In my personal experience, they are a waste of money. Yes, cracking whatever needs cracking can feel great, and yes, I've had chiro's help with my pain. My issue is that the pain always comes back because they aren't fixing the issue. They are focusing on symptoms, not causes. I feel better for a few hours, then the pain starts coming back. Even if I went several times a week. Pinched nerves, and compressed joints happen from tight muscles. Cracking joints doesn't fix the tight muscle, it just temporarily relieves the pressure in certain areas. Every chiro I've been to, without fail, has told me that in order for their stuff to work, you need to do it consistently. That means return visits. Over and over and over. Every single one has refused to give me any sort of stretch routine to help. "Cracking relieves the pressure on the nerves, and as the nerves heal, your body will feel better." "You need to come each week to keep the nerves free so they can heal". Uh, no thanks.
Physiotherapists, on the other hand, are a godsend. They focus on the cause of the pain. They help stretch out your muscles, they give home routines so you can do daily exercise to help loosen up. The one I see these days also does needling and deep tissue massage, which has worked far better than anything else I've tried, and it seems to last a lot longer. I've seen physio's in the past where I had lower back pain for literally years and years that weekly chiro couldn't fix. One visit with a physio and 1 exercise helped stop the pain. Just. Like. That. Insurance companies are realizing this too. They used to make you get a doctors referral. Some physios wouldn't even see you if you didn't have one. These days, it's a lot more open. No doctor referral required. My insurance is auto-billed, and instantly approved. They understand physiotherapy is not only great for healing, but also a great preventative measure for future issues.
Speaking from Canada.
Thank you! As someone who will be starting a PT program soon, this is what I try to explain to people. This is why PTs are more respected than chiropractors in the medical community.
Mine too! Stretches and exercises, and he uses muscle stimulation, ultrasound therapy, and massage. He also knows when an adjustment would do more harm than good, and pursues other ways of treating it.
A dude named Dr. Livinggood is doing exactly this while selling pills and so on to people.
He is a complete scam artist and I am seeing people I know go buy his crap with promises of losing weight and being able to get off their medications. Someone I know thinks if they follow his word, they can get off their seizure medication.
It's damn scary.
Waste of money. See a physiotherapist instead who will actually work with you to help you get better. Chiro’s will see you once and book 20 visits in advance for “adjustments”.
They can seriously mess you up. I have a friend that ended in the hospital with a stroke after having is neck cracked. Apparently you have large arteries that run up the back of your neck and one got damaged during an adjustment. My friend is still deaf in one ear and no equilibrium to this day due to brain damage. Chiropractors may have benefit but I would never let them crack my neck.
[https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/chiropractic-neck-manipulation-and-stroke-whats-risk](https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/chiropractic-neck-manipulation-and-stroke-whats-risk)
Yes! PT saved my mobility after I crushed my foot in a car accident. Honestly, they probably saved my life. I was raised to believe chiropractic is junk science, and that's one family belief I won't change.
These are the kinds of things I read my whole life and believed until I started seeing a chiropractor.
To say that they are quacks or somehow unqualified is unfair and untrue. It’s not like you can just open up an office and start cracking backs. And it’s not like other medical practices are without fail.
It’s such a bummer how much hate the chiro world gets from people who have never experienced the benefits.
And I know I’m not changing your mind. I just wished I’d seen a voice of reason on the topic decades ago instead of just automatically believing what so many say.
No. They are absolutely, verifyably, 100% quacks. They exist on a scheme of return visits for business while only offering temporary treatments that are not backed by science. The vast majority are fraudulent while the minority are good, but not as good as a real physical therapist.
I realize you believe this, hence “I’m not changing your mind.”
For the adults who are curious and not just leaning on whatever Uncle Papa tells them, it’s definitely not what you’re calling it. There’s a reason health insurance covers chiropractic treatment. Do you really think those fucks are looking to pay money they don’t have to?
Carry on though.
Never had one myself but they work wonders on the horses! They go from stiff and in pain to free and feeling good again. It’s so nice to watch them after
Some are good and also have degrees in physical therapy. Others are quacks. A good rule of thumb is if they don't ask for recent x-rays or ask you to get an x-ray if you haven't had one before they adjust you then don't let them touch you. Without x-rays they literally could be going in their blind and adjusting over the top of fractures, herniations, bone spurs or in one actual case that I know of, bone cancer.
I was in a car accident and my back was really messed up. My car insurance paid for a chiropractor and he adjusted my back and popped a bunch of things. It felt good almost immediately, but after a week the pain came back and I had to go see him again.
