To ask your opinions on Chiropractors

[chellochello]

I have been suffering with pretty bad lower back pain for over a year now - I have contacted my GP on a few occasions but have been pretty much told there is nothing they can / will do to help (although no one has ever actually looked at my back!) So I decided to see if a chiropractor could help. I've started seeing one twice a week for the last couple of weeks and can feel no noticeable difference to the pain

A couple of people have told me they are basically quacks and I am paying them for nothing so was wondering if anyone had any positive outcomes of seeing one?

I paid £50 to see one once. I’d really hurt my back and could barely walk. He did about ten light handed pats either side of my spine. I was seriously unimpressed and decided to save my money. Back did get better but I don’t think he helped. My friend sees one regularly and she raves about hers (but it sounds like he twists her and makes her back crack and stuff.)

I've seen an osteopath several times who gently massaged my spine back into position. There was a noticeable difference after just one visit.

Yeah, they're basically quacks. Friend of mine had one as a boyfriend, he was very evangelical about alternative medicine, anti-vaxxer, believed in homeopathy and all that shite.

Back pain is really awful but I would always recommend seeing a physiotherapist - a properly qualified one - over a chiropractor. My local physio worked wonders when I had a trapped nerve in my neck, he was amazing.

So what do the poll options mean here?

I went to one with lower back issues and she pressed down really hard on my neck. I didn’t feel comfortable having that done and never went back but I know people who swear by them. I tried Pilates and it’s helped a lot.

Chiropractors can be good- I felt relief, but had an underlying problem that needed sorting out. They should give you exercises to correct whatever the problem is in the longer term.

I've been to a private physio and he was better.

I've had lower back pain on & off for years. Although cynical, I eventually tried a chripractor, who did a few adjustments and I could feel the difference immediately. I used to go around once a month (twice a week seems a lot?) and definitely felt a significant reduction in pain and stiffness in my back.

However, I then moved house, tried a new chiropractor who I really didn't like as much and didn't seem as knowledgeable/professional and whose treatment was not as effective. Only went a few times then decided to just grinand bear it! Due to various circumstances couldn't afford a chiropractor now even if I wanted one!

So I guess it may be worth you trying another chiropractor as I definitely think they can vary, but if you really can't feel any benefit or improvement in pain I would save your money!

I've seen a couple of amazing ones and one crappy one. I think like anything, there's huge variation and I'd try getting a personal recommendation.

Load of old bollocks. Potentially dangerous too. Read Wikipedia on the subject.

Nothing more than homeopathy.

Go and see a physio.

They’re not just quacks, they’re dangerous quacks.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-50380928

They’re at best, opportune quacks - and at worst, downright dangerous.
I’d go to a good physio any day, and supplement it with Pilates. Be evangelical about the exercises - do them every single day, even when it’s stopped hurting.
I’m a veteran of 3 spinal surgeries, and numerous other injections, interventions, etc. I have been warned throughout not to go near a chiro. If you’re still struggling, after that, consider spending your money on an MRI (If your physio agrees!)

Why not go and see an actual physiotherapist?

I've seen one who was v gentle and didn't yank my limbs around or anything like that. I see a physio instead for ongoing issues with my back and neck. This has been more worth the money, as she gives me different exercises to do.

I love mine - it's mix of manipulation and exercises. Agree with others - it's not for everyone, find one who has been recommended. IIRC first visit is pricey as mine took xrays and spent an hour with me going over everything. Now I visit every 3-4 months

Sorry I didn't mean to leave the poll on!

But since it's there - YABU to go and see a chiropractor as they don't work or YANBU to go as it will help

I have conjenital lumbar scoliosis, I have a metal rod attached to my spine. I do get some issues with my lower back and hips but I wouldn't let a chiropractor touch me not for love nor money.
Medical professionals only if my problems got that bad.

I second dangerous quacks, made my partner's back worse. Physio all the way for me.

Go and see an osteopath.

I saw one once for lower back pain. When I asked him what was causing it he gave me a load of nonsense about how we used to be apes. His main motivation seemed to be to get me to sign up for a course of treatments. I was lucky enough to see an NHS physio who eased my pain, diagnosed the problem and gave me exercises to do at home. None of which the chiropractor was able to do. I still get a Christmas card though.

Well I went to one who cured my migraines by correcting my neck alignment. I mentioned it in passing to my GP and found out that it was the same one he visited!

I've had back problems and seen a chiropractor and osteopath. The main difference seems to be that the chiropractor believes all issues are connected to alignment of the spine so spends seasions re aligning it, whereas osteopaths treat the symptoms a bit more eg stretch out the muscles and give you more exercises for strengthening them, as well as trying to work on the root cause.

I've seen osteppaths when my back has seized up and they have got me moving again so definitely worth the money. They were really strong and the deepest messages I've ever had.

I only saw one chiropractor for lower back issues. She did a spinal scan and some manipulation of my back but not where it hurt. It only took about 10 minutes. She told me my spine wasnt the right shape and she said I'd need to come back 3x a week for 2 weeks twice a week for 4 weeks and once a week for 6 weeks or something mental and it was going to cost about £500 to sort out! She then started doing 'healing' where they put their hands over you but dont touch you, to move the energy around or something, I never asked for that and she didnt talk about it before she started doing it! Faith healing I think its called. And pressured me to make the next appointment then. I started yoga shortly after and the problem went in a couple of sessions - it just needed a few sessions.

So yes in my experience chiropractors are quacks!

Same as anything, there are good ones and bad ones. It also depends which methods they practice and if they are members of the UK regulatory body.

I see one who practices the McTimnoey method to straighten out where my vertebrae are pulling out of line (just down to age).

A session with him sorts me out for 8-10 months, and if I need to go back within a year he'll only charge me half price.

And for everyone calling them 'Dangerous quacks'; do your research. If it's just muscle problems, yes, see a physio.

You would be better with an osteopath.