examination, including taking two or more X-rays of the site of suspected injured structures, to evaluate, identify and diagnose what is wrong.  Without figuring out what is most likely wrong (diagnosis), it is very likely to provide a faulty and potentially useless or harmful plan of care.   I have found that a multi-modal approach which combines "chiropractic adjustments", also called chiropractic manipulative treatments, followed by passive modalities (hot, cold, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, therapeutic massage, etc) and therapeutic exercises targeted to any specific physical deficits, done to the capacity and tolerance of a patient, work very well, usually done at 2-3 times a week initially, and then less often with continued demonstrated signs of improvement until the patient is at or near a pre-injury status (if possible).  If a sinister injury is suspected, or if a patient fails to recover as much and as rapidly as expected, then a second opinion consultation with a specialist, and advanced diagnostic tests, are arranged.  It has been estimated that Chiropractic care is about 100 times safer (or more) than taking an aspirin for these kind of problems, when provided by a properly trained and licensed Chiropractic physician or licensed Chiropractor.  There is nothing "fake" about properly planned and provided chiropratic care.
408238
No, they are not.\n\nChiropractors focus on the relationship between bodily structure (primarily that of the spine) and function, and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. Chiropractors use manipulative therapy as an integral treatment tool.\n\nChiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal manipulation or adjustment.\n\nChiropractic is also recognised as a science of applied neurophysiologic diagnosis based on the theory that health and disease are life processes related to the function of the nervous system: irritation of the nervous system by mechanical, chemical, or psychic factors is the cause of disease; restoration and maintenance of health depend on normal function of the nervous system.
969120
You would be better off trying to get disability if you were properly diagnosed with a more legitimate problem rather than vertebral subluxation.  Vertebral subluxation is a vague diagnosis perpetuated by the less than credible chiropractic "profession".\n\nCheck out the following links to learn the truth about subluxations.\n\nhttp://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/chirosub.html\nhttp://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/chiroasst.html\nhttp://www.acsh.org/healthissues/newsID.656/healthissue_detail.asp\nhttp://www.chirobase.org/01General/chirosham.html\n\nMany chiropractors claim that research justifies their form of practice but this is really not the case.  See the following;\n\nResearch Findings\n\nDuring the past few years, two reports about the treatment of low-back pain have placed chiropractic in a favorable light. One, issued by the RAND Corporation, concluded that spinal manipulation was appropriate for some cases of low-back pain. The other, produced by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), judged manipulation useful for controlling symptoms while awaiting the spontaneous recovery that occurs within a month in most patients with low-back problems.\nAlthough chiropractors have promoted these reports as endorsements of chiropractic, they are not. They merely support the use of manipulation in carefully selected patients. Only a few of the research studies on which their conclusions were based involved manipulation by chiropractors; most were done by medical doctors and physical therapists whose practices are not identical to those of chiropractors. Most chiropractors manipulate the vast majority of patients who walk through their door, some use techniques that have not been studied scientifically, and many urge all of their patients to undergo monthly or even weekly "preventive maintenance" visits throughout their life. In addition, many chiropractors emphasize a technique that is more vigorous (and therefore less safe) than the controlled manipulation used by other practitioners. The only places where "chiropractic" and "chiropractors" are mentioned in the body of the AHCPR report are in the passages about the make-up of the AHCPR expert panel.
