Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Are chiropractors dodgy?

32 replies

garlictwist · 15/09/2023 11:02

I have been experiencing bad hip pain which I think is down to a torn labrum and associated pain in my lower back, lumbar spine and shoulders.

I've tried seeing a physio but it doesn't really do anything.

I've been thinking about going to a chiropractor but a bit scared they will be too aggressive or cause further damage.

Does anyone have experiences of going to a chiropractor and what it's like?

OP posts:
Butterkist8 · 15/09/2023 11:04

So friend of mine suffered with similar for a very long time. An osteopath helped her enormously.

Allywill · 15/09/2023 11:07

I second the osteopath suggestion. I have had great results with treatments.

Original poster
garlictwist · 15/09/2023 11:07

is that the same as a chiropractor?

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
tt9 · 15/09/2023 11:07

I would not reccommend chiropractor or osteopath as neither are 'medically' qualified. and plenty of dangerous ones around.

try a different physio. nhs physios are a no as they simply don't have enough time to really do the work that needs to be done.

have you been to your GP/had a formal assessment to rule out any serious issues?

OrderOfTheKookaburra · 15/09/2023 11:09

I've had a lot of success with a chiropractor, as have my siblings. However the way they manipulate your neck is scary and I would hesitate to go back.

Last time my shoulder and neck seized up I went for a Thai massage where they (holding onto a beam) step on you and massage with feet, knees, elbow etc. freaky bit damn did it work.

Original poster
garlictwist · 15/09/2023 11:10

The GP referred me to the NHS physio who was totally useless. Like you say, not enough time, very generic and told me a lot of rubbish that I know is not true.

So I've been seeing a private physio who has just been massaging my hip flexors (very painful) but that doesn't seem to be sorting anything out.

OP posts:
TheBarbieEffect · 15/09/2023 11:10

tt9 · 15/09/2023 11:07

I would not reccommend chiropractor or osteopath as neither are 'medically' qualified. and plenty of dangerous ones around.

try a different physio. nhs physios are a no as they simply don't have enough time to really do the work that needs to be done.

have you been to your GP/had a formal assessment to rule out any serious issues?

This. It’s not a regulated field.

cherryassam · 15/09/2023 11:11

A friend ended up with a slipped disc due to spinal manipulation which has made me wary. If you do go for it, make sure they’re registered I guess? Maybe see if anyone has any recommendations?

ZootLady · 15/09/2023 11:11

I also second the osteopath. A few years ago, I had a series of sessions with a chiropractor and whilst I absolutely wouldn't say there is a direct causation by any measure, all I know is that my problems only got worse and I am now 2 serious spine surgeries on, with life changing surgery-related nerve damage. I'm now largely wheelchair-bound. I certainly don't think the chiropractor helped - every session was a battle with her acting like a bully in the army. The osteopath was wonderful however.

Hbh17 · 15/09/2023 11:12

Most orthopaedic surgeons would say that you should never go anywhere near a chiropractor. However, a good osteopath (if you can get recommendations) may be worth a visit.

ZootLady · 15/09/2023 11:13

I would also suggest trying reflexologist. Depending on what is causing your problems, this may be helpful.

Allywill · 15/09/2023 11:13

No it’s not the same although there are similarities. An oestopath will look at the whole body whilst a chiropractor only really looks at spine/joints. That may suggest that a chiropractor is more specialised but in fact an oestopath can often spot something (eg how you walk) that is fundamentally causing the problem whereas a chiropractor would just treat say the tight joint/muscle.

Alltheusernamesaretakennow · 15/09/2023 11:13

I would recommend an osteopath - gentler but for me, great results

WingedHermes · 15/09/2023 11:13

Osteopath every time.

Enderunicorn · 15/09/2023 11:16

Yes you definitely get people coming through A&E with Chiropractor related injuries. Carotid dissection is one. Try another physio.

OrderOfTheKookaburra · 15/09/2023 11:18

Try a sports physio, they're better at not being "so gentle" and actually getting results faster.

tt9 · 15/09/2023 11:21

garlictwist · 15/09/2023 11:10

The GP referred me to the NHS physio who was totally useless. Like you say, not enough time, very generic and told me a lot of rubbish that I know is not true.

So I've been seeing a private physio who has just been massaging my hip flexors (very painful) but that doesn't seem to be sorting anything out.

I think definitely try another physio. a good physio will massage + give you exercises to do. if you are based in London or brum I can give some recommendations. the other option is, if you have tried physio and it hasn't helped, why not go back to gp and request mri?

ps while I fully respect PP's sharing experiences of chiropractor or osteopath working for them/their family - that is anecdotal and not sound evidence. while some might have good experiences, there are plenty of dangerous ones around.

tt9 · 15/09/2023 11:22

ZootLady · 15/09/2023 11:13

I would also suggest trying reflexologist. Depending on what is causing your problems, this may be helpful.

now that is an example of absolute quackery

Balloonhearts · 15/09/2023 11:43

My chiropractor is great. He's quite forceful which I like because some are too gentle and it just doesn't do anything. He's never hurt me and has just about eliminated my neck pain. I go every couple of months when it starts to niggle again.

ZootLady · 15/09/2023 12:38

Reflexology is not quackery - it's a different medical model very much respected in other parts of the world and it helps lots of people. Just like massage and physio's. Not for everyone ofc. I'm trained in multiple healthcare fields and I've seen great results for some with a good, registered reflexologist. Medical standard medical practitioners recommend it for relaxation. Just consider avoiding if you're taking certain medications. People can decide for themselves.

DorisTheRidgeback · 15/09/2023 12:40

Yes they are dodgy.

Agree with the suggestions of a good osteopath though.

MiniBossFromAus · 15/09/2023 12:46

Chiropractry is not for me - I don't like the physical manhandling aspect. My DH has has very good and long standing results with back and shoulder issues with chiropractic treatment.

I see an acupuncturist for needles, cupping and remedial massage with fantastic results.

kersh33 · 15/09/2023 12:47

If you think you have a torn labrum I would push to have a scan to check that is the case. Depending on the extent of the tear, you may need surgery to correct it. My DH had a torn labrum as well as an issue with the head of the femur which required a hip arthroscopy to fix. He'd been going to a good osteopath before that but there was nothing they could to to fix the pain without cleaning out the joint.

xogossipgirlxo · 15/09/2023 12:48

My colleague was big fan of chiropractor treatment and she ended up on blood thinners due to injury he caused.

kersh33 · 15/09/2023 12:48

And I would absolutely concur with an osteopath rather than a chiropractor.

Swipe left for the next trending thread