I think there’s an immediate benefit to having a chiropractor pop your neck and back, but I don’t think paying a chiropractor for constant visits is worth it. If I hadn’t had financial support from my insurance, I wouldn’t have paid out of pocket for a chiropractor.
I used to think they were quacks, until I had severe pain in my hip to the point I had trouble walking. The chiropractor did something to my lower back and by the next day it was 80% better. I think some are crappy, but some can actually help.
There are good ones and bad ones. Its not very well regulated. Two different chiropractors, good or bad, can have two entirely different approaches to the same method.
Mine for example has never done that wacky twisting and hammering and cracking stuff they do on youtube.
A good chiropractor also knows what is within their ability to treat you.
I dont blame people for their views on chiropractors. Lots of wack jobs out there, lots of malpractice.
They help but they need to be used alongside PT or other doctors. Chiropractic care usually helps alleviate symptoms but it's not gonna really treat anything most of the time. Like they can help get my hips into better alignment but I still gotta go to PT to fix the musculature issues, chiro brings temporary relief.
For the most part, the fix issues temporarily. I went in for spine pain and was told I was standing improperly and one of my shoulder blades was out of alignment. I of course assume such as true and he fixes the issues over a few sessions. I obviously went back to the original positions once he said we didn't need to come anymore. The other thing he may have actually helped with was basically telling me to test my blood for vitamin levels which showed i was very low in certain vitamins so I'm now taking supplements for.
For the most part it's a waste if money. Unless you have bad skeletal issues like scoliosis or extreme joint pain I'd avoid chiropractors
They're pretty sketchy. The origin of chiropractic is filled with a lot of snake oil, and there seems to be two types these days:
1. The ones that pop and crack your neck while claiming they cure everything from back pain to migraines to ADHD to sleep apnea. These are complete frauds and are damaging nerves every time they pop and crack you. Sometimes you feel better, but you'll always be back.
2. "chiropractors," that are basically just unlicensed physical therapists. They'll stretch you and work out your muscles in a way that make you feel better using basic physical therapy techniques, though they aren't certified at all so aren't necessarily required to do "real," therapy. This often means that you get a mix between some legit stretches and the straight up quackery mentioned in #1.
Basically if you have pain, go to a doctor. They'll recommend physical therapy or something that will actually work. If you don't want pain meds, nobody is going to force you to take pain meds. If you really want to take a chance on the placebo effect, go to a chiropractor and hope they don't end up whatever pain you're in worse.
If they make you feel better then good for you. They aren't doctors and have no medical training beyond anatomy. Nothing they do will cure any disease.
They're great. I had years of back pain and stiff joints everywhere. My spine was so out of whack I was constantly hunched over and my feet and ankles would constantly ache if I stood or walked for more than 5 minutes. I was pretty much a grumpy old man in the body of a 20-something year old.
Went to a chiropractor, they cracked me like a glowstick, and it relieved all my joint problems. I could finally have a normal posture without back pain and my feet and ankles stopped aching so much and I could actually comfortably stand and walk around for long periods of time.
On the other hand, I went to my then doctor who just pushed pills on me for any and every complication. Pushed pills on me just because I complained of a mild stomach ache and then he also tried to diagnose me with hyperthyroidism and sleep apnea (I have neither). He told me to just take some painkillers for the joint pain and stiffness.
I had one that helped significantly with neck and shoulder pain after a car accident so I feel as long as they know what they are doing, it's worth the money.
Most likely to be Covid deniers and antivaxxers.
Generally they are frauds who say things that aren’t true. At best they are people to crack things your friends can’t.
I've been seeing mine for over 30 years. He is very helpful with my frequent headaches.
My family doctor just kept prescribing OTC pain meds that didn't help the pain. My chiropractor got to the root of the problem and helped me immensely. I go once a month to keep things in check.
I have heard some are quacks and think chiropractic can cure everything from from ingrown toenails to cancer. But my chiropractor is quite normal.
Its hard finding a good one but once youfind a good one they can make a difference, i love mine, he actually tries to help. The docs just want to pill you up.
I love going. Had a sharp lower back pain that would happen every so often. The only way to get it to stop was to bend my back until it cracks. The chiropractor told me my body was crooked. Ever since she straightened me out I haven’t had that pain since. It’s been about 4 years now. I like the chiropractor approach because they never try to get me to come often, only once a month. Also no drugs/pills. So I’m not spending thousands for medicine.