706290
i am a chiropractor and i use spinal decompression in my office. the disc acts as both a cushion and a spacer between each vertebrae. if a disc is bulging/herniated, that bulge can put pressure on the nerves exiting between each vertebra which causes a "pinched nerve." also if the disc is wearing out (getting thinner) you lose the space between the vertebra, which leaves less room for those nerves to exit--and again can pinch a nerve. the nerves in your cervical spine (neck) go all the way down your arm while the nerves in your lumbar spine (low back) form the sciatic nerve which runs all the way down your leg. if any of these are "pinched" they can cause pain, numbess, tingling, weakness wherever these nerves go (down arms/legs).\n\nas a chiropractor i see this type of scenario on a daily basis. for those who have degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, disc bulging, etc.--normal chiropractic care can usually help with those problems. but there are also many people out there that have had this problem for many years and can't find relief with anything they try--including chiropractic. \n\nthere is a treatment called spinal decompression that is perfect for these situations and the best part is: it's non-surgical and non-invasive.  this type of treatment focuses on disc injuries and the problems they cause. i use the DRX9000 spinal decompression system in my office and it works wonders for people with these types of injuries (approx. 90% successful). the DRX9000 is fda approved and is the best decompression system available (there are cheap knock-offs that don't give the same results). \n\nmy recommendation would be to see a chiro, especially if you've never tried it before-just to see what they have to say. also do some research on this treatment and then contact someone (usually a chiro) who uses it in their office. i would just google "DRX9000" to find info on it and doctors in your area who may have it. this treament is able to encourage the disc to go back to it's normal orientation and also rebuild its height--which then takes the pressure off whatever nerve it is compressing. pain meds, cortisone shots, epidurals won't do anything to solve the problem--all they do is cover it up and they become less and less effective over time. surgery AT BEST is 50% successful and usually doesn't solve the problem since most people need another surgery 5-10 years down the road for the same issue. it's typically a viscious cycle. remember: surgery is always an option, so try something prior to surgery to see if you can avoid it--cause once you do the surgery there is no going back.\n\nthis treatment is extremely effective for degenerative disc disease, disc bulging, herniation, etc. and also sciatica type of cases, especially if you haven't had surgery yet. i've had many patients who were scheduled for surgery, tried this treatment as a last resort, and then ended up cancelling their surgery altogether after treatment was completed. it really does work and that's what my recommendation would be for you. good luck and hopefully this gives insight to others experiencing similar problems--there is a solution!!!\n\nmore info at http://www.axiomworldwide.com
1134329
I'm so sorry that you've had this problem for so many years! Since you've tried so many other options (without success), I would like to recommend seeing a chiropractor. Contrary to popular belief, chiropractic is more than just "neck and back pain."  Chiropractic is founded in the belief that our Central Nervous System (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) controls EVERY bodily function.  A misalignment of the vertebrae (what chiropractic calls a "subluxation") could pinch the nerves running out between them, causing pain, numbness/tingling, or any type of general malfunction of that nerve's corresponding body part. This is why chiropractic has tremendous success in helping people with headaches, numbness in hands and feet, chronic ear infections, and many others.\n\nThere are many different chiropractic techniques out there, so it would be best for you to ask around, visit a few offices and pick the doctor that you are most comfortable with. Taking pain medication is only masking the symptom of pain but is not correcting the problem. No matter what you decide to do, I sincerely hope that things improve for you.
58009
Chiropractors are licensed and legally allowed to practice their profession, however, they are not medical doctors. Many people have found relief and improvement of their medical conditions through treatments given by a chiropractor.
626911
Okay... I know this is going to sound strange, however I thought I may as well put this idea to you...\n\nI have worked for some chiropractors and am studying it now myself. The philosophy of Chiropractic is as follows: \n\nThe brain is the central part of the nervous system. It extends down into the spinal cord and then into the nerves which go to specific parts of your body, i.e. organs, muscles, etc. (Basically everywhere in the body...) So the spinal cord is like an 'information highway' of the body, just like a car highway. \n\nThe spinal cord is protected by the spine which is made up of 24 seperate bones (vertebrae). The vertebra can misalign through day to day activities through Chemical (e.g. smoking, caffene, alcohol, even pollution), Emotional (the muscles tense up and pull the spine out of position, i.e. tension headaches, etc) and physical stresses (eg, whiplash, trips, falls and even childbirth.) \n\nIf the spinal joints become misaligned (otherwise known as 'subluxated') nerve impulses become distorted. Going back to the analogy of the motorway... if you block two lanes of a four lane highway, the cars will become jammed and will not pass easily to their destination. Symptoms can include headaches, migranes, lower immune response, numbness/pins and needles in hands or feet, sciatica, muscle twitching, back pain... etc, etc, etc.\n\nSo... What I'm saying is that maybe you could have your spine checked for any misalignments. Most chiropractors do free 'spinal checks' or you could even book for a full consultation. They have the same goals as doctors, etc, but just work in a very different way. They use non-invasive and drug-free methods. It's all done through manipulation.\n\nI know all of this seems very far-fetched... however, I think there may be some kind of connection. Just be open-minded! Good luck!
798953
I have been to many many chiropractors and unfortunately had some that really screwed me up.  I had one dislocate three of my ribs and they are still dislocated.  They'll never go back.  I went to a physical therapist after that, and even though it does take longer, I don't have the back pain like I did.  I used to be fine for a few months and then have to go back to the chiropractor for a few months and on and on.  After 6 months with physical therapy I've been good for 5 years.  If my back starts hurting I just start doing the exercises that they taught me and I'll be ok again.  Some chiropractors are wonderful and do a great job, but physical therapy worked much better for me.  If you can't decide between them, try both.
427226
Hi Toodle. I am a retired Chiropractor.  I am sorry to hear about your situation.  Clearly you are in significant pain.  Your overall description of your spinal health indicates that you have very serious, and very advanced degenerative changes present.  \n\nLiterally, any of the spinal problems you have can be causing your symptoms (which clearly are related to nerve compression).  Sadly, it is very likely that several of your conditions are contributing to your pain and numbness.  None of your conditions can be readily 'cured'.  But a better understanding of the specifics as they relate to your current symptoms is needed to even begin to try to help you.\n\nSo, here is what confuses me about your explanation.  1)  What type of doctor/doctors are you seeing?  2) What has their physical examination of you indicated? - this is almost always more important/useful than the expensive, high tech, imaging tests (the imaging tests are helpful too, but not without a quality physical exam, which is becoming a lost art!). 3) Why 'can't he give you a scan'?  and 4) Why have you not sought a 2nd or 3rd opinion?\n\nLastly, be very careful of any surgeon who wants to operate on you.  This 'magic placebo' is often not helpful and can make matters much worse.  Having said that, if you have a very clear-cut indication for an easily fixable condition through ONE surgical procedure, then that certainly should be considered - just be sure to have 2nd/3rd opinions that agree about the surgery.\n\n\nLastly, as a Chiropractor I would obviously suggest a chiropractic evaluation.  However, I do not expect chiropractic treatment to be a 'miracle cure' for you.  So, just as with surgeons, be wary of any doctor that promises too much!\n\nBest wishes and good luck!
860544
see a neurologist..............\nnot some  duck chiropractor who may do far more harm than any good.\n\nNeurologist can determine from mri's and testing exactly what damage has been done..\nyou can end up...with severe spinal damage resulting in nerve damage that no doctor can help if you don't get the right treament and chiro don't know diddle about nerve damage and spinal cord and cervical fusion,
27172
It depends on who you talk to because they both have different results in the long run.  Chiropractors treat the underlying structural problem and it may take a while to heal.  While a regular doctor will give you pills that will help you right away, and probably recommend surgery.  I personally like chiropractors for this type of injury.
926965
This sounds EXACTLY like a pinched nerve. This is a job for a Chiropractor, if that is the case. Some Medical doctors are skeptical about Chiropractors. So was I, but it's been like a small theraputic miracle. \n\nTry it four 4-8 sessions and you'll be convinced (it takes more than one session for good progress and you'll be a tad sore after your first couple adjustments). \n\nTiger Balm and Peppermint Lotion are great for external muscle relaxers. \n\nYou'd be suprised what a few simple stretches before and after bed will do you. Yoga and Tai' Chi (Martial Art) are also excellent if you have the time and energy.\n\nRe-align your Spine and Chi dude.
513529
I had a knotted up nerve in my neck one time that was driving me insane.  The doctor gave  me some pain killer but that just made the room spin, so finally out of desperation I went to a chiropractor for the frist time in my life.  He crunched my back in several places and then practically twisted my head off from both sides.  The amazing thing was that within minutes I could feel a noticable difference and after going back a couple of more times it fixed it completely, something pain killers cannot do.
1012541
be CAREFUL!!!  If you do it wrong you could screw yourself up for life.  That is why chiropractors go to school as long as they do and why they carry so much insurance, and get you to sign waivers.
15713
Courtney, you should try chiropractic care.  It is a safe and gentle way to help with chronic back pain, even from scoliosis.  I work for a chiropractor in South Carolina and she uses a new technology of chiropractic treatment that doesn't have any twisting, poping or cracking when the adjustment is delivered.  It is called the Pro-Adjuster and many chiropactors all over the world are beginning to use this technology.  We had a 27 year old male with chronic back pain from his scoliosis and he received dramatic relief in just a few treatments.  Make sure to do your research on doctors in your area, so you can find a chiropractor who fits into your specific needs.  If you want more information on the Pro-Adjuster and to find doctors in your area using it, go to www.pro-adjuster.com.
1177794
The traditional theories that chiropractors are taught are not based on science. (The theory behind subluxation is dubious, btw.) Some of the adjustments (particularly to the neck) can be downright dangerous. Many chiropractors promote questionable practices, such as the irresponsible use of herbs, so-called energy medicine and homeopathy.\n\nThe treatment that chiro is advisiing is way too long and too expensive. You have very good reason to be skeptical of the advise the chiropractor gave you.\n\nIf you are going to see a chiropractor, look for someone who restricts his or her practice to the treatment of muscular-skeletar problems of the back. If the person promotes anything that seems questionable or New Agey, such as chiropractic treatment as "personal growth", claims that kids need regular chiropractic treatment, tells parents not to vaccinate their kids, sells vitamins, herbal products or medical devices, RUN (and cancel any payment you may have made).\n\nYou might be better off seeing a physiatrist (doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation) or a physical therapist. Both of these medical professionals have more extensive training than chiropractors and should be committed to using procedures based on scientiffic knowlege and not pseudoscience.\n\nBefore even considering seeing a chiropractor, READ and STUDY the following web site:
116788
yes, go see a chiropractor.