Anybody here use a chiropractor? WAY OT

[xar256]

Here's my story, what do people think?

[ChadTower]

I use a chiropractor regularly, but it sounds like this guy is trying to lock in long term commitments.   That's no good.  Find another chiro who will just evaluate you every few weeks and adjust treatment accordingly.

[xar256]

How long have you been going?  How often do you go?  This guys main "selling feature" is to train the spine to go back to it's origional position and stay there so future visits won't really be required <save perhaps the occational tune up>.
Basically I see it as 88 visits and potentially, the problem is gone <or at least corrected semi-permanently>  Does that make sense?

Xar256

[ChadTower]

No, it does not make sense.  You can only 'train the spine' to be properly aligned if you eliminate the behaviors that made it that way. 

Basically, he can undo much of the misalignment, but basically modern life has made it so the spine is a problem now.  We're not meant to sit all day, or wear shoes, or many other things we all do.

When I first started going, years ago, I had vomit migraines three times a week.  I had been spending 15 hours a day in terribly nonergonomic University computer labs.  I was adjusted three times a week for a few weeks, then twice, then once, and now I generally go about once a month for maintenance.  I can absolutely feel a difference (a painful one) in my neck when I have not been in quite a while.  Stupid computer work. 

[RayB]

Another thing is, do you have proof that your spine EVER was in that "perfect shape" that he claims it's supposed to be? Everyone is born with all sorts of bodily variances.

[xar256]

A valid point...No that can't be proven.  But what I do know is that I do have something wrong with my neck.  I've had sever neck pains for close to 10 years now <possibly due to a rear ending near that time frame>.  I don't doubt that readjustments are neccessary, but 88 treatments...

I agree with you about not everybody having the same "perfect" alignment though.

Xar256

[Sephroth57]

cant you just sign up for a month at first and see how you like it, how your spine is adjusting, etc

[missioncontrol]

I go to one also....

I forget how much my initial treatments were but it was well worth it my recomended treatment plan was like yours. I used to have headaches all the time and back pains but not anymore.

[Shape D.]

Anybody here use a chiropractor? WAY OT

Hows that off topic have you ever lifted a cab. those things are flippin' heavy.

[xar256]

cant you just sign up for a month at first and see how you like it, how your spine is adjusting, etc

I can go only once if I want to...Who know when his offer "expires" though.  I think the average fee is $27/session, but for all the sessions he quoted me there is a considerable saveings <nearly $1000>  I'm not totally convinced that I would really need 88 <maybe more maybe less, probably less is my guess>

I go to one also....

I forget how much my initial treatments were but it was well worth it my recomended treatment plan was like yours. I used to have headaches all the time and back pains but not anymore.

That's actually the first endorsement to go for the plan I've heard, nobody actually seems to say "Yes! Do it".  There seems to be an interesting mentality surrounding chiropractic work.  Most I've talked to around work and home say just go when you feel bad...<But feeling bad tends to mean things have been bad for awhile, it's just bad enough to feel it>

Xar256

[missioncontrol]

cant you just sign up for a month at first and see how you like it, how your spine is adjusting, etc

I can go only once if I want to...Who know when his offer "expires" though.

[xar256]

Not to sound like a broken record, but... Do you still go as well?  How long were you treated for?

[ChadTower]

For reference, my sessions are generally $45, though I only pay $15 and insurance covers the rest.

[missioncontrol]

Not to sound like a broken record, but... Do you still go as well?

[DrewKaree]

A large portion of my in-laws utilize the services, and most go to one that finds no problem with them coming whenever they feel the need (random pain somewhere, stiffness, etc), and they report grand results.  The only guy I've ever heard recommend some sort of treatment program as you described was someone my wife was recommended to by the lawyer friend we had helping us with a car accident case, and she DIDN'T go but a few times, and hasn't had issues.

Myself personally....I think they have some merit to their services, but I get the same results from my buddy wrapping his arms around me and lifting me up off the ground as I have my hands clasped behind my neck....the only issues I've ever had were a back problem and a foot problem (plantar fasciitis).  The podiatrist recommended Birkenstocks, solved the foot problem, and lowered the back pain.  Further abdominal excercises not only eliminated my back problems, but have kept them away in spite of my willingness to add pounds around my waist and bring the problems back.

The people who go to them by and large will tell you they feel a difference, and since I haven't been, I can only tell you what took my pains away.

p.s. wife had sciatic nerve pains solved by a Birkenstock insole...the pain would cause other pains, such as headaches, nausea, etc.

I don't sell Birkenstock products, but I'm willing to pay the exorbitant amounts they charge after they solved the few issues and pains I've had.  Pretty cheap, after comparing your pricing! 

[ChadTower]

I think the image of Drew in Birkenstocks resolves a lot of uncertainties about him.

[duffjr]

my chiropractor charged $4,746 to my insurance for 30 20-minute sessions involving massage tables.  i honestly can't say that helped my back at all, but maybe more intensive treatments do help.

[Shape D.]

my chiropractor charged $4,746 to my insurance for 30 20-minute sessions involving massage tables.  i honestly can't say that helped my back at all, but maybe more intensive treatments do help.

thats $7.91 a minute. How do I get that job?

[DrewKaree]

thats $7.91 a minute. How do I get that job?

Find a school that offers the correspondence course, pass it, get your degree, and open your shop.  (is that too telling? )


Oh, and for the record, Chad, I am a closet hippie.  I have a ponytail that hangs down past my butt. 
     of course, it starts from the hair on my lower back, and is braided in with my excess ass hair

I have been known as a liberal user of oregano
     in Italian dishes

I hug trees
     before sawing them down for lumber

I eat dirt
     my wife's a terrible cook...but she makes up for it with liberal use of oregano

I love animals
     breaded and deep fried, or cooked on the grill

I care about the environment
     It's hard for me to tan, and I think a bigger ozone hole will help

I care about how we waste oil
     It's making my Suburban costly to fill up!

I want everyone to live in peace and harmony
     and stay the hell away from me

                                     

p.s. One package, received and appreciated!

[Bones]

I have never seen a chiropractor but have had almost 120 session of physio to my hand. In that time I have seen soooo many people come and go & I hear the conversations.

From what I have been hearing most spine problems start with your feet. They begin to change shape when exposed to hard surfaces and the rest of your body compensates for alignment. Headaches are a side effect of this as are backache.

Maybe go see a foot doctor first? It's cheaper and less intrusive than 88 trips to a chiro.

[Paul Olson]

First off, let me say that Chiropractic care can be the best investments in your health that you can make.  A good Chiropractor can definitely get rid of back and neck problems, including headaches brought on by the neck problems.

But, keep in mind, they need returning customers to buy fancy cars and nice houses, just like everyone else.  I do believe that they tend to stretch out the treatment more than necessary.  My first visit to a chiropractor was right after injuring my back weightlifting.  I went daily for a week, then cut back to 3 days a week for the next 3 or 4 weeks.  It lessened from there, going to once a week for a couple of months, then down to once a month for maintenance.  The 1st week got me back to being able to walk without assistance, so this is not the same position you are in.

I would say 3x a week for a week or two, then drop to 1 or 2 days a week for another couple of weeks.  When you feel good, drop down to once a month for maintenance.  If you can afford it, I would stick to once a month indefinitely.  I would definitely not sign up for a program like this.  Like any profession, Chiropractic has both good and bad practitioners.  If you get a bad one (or if you don't like one), stop going and find someone else.  You might be a little sore after the first few sessions because of being realigned.  I would consider this normal.  After the initial sessions, if you are in more pain when you leave, than when you came in, go find another Chiropractor.

Hope this helps,
Paul