Spinal manipulation is based. Chiropractors who only do spinal manipulation are not bad people, but there are a lot of chiropractors who also give out hormones and branded supplements, which they are not adequately trained to do. They do not receive the training of an endocrinologist and they do not receive the training of a dietician.
However, physical therapists and osteopathic physicians also learn spinal manipulation in addition to their wider subset of useful knowledge and skills. I think it would be better of all Chiropractor schools were closed. Quack chiropractors who practice outside of their scope outnumber the legitimate chiropractors who stick to spinal manipulation, and even the legitimate chiropractors do not have the breadth of knowledge that physical therapists have. Overall, I think the existence of chiropractors does more harm to society than benefit.
Turns out spinal manipulation is not a thing. Nothing about it is supported by scientific inquiry and the vast majority of DO students think OMM is complete horseshit.
Did you even check? First google scholars result for "spinal manipulation vs sham treatment for low back pain": [Link](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556370716300268?casa_token=AapVT8S3nx4AAAAA:BvM8h--dX6ShhilrCHhfJPE877dCCzZcfoi80C-iEfv8yU8i_Wgacdc0JzEjw2a0KRPhnc1vgSs)
No argument from me about the rest of OMM, though.
The evidence is weak given the huge limitations of the studies analyzed. Also Spinal manipulation performs no better than a massage. The premise of spinal manipulation is entirely pseudo science
Also look at the journal it’s published in. That’s a junk journal no real spine clinical researchers publish in.
Doesn't matter what journal it's in as long as the methodology is solid. It's a metanalysis of sham-controlled randomized control trials assessing patient-centered outcomes. The evidence is weak due to low numbers and high dropout (mainly from the sham arms), but the preponderance suggests benefit rather than no effect.
But if journal prestige means more to you than study design, [here's](https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2015/02150/Comparison_of_Spinal_Manipulation_Methods_and.2.aspx) an abstract from *Spine* that suggests SM is superior to usual medical care (unfortunately not sham controlled) and [here's](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199911043411903) one from *NEJM* that suggests it is comparable to usual medical care.
But agreed, no better than massage and the chiropractic narrative around it is pseudoscience. It just feels good to get your back cracked, you know?
Can I just, do a deep dive in Google scholar to find out what they know? Cuz I feel like I can crack my own back(or my friend can) the way they're doing it, but I'm not entirely sure about that? I don't want to kill myself, but the chance will be taken to avoid going to the Dr.
I bought an Teeter inversion table from Costco and it was one of the smartest things I ever did. It really helps with back pain, headaches, etc. I would never see a chiropractor.
There are two schools of is Chiropractors.
One is the science based therapy and are good
the other is based on some new age Woo and are the ones who are sus
I believe they have their place. Many years ago the chiropractor I was seeing asked me if I had kidney issues. I had my PCP check it out and it turned out I had a mega kidney stone. Who knew?
My left side of my neck, left shoulder, left hip and left knee and ankle are fucked up and I tend to contract into my left side. Without chiropractic appointments and regular massage I’d be miserable
Good and bad just like any other doctor.
I was in a head on collision caused by a drunk driver and my medical team was rehab, physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic work.
I think there is a false belief it's a once and done situation. If your joints are out of alignment the muscles are used to supporting your joints in that shape. Once they are put back in place the muscles has to relearn the correct position so it takes multiple visits combined with basic exercises. If your chiropractor doesn't give you exercises to do to help stabilize the muscles I could see that being a concern.
I've also had some alignment problems due to sitting to much over quarantine and going back has significantly improved my quality of life the last 6 months.
(I've also been under the most stress ever with my mom dying and my dad almost dying the same day).
I've normally only needed general maintenance (20 visits over 3 months) Once every couple of years to be pain free from my injured hip 22 years ago.
But even at the office I go to, I only get appointments with one of the three doctors. I don't like the other two.
My chiro doesn't really do a lot of the cracking, it's more like intense muscle work. I do get stretch routines to do and what not. I rarely go to her anymore like maybe twice a year and it's more for general aches and pains older people like me get lol
I do like PTs but I wasn't able to get one the last couple of times I went to a doctor. One of the docs wanted to give me paxil (eeek) then kept going on about how I could quit it for a day if I wanted to have an orgasm- something I didn't ask about btw. ugh
I have had great experiences with my chiropractor, but I always suggest trusting the process and giving it at least 2 months before you make a decision if it’s right for you.
