Does Chiropractic work?

[minimymy]

I was recently referred to a Chiropractor for my ds1. We've had 2 appointments and so far so good - at least he's not damaged anything as ds1 is happy. Hoping I am not wasting my money here as I have never been a big fan of homeopathic medicine.
Any thoughts?

[DBennett]

Chiropracty is based on a theory of anatomy and pathology invented in the 1800s, after Palmer treated a case of deafness with shoulder manipulation.

All subsequent medical knowledge has refuted the general premise of chiropracty, that of subluxations (kinks in the spinal system which block life force flow).

In addition, there is very little evidence that chiropracty is anymore than a placebo (weak evidence in back pain but no better than standard treatment).

It's also worth noting that there is serious risks from chiropracty, especially regarding neck manipulation and stroke.

I can't think of any reason anyone should go to a chiropractor.
And some important reasons why they shouldn't.

But if you're going to go, never let them touch you above the shoulder.

[hormonesnomore]

I've had chiropractic treatment for severe shoulder pain.

I'd been 'treated' by a GP - painkillers and a shrug of the shoulders - for months with little success, so I was desperate for some relief.

Within a few weeks of treatment the pain was gone. It wasn't a placebo effect, the manipulation freed a trapped nerve which my GP was talking about having treated with surgery .

I just wish it was available on the NHS then it would be more effectively regulated and obviously I wouldn't have had to pay £25 a session for it.

How did you get your referral minimymy?

[minimymy]

Thanks, we were referred by the private GP, not nhs. spent £60 so far. He did some work to his head. I was initially nervous, but seems to know what he's doing.

[DBennett]

He may be performing chiropractic manipulations perfectly but without evidence of treatment efficacy and clearly defined adverse effects possible the risk/benefit trade off is unlikely to be positive.

Without knowing what the treatment is intended to do it is impossible to suggest alternatives but I'd strongly suggest investigating them.