I'm going to a chiropractor for the first time.  What should I expect on my visit?
115491
Expect them to find a lot of "misallignment" and that you will need a lot of work.  They want you to come back again and again.  Many will prescribe non-approved herbal remedies since they cannot legally prescribe prescription drugs.\n\nPerhaps you need a real doctor, or maybe just a massage therapist.
4202
Doctors of Chiropractic receive extensive, demanding professional education on par with medical doctors (MDs) and osteopaths (DOs).\nTo receive the doctor of chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. Comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures enable the DC to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address disorders relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to another health care provider.\n\nDoctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers.\nAccording to the Center for Studies in Health Policy, "The DC can provide all three levels of primary care interventions and therefore is a primary care provider, as are MDs and DOs. The doctor of chiropractic is a gatekeeper to the health care system and an independent practitioner who provides primary care services. The DC's office is a direct access portal of entry to the full scope of service."\n\nDoctors of Chiropractic are licensed in all 50 states.\nDCs have been licensed and recognized for many decades in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.\n\nChiropractic is recognized by governmental health care programs.\nChiropractic is included in Medicare, Medicaid, Federal Employees Health Care Benefits Programs, Federal Workers' Compensation and all state workers' compensation programs. Chiropractic students are qualified to receive federal student loan assistance and DCs are authorized to be commissioned as health care officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.\n\nThe practice of chiropractic is based on sound scientific principles.\nThe existence of the nervous system as the primary control mechanism of the body is an undisputed scientific fact. Its relationship with the spine is the focus of the practice of chiropractic. The spine develops in utero to provide two primary functions: (1) allow for freedom of movement and (2) house and protect the spinal cord. When the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned through trauma or repetitive injury, two major consequences will result: (1) the range of motion becomes limited and (2) spinal nerves emerging from the spinal cord are compromised. DCs use the term "subluxation" to describe such disruptions. Interruption of nerve flow can eventually lead to pain, disability, and an overall decrease in the quality of life. Conversely, the removal of that interference has been shown to have significant, lasting health benefits. Through the adjustment of the subluxation, the doctor of chiropractic endeavors to restore normal nerve expression. The body is then able to respond appropriately to any imbalance in the system, thus relieving symptoms and restoring health.\n\nDoctors of chiropractic provide effective, low-cost health care for a wide range of conditions.\nStudies conducted according to the highest scientific standards and published by organizations not affiliated in any way with chiropractic institutions or associations continue to show the clinical appropriateness and effectiveness of chiropractic care. One of the most recent, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, stated emphatically that:\n\n"On the evidence, particularly the most scientifically valid clinical studies, spinal manipulation applied by chiropractors is shown to be more effective than alternative treatments for low back pain...There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low back pain was transferred from physician to chiropractors."\n\nThe doctor of chiropractic is an effective source of preventative and wellness care.\nThe anatomical focus of the DC on the human spine has created the perception of the DC as just a "back doctor." Although this perception is not entirely incorrect, it is very much incomplete. Doctors of chiropractic are a highly appropriate resource in matters of work-place safety, st
514935
Typically you need 90 credits of gen. eds. to be accepted to a chiropractic college.  Once you are accepted, you begin to work on your D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractics).  However, many people believe it is best to first earn your Bachelor's in a related field, biology or chemistry, and then to pursue. your D.C.  The amount of time and money it takes depends on the chiropractic college you decide on and whether you take courses year-round.
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.
107774
chiropractics adjust your spinal cord to allow your body function best. they have many different techniques and will use them according to what you need. to my experience the adjustments are completely painfree (they actually feel really good)and their effect is quite fast. if you have a back or neck problem you should definitely see one (to my experience they are much more effective than physiotherapists when it comes to the matters of the spine). however make sure you choose a good chiropractitioner, someone with good experience and good reputation. my experience with chiros has been very very positive, and almost everyone in my family sees a chiro regularly. but i do know someone who saw an unexperienced chiro and she was not happy.
170336
My chiropractor said as long as you don't force it you're fine. Have you ever gone to one? They could tell you even better if it isn't causing damage. Plus it's better to get your back/neck realigned regularly.
187726
Marketing and advertising long before the convention date. Here are some ideas:\n\n1. If this is a repeat convention, contact past attendees and send them information about the upcoming convention at least 6 months before the convention.\n\n2. Advertise in trade publications, websites of chiropractor associations, and other places of interest to chiropractors\n\n3. Send direct mail pieces to chiropractors including brochures of the convention and other information why they need to attend the convention
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.
1145529
How much what?  Money compensation? Time to recover?  Physical trauma?\n\nYou should discuss with your regular doctor (M.D. not chiropractor) and perhaps get a referral to a specialist MD for your injuries.  Chiropractors are helpful, but you need to assess how serious the strain/misalignment/swelling is.   For example, if it's a back injury you may want to see a back specialist and have a MRI done of the region.    \n\nPhysical therapy is very helpful.  If you don't feel like you're getting good progress with your current Therapist, try a different P.T. office.    They're not all the same quality.  I have found some Therapists give everyone the same exercises and time on the treadmill but don't listen much to the patient's concerns.   Others are VERY attentive and will keep adjusting the therapy each time so you get the most benefit per visit.
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.
1025487
When I first started going to a chiropractor, she recommended that I come in for adjustments 3 times a week. HOWEVER, she said this was only necessary for three to four WEEKS, not a year. I actually agreed with her assessment, because I had some really messed-up problems such as chronic lower and upper back pain, lost range-of-motion in my neck, and various other things. \n\nShe kept me very informed about what my problems were, what she was going to do to help, and how long she estimated it would take. I didn't have to follow any of her advice, but I chose to, because everything made sense to me, and I really wanted to get my longtime pain and problems resolved. :)\n\nDespite all the problems I came to her office with, I made a LOT of progress in that first month, just as she predicted. After that, I started going less often, perhaps 3 times a month. And then, I "graduated" to only 1 or 2 times a month. (She was OK with seeing me less often or more often; it was always up to me).\n\nSo, my point in all this rambling is that if your chiro says you should come 3X a week for a FULL YEAR... well... that chiro is most likely being dishonest and trying to squeeze extra money out of you. :( I can't be 100% sure, however, because I don't know WHY you chose to visit the chiro. If you have some serious problems with pain, movement, or disability, it might be necessary to see the chiro very frequently. But I STILL can't imagine any situation that would require seeing the chiro 3X a week for a year. \n\nAs the saying goes: "Something ain't right!"
751090
You should go back to your physician.  You could have a displaced tailbone. I would not recommend a chiropracter at this point.  Let your doctor look into it and if he recommends a chiropractor then go.  But I would ask your doctor to do any x-ray of your sacrum and coccyx bones to see if they are in position (those are the medical names for your tail bone).
863558
If you haven't seen a doctor since the accident, I would suggest seeing one sometime next week.  Since this has been going on for 6 months, the urgency of an Emergency Room is unwarranted.  The possiblity of a pinched nerve does exist and massage therapy would do wonders as well as making the rest of your body feel good.  \n\nAlthough I'm not a big fan of chiropractors, a simple neck adjustment may be all that is needed.  I was involved in a rollover car accident a long time ago.  I would get throbbing headaches whenever I would stand up.  I saw a chiropractor out of the suggestion of my lawyer, and the headaches went away after one visit.  I hope this helps....good luck to you.
1161107
That must feel awful, all the time. My heart goes out to you. There are two ways, which occur to me, and I'm 63 years old. The first is pills. You can probably find some pills from your doctor, and if you take enough of them, they might "take the top off" the pain (ease it somewhat), but you are asking for a cure. And cure is a different animal. When a person has "pins and needles," something is being impinged upon inside your body. Something is tangled up that needs straightening out again. All I can do is strongly suggest you see a chiropractor. Why? I dislocated my back over twenty years ago. I actually dislocated L-4 and L-5 (two lumbar vertebrae, lower back). In the very first visit, my chiropractor managed to clear that injury OUT. It has never since come back, over twenty years later, so you can see why I would be inclined to advocate for chiropractic. I fully realize it is not for everyone, and the good news is, one visit and you will probably get a gut feeling about whether or not it is for you. But the alternative, in my opinion, is twofold: pills or surgery. What does your doctor tell you about all this? I am just a layman. Well, I really hope this helps you come to decide some course of action to repair your body. It must be awful to have that nagging at you all the time. I wish you complete success with this issue, no matter what course you choose, and I will be holding strong and positive thoughts on your behalf, knowing something much better will be on the horizon for you and this issue before the leaves begin to drop off the trees in October. Sent to you with love from G. in South Portland, Maine, U.S.A.
1180062
I had a serious back injury last year and basically I went to see a chiropractor he did wonders! I iced ALOT and had good drugs. (vicodin) If chiropractor is out of the question, get some good movies/good books and wait it out. Usually takes 2-3 weeks for back to heal to where you can move again.
488225
Years ago, one of the world's leading spine surgeons made this statement at a large medical conference in Las Vegas, Nevada:\n\n"Your first back surgery is your best chance, your second back surgery is your last chance."\n\nYou are done with surgery.  It hasn't solved your problem  (in fact, it may be the cause of your continuing problems).\n\nCouple of suggestions.  First, how many Chiropractic evaluations/consults have you had?  A good Chiropractor may be a very valuable resource for you.\n\nSecond, there is a wonderful book available that explains the many unappreciated causes of chronic pain and how to effectively treat the causes to relieve the pain.  If you read this book, you will understand the many ways that surgery and even pain medications can actually aggravate and cause long-term chronic pain.  \n\nThe book is written by Sherry Rogers, M.D. and is called: "Pain Free in 6 Weeks".  It is available at Amazon.com or from the publisher at 1-800-846-6687.  I highly recommend this book.\n\nBest wishes and good luck.
562860
Go to an orthopedist, not a chiropractor.  See a medical doctor who can take x-rays of the area of the pain.  A chiropractor may or may not take x-rays and may, instead, choose to 'correct' your back which could make the situation far worse.\n\nOnly an orthopedist will be able to determine exactly what the problem is.\n\nAlso, if the masseuse did damage to your back, you may have a legal case against them (depending on waivers you may have signed).  But, get your back looked at first.