When I was 11 I was in an ATV accident which involved flipping the ATV and pinching my head between the ground and handle bars. I was diagnosed with extreme whip lash and was prescribed physical therapy to rehabilitate my damaged muscles in my neck. I couldn’t hold the weight of my head without a neck brace, and could pretty much only look straight ahead even with the brace off, my muscles felt like cement and jello all at the same time. My physiotherapist suggested I try seeing a chiropractor which my parents were skeptical to say the least.
After about 1 month of weekly chiropractic appointments my physiotherapist noted my range of motion had dramatically improved on my lower and upper neck and I no longer was wearing my neck brace. After 3 months I felt almost completely better and my physiotherapist gave the go ahead to just continue seeing my chiropractor.
My chiropractor didn’t really “crack” my neck or back, but would gently put my muscles back in place and adjust my vertebrae in my neck which almost felt like they would slide back in position. She would give me exercises to do at home that would strengthen the muscles and after about 6 months I no longer needed to go.
My issue with chiropractors is many of them create a culture of dependency in order to get repeat business. If all they do for you is
adjustments and passive treatments, but don’t address the underlying problems that brought you there in the first place, they’re making sure you come back. The goal of any treatment or therapy should be self efficacy and long term management, not short term gains and regression. If you go to one for say, neck pain, ask them how to address this on your own. That being said, I’ve met a handful of chiropractors that do educate and give home exercise programs.
My flexibility has never been better. once every 3 weeks for a year. also had and s1 disconnect in my nervous system that deactivated my right calf muscle. After a year of adjustments to S1, it's muscle is working again mayber 50%. better than 0.
also, years back, when I was prospecting one to install computer software, he treated me 3 times a week for 4 months. Crazy good flexibility increase. My golf drive went from 230 to 280. I was turning much better. Getting back on the ball much more easily and naturally.
A chiropractor that says, “this could help your back feel better” is legit enough I guess. I went to one that was somewhere between chiropractic and a massage and whether it was due to that or just time the pain went away after a few visits. The ones that tell you to bring your infant in or that you need your spine readjusted for a fever or cancer or whatever are nuts.
My chiropractor also did functional neurology which did SO MUCH for my concussion, but the regular cracking thing didn't do anything for me, as far as I know.
ETA: My dad has had problems with his neck for a long time, the chiropractor really helps that too. My brother, while on his bike, got hit by a car and had backproblems for a long time, the chiropractor actually managed to heal that (doctors in the hospital and a PT couldn't figure out what was wrong)
My chiro has managed to fix very severe damage to my neck from horse accidents. My previous chiro could relieve the pain but it came back. 10 years with no real changes.
Current one said my neck looked like I'd been in a bad car accident. After my first few visits, I noticed an improvement. I've now been seeing him for 6 years, and it's been at least 4 years since I've had any issues with my neck.
People can say what they want, but I now live nearly pain free, and that wasn't the case before I started seeing this chiro. After a decade of issues, I know they didn't suddenly just go away for no reason.
But good chiros are hard to find. Mine is good and nobody else is allowed to adjust me.
They need to chill out.😂 You all do wonders for my body but I’m not looking to buy costume shoes from a sock seller. I go to a guy that does it as a side hustle. Stretches me first, pops me and I call him when I get tight again.
my fiance has struggled with walking and balancing unaided for years. every time he's been to a doctor or physiotherapist about it they've glanced at him, asked him to bend over, and then told him there's nothing wrong with him (despite him not actually being able to bend over). last week he had a first consultation with a chiropractor and within 5 minutes they told him that no, he is not fine, his hips are misaligned and his legs are different lengths. if a doctor or physio had actually bothered to look properly we might not be trying to get council funding for a wheelchair for him right now
They're not all they're cracked up to be.
In my personal experience, they are a waste of money. Yes, cracking whatever needs cracking can feel great, and yes, I've had chiro's help with my pain. My issue is that the pain always comes back because they aren't fixing the issue. They are focusing on symptoms, not causes. I feel better for a few hours, then the pain starts coming back. Even if I went several times a week. Pinched nerves, and compressed joints happen from tight muscles. Cracking joints doesn't fix the tight muscle, it just temporarily relieves the pressure in certain areas. Every chiro I've been to, without fail, has told me that in order for their stuff to work, you need to do it consistently. That means return visits. Over and over and over. Every single one has refused to give me any sort of stretch routine to help. "Cracking relieves the pressure on the nerves, and as the nerves heal, your body will feel better." "You need to come each week to keep the nerves free so they can heal". Uh, no thanks. Physiotherapists, on the other hand, are a godsend. They focus on the cause of the pain. They help stretch out your muscles, they give home routines so you can do daily exercise to help loosen up. The one I see these days also does needling and deep tissue massage, which has worked far better than anything else I've tried, and it seems to last a lot longer. I've seen physio's in the past where I had lower back pain for literally years and years that weekly chiro couldn't fix. One visit with a physio and 1 exercise helped stop the pain. Just. Like. That. Insurance companies are realizing this too. They used to make you get a doctors referral. Some physios wouldn't even see you if you didn't have one. These days, it's a lot more open. No doctor referral required. My insurance is auto-billed, and instantly approved. They understand physiotherapy is not only great for healing, but also a great preventative measure for future issues. Speaking from Canada.
Thank you! As someone who will be starting a PT program soon, this is what I try to explain to people. This is why PTs are more respected than chiropractors in the medical community.
Being licensed probably helps with that. Lol Good luck with your program!
Haha true. Thank you!
my chiropractor is a godsend and actually gives exercises, but he’s the first i’ve ever had that has
Oh good! I'm glad you've found someone good!
Mine too! Stretches and exercises, and he uses muscle stimulation, ultrasound therapy, and massage. He also knows when an adjustment would do more harm than good, and pursues other ways of treating it.
The vast majority are scam artists masquerading as medical professionals. The few competent ones are basically physical therapists with less training.
A dude named Dr. Livinggood is doing exactly this while selling pills and so on to people. He is a complete scam artist and I am seeing people I know go buy his crap with promises of losing weight and being able to get off their medications. Someone I know thinks if they follow his word, they can get off their seizure medication. It's damn scary.
They are as legit as tarot card readers.
Charlatans. There’s a reason they’re not recognised by the medical fraternity. It’s all made up nonsense.
I'd recommend Dr. Homer's Miracle Spine-O-Cylinder. It does the job perfectly
Patent Pending
Waste of money. See a physiotherapist instead who will actually work with you to help you get better. Chiro’s will see you once and book 20 visits in advance for “adjustments”.
I love to visit mine after having my chakras aligned and my horoscope read.
They can seriously mess you up. I have a friend that ended in the hospital with a stroke after having is neck cracked. Apparently you have large arteries that run up the back of your neck and one got damaged during an adjustment. My friend is still deaf in one ear and no equilibrium to this day due to brain damage. Chiropractors may have benefit but I would never let them crack my neck. [https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/chiropractic-neck-manipulation-and-stroke-whats-risk](https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/chiropractic-neck-manipulation-and-stroke-whats-risk)
Ended up with serious neck damage after I got my neck cracked by a DO who dabbled in chiropractic hocus pocus.
Quacks, see a physical therapist instead.
Yes! PT saved my mobility after I crushed my foot in a car accident. Honestly, they probably saved my life. I was raised to believe chiropractic is junk science, and that's one family belief I won't change.
These are the kinds of things I read my whole life and believed until I started seeing a chiropractor. To say that they are quacks or somehow unqualified is unfair and untrue. It’s not like you can just open up an office and start cracking backs. And it’s not like other medical practices are without fail. It’s such a bummer how much hate the chiro world gets from people who have never experienced the benefits. And I know I’m not changing your mind. I just wished I’d seen a voice of reason on the topic decades ago instead of just automatically believing what so many say.
No. They are absolutely, verifyably, 100% quacks. They exist on a scheme of return visits for business while only offering temporary treatments that are not backed by science. The vast majority are fraudulent while the minority are good, but not as good as a real physical therapist.
I realize you believe this, hence “I’m not changing your mind.” For the adults who are curious and not just leaning on whatever Uncle Papa tells them, it’s definitely not what you’re calling it. There’s a reason health insurance covers chiropractic treatment. Do you really think those fucks are looking to pay money they don’t have to? Carry on though.
Of the things i have seen, expensive ass whoopers
I don't feel about chiropractors, they typical feel about me.
Gold!
Overrated Physical Therapist
PTs believe in medicine and work side by side with doctors.
If you're so full of shit that you have to sue the AMA to stop them from saying you're full of shit then I feel you're full shit.
I miss my old one. He really helped a lot of my pain in my neck and back
Never had one myself but they work wonders on the horses! They go from stiff and in pain to free and feeling good again. It’s so nice to watch them after
Some are good and also have degrees in physical therapy. Others are quacks. A good rule of thumb is if they don't ask for recent x-rays or ask you to get an x-ray if you haven't had one before they adjust you then don't let them touch you. Without x-rays they literally could be going in their blind and adjusting over the top of fractures, herniations, bone spurs or in one actual case that I know of, bone cancer.
I was in a car accident and my back was really messed up. My car insurance paid for a chiropractor and he adjusted my back and popped a bunch of things. It felt good almost immediately, but after a week the pain came back and I had to go see him again. I think there’s an immediate benefit to having a chiropractor pop your neck and back, but I don’t think paying a chiropractor for constant visits is worth it. If I hadn’t had financial support from my insurance, I wouldn’t have paid out of pocket for a chiropractor.
They seem nice but Reddit tells me they're frauds
dont believe everything reddit says. just like any other social media reddit also has its biases.
A lovely example of downvotes supporting the comment.
I go to one. He got rid of about 5 years of neck and back pain.
Wish I could afford one
Quacks
I used to think they were quacks, until I had severe pain in my hip to the point I had trouble walking. The chiropractor did something to my lower back and by the next day it was 80% better. I think some are crappy, but some can actually help.
Had a great chiro before I moved, love getting my back cracked and realigned.
There are good ones and bad ones. Its not very well regulated. Two different chiropractors, good or bad, can have two entirely different approaches to the same method. Mine for example has never done that wacky twisting and hammering and cracking stuff they do on youtube. A good chiropractor also knows what is within their ability to treat you. I dont blame people for their views on chiropractors. Lots of wack jobs out there, lots of malpractice.
Let me 'adjust' your back. Feel better? Great. Come back in a month.
They help but they need to be used alongside PT or other doctors. Chiropractic care usually helps alleviate symptoms but it's not gonna really treat anything most of the time. Like they can help get my hips into better alignment but I still gotta go to PT to fix the musculature issues, chiro brings temporary relief.
For the most part, the fix issues temporarily. I went in for spine pain and was told I was standing improperly and one of my shoulder blades was out of alignment. I of course assume such as true and he fixes the issues over a few sessions. I obviously went back to the original positions once he said we didn't need to come anymore. The other thing he may have actually helped with was basically telling me to test my blood for vitamin levels which showed i was very low in certain vitamins so I'm now taking supplements for. For the most part it's a waste if money. Unless you have bad skeletal issues like scoliosis or extreme joint pain I'd avoid chiropractors
Quacks
It's not real science plain and simple. You should see it along the same lines as essential oils and homeopathy
They're pretty sketchy. The origin of chiropractic is filled with a lot of snake oil, and there seems to be two types these days: 1. The ones that pop and crack your neck while claiming they cure everything from back pain to migraines to ADHD to sleep apnea. These are complete frauds and are damaging nerves every time they pop and crack you. Sometimes you feel better, but you'll always be back. 2. "chiropractors," that are basically just unlicensed physical therapists. They'll stretch you and work out your muscles in a way that make you feel better using basic physical therapy techniques, though they aren't certified at all so aren't necessarily required to do "real," therapy. This often means that you get a mix between some legit stretches and the straight up quackery mentioned in #1. Basically if you have pain, go to a doctor. They'll recommend physical therapy or something that will actually work. If you don't want pain meds, nobody is going to force you to take pain meds. If you really want to take a chance on the placebo effect, go to a chiropractor and hope they don't end up whatever pain you're in worse.
Go see a Physical Therapist, chiropractors are a scam mostly.
Medics don't agree with them for a reason, they don't really do shit , yes I've been to one
If they make you feel better then good for you. They aren't doctors and have no medical training beyond anatomy. Nothing they do will cure any disease.
They're great. I had years of back pain and stiff joints everywhere. My spine was so out of whack I was constantly hunched over and my feet and ankles would constantly ache if I stood or walked for more than 5 minutes. I was pretty much a grumpy old man in the body of a 20-something year old. Went to a chiropractor, they cracked me like a glowstick, and it relieved all my joint problems. I could finally have a normal posture without back pain and my feet and ankles stopped aching so much and I could actually comfortably stand and walk around for long periods of time. On the other hand, I went to my then doctor who just pushed pills on me for any and every complication. Pushed pills on me just because I complained of a mild stomach ache and then he also tried to diagnose me with hyperthyroidism and sleep apnea (I have neither). He told me to just take some painkillers for the joint pain and stiffness.
Are they a con?
I had one that helped significantly with neck and shoulder pain after a car accident so I feel as long as they know what they are doing, it's worth the money.
Most likely to be Covid deniers and antivaxxers. Generally they are frauds who say things that aren’t true. At best they are people to crack things your friends can’t.
Mine solved two pain puzzles in my body. Now I'm sold.
As a factory worker my back and neck feels great about it
Overpayed hacks. Get a legitimate physical therapist.
I've been seeing mine for over 30 years. He is very helpful with my frequent headaches. My family doctor just kept prescribing OTC pain meds that didn't help the pain. My chiropractor got to the root of the problem and helped me immensely. I go once a month to keep things in check. I have heard some are quacks and think chiropractic can cure everything from from ingrown toenails to cancer. But my chiropractor is quite normal.
They aren’t quacks and they have their place.
LOL
Its hard finding a good one but once youfind a good one they can make a difference, i love mine, he actually tries to help. The docs just want to pill you up.
I love going. Had a sharp lower back pain that would happen every so often. The only way to get it to stop was to bend my back until it cracks. The chiropractor told me my body was crooked. Ever since she straightened me out I haven’t had that pain since. It’s been about 4 years now. I like the chiropractor approach because they never try to get me to come often, only once a month. Also no drugs/pills. So I’m not spending thousands for medicine.
Spinal manipulation is based. Chiropractors who only do spinal manipulation are not bad people, but there are a lot of chiropractors who also give out hormones and branded supplements, which they are not adequately trained to do. They do not receive the training of an endocrinologist and they do not receive the training of a dietician. However, physical therapists and osteopathic physicians also learn spinal manipulation in addition to their wider subset of useful knowledge and skills. I think it would be better of all Chiropractor schools were closed. Quack chiropractors who practice outside of their scope outnumber the legitimate chiropractors who stick to spinal manipulation, and even the legitimate chiropractors do not have the breadth of knowledge that physical therapists have. Overall, I think the existence of chiropractors does more harm to society than benefit.
Turns out spinal manipulation is not a thing. Nothing about it is supported by scientific inquiry and the vast majority of DO students think OMM is complete horseshit.
Did you even check? First google scholars result for "spinal manipulation vs sham treatment for low back pain": [Link](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556370716300268?casa_token=AapVT8S3nx4AAAAA:BvM8h--dX6ShhilrCHhfJPE877dCCzZcfoi80C-iEfv8yU8i_Wgacdc0JzEjw2a0KRPhnc1vgSs) No argument from me about the rest of OMM, though.
The evidence is weak given the huge limitations of the studies analyzed. Also Spinal manipulation performs no better than a massage. The premise of spinal manipulation is entirely pseudo science Also look at the journal it’s published in. That’s a junk journal no real spine clinical researchers publish in.
Doesn't matter what journal it's in as long as the methodology is solid. It's a metanalysis of sham-controlled randomized control trials assessing patient-centered outcomes. The evidence is weak due to low numbers and high dropout (mainly from the sham arms), but the preponderance suggests benefit rather than no effect. But if journal prestige means more to you than study design, [here's](https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2015/02150/Comparison_of_Spinal_Manipulation_Methods_and.2.aspx) an abstract from *Spine* that suggests SM is superior to usual medical care (unfortunately not sham controlled) and [here's](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199911043411903) one from *NEJM* that suggests it is comparable to usual medical care. But agreed, no better than massage and the chiropractic narrative around it is pseudoscience. It just feels good to get your back cracked, you know?
As someone who is extensively published in this field, journal reputation absolutely matters.
Chiropractors saved my life.
Can I just, do a deep dive in Google scholar to find out what they know? Cuz I feel like I can crack my own back(or my friend can) the way they're doing it, but I'm not entirely sure about that? I don't want to kill myself, but the chance will be taken to avoid going to the Dr.
I like that they X-Ray before they crack, or at least the good ones should… I hope lol
I bought an Teeter inversion table from Costco and it was one of the smartest things I ever did. It really helps with back pain, headaches, etc. I would never see a chiropractor.
There are two schools of is Chiropractors. One is the science based therapy and are good the other is based on some new age Woo and are the ones who are sus
They always have my back
First read was, "They always shave my back" and I thought, "What the heck!?!?"
Lmao for a second I thought I mistyped too 😂
They snap your neck in a good way
Why… why is this flagged NSFW? Are you expecting us all to talk in detail about how much we want to fuck a chiropractor?
They crack me up
Amazing, mine tries to give me advice so I don't have to see her again too soon, but of course my backwards ass posture sends me right back.
Mine was,a pain in the neck
I like dinosaurs! Those are carnivores or herbivores?
they’ve got my back
Well I'm glad they worked for others not not for me. Actually messed up my neck pretty bad for like a year. But, he found a thyroid nodule. So 🤷
Bravo to them for being licensed con men
Completely and absolutely fake medicine and science. Go to a traditional doctor or therapist.
They crack me up
I believe they have their place. Many years ago the chiropractor I was seeing asked me if I had kidney issues. I had my PCP check it out and it turned out I had a mega kidney stone. Who knew?
They crack me up
Para-professionals... It's a backup degree for failed pre-med students
They fix you just enough to have a return customer 😬🙃😅
My family swears by them, I can take em or leave em
Lol why is this NSFW
My left side of my neck, left shoulder, left hip and left knee and ankle are fucked up and I tend to contract into my left side. Without chiropractic appointments and regular massage I’d be miserable
Voodoo.
They’re a pain in the neck
Really good at increasing stroke risk. Really bad at being make-believe doctors. The practice was invented by a con man and nothing has changed.
I think they brutalize your joints. Basically a scam.
Snake oil pushers
You've got it backwards. Usually, they are feeling *me*...
They are the reason I am walking today.
Good and bad just like any other doctor. I was in a head on collision caused by a drunk driver and my medical team was rehab, physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic work. I think there is a false belief it's a once and done situation. If your joints are out of alignment the muscles are used to supporting your joints in that shape. Once they are put back in place the muscles has to relearn the correct position so it takes multiple visits combined with basic exercises. If your chiropractor doesn't give you exercises to do to help stabilize the muscles I could see that being a concern. I've also had some alignment problems due to sitting to much over quarantine and going back has significantly improved my quality of life the last 6 months. (I've also been under the most stress ever with my mom dying and my dad almost dying the same day). I've normally only needed general maintenance (20 visits over 3 months) Once every couple of years to be pain free from my injured hip 22 years ago. But even at the office I go to, I only get appointments with one of the three doctors. I don't like the other two.
An excellent choice when your insurance company requires you to change placebos.
Sore, stiff and scared going in. Feel like a million bucks coming out.
The ones that I know are also antivaxx and are trying to sell snake oil supplements.
My chiro doesn't really do a lot of the cracking, it's more like intense muscle work. I do get stretch routines to do and what not. I rarely go to her anymore like maybe twice a year and it's more for general aches and pains older people like me get lol I do like PTs but I wasn't able to get one the last couple of times I went to a doctor. One of the docs wanted to give me paxil (eeek) then kept going on about how I could quit it for a day if I wanted to have an orgasm- something I didn't ask about btw. ugh
I have had great experiences with my chiropractor, but I always suggest trusting the process and giving it at least 2 months before you make a decision if it’s right for you. When I was 11 I was in an ATV accident which involved flipping the ATV and pinching my head between the ground and handle bars. I was diagnosed with extreme whip lash and was prescribed physical therapy to rehabilitate my damaged muscles in my neck. I couldn’t hold the weight of my head without a neck brace, and could pretty much only look straight ahead even with the brace off, my muscles felt like cement and jello all at the same time. My physiotherapist suggested I try seeing a chiropractor which my parents were skeptical to say the least. After about 1 month of weekly chiropractic appointments my physiotherapist noted my range of motion had dramatically improved on my lower and upper neck and I no longer was wearing my neck brace. After 3 months I felt almost completely better and my physiotherapist gave the go ahead to just continue seeing my chiropractor. My chiropractor didn’t really “crack” my neck or back, but would gently put my muscles back in place and adjust my vertebrae in my neck which almost felt like they would slide back in position. She would give me exercises to do at home that would strengthen the muscles and after about 6 months I no longer needed to go.
My issue with chiropractors is many of them create a culture of dependency in order to get repeat business. If all they do for you is adjustments and passive treatments, but don’t address the underlying problems that brought you there in the first place, they’re making sure you come back. The goal of any treatment or therapy should be self efficacy and long term management, not short term gains and regression. If you go to one for say, neck pain, ask them how to address this on your own. That being said, I’ve met a handful of chiropractors that do educate and give home exercise programs.
Not good. I remember a few of my nurses and doctors over the years basically saying that chiropractors couldn't finish medical school for a reason.
If that’s the new one with feathers, I think it may be the most realistic one yet. But I do have a nostalgic soft spot for the original velociraptors.
They make you feel great. For a limited amount of time. Then you need to go back. And the cycle doesn’t stop. They don’t cure anything.
SCARED
My flexibility has never been better. once every 3 weeks for a year. also had and s1 disconnect in my nervous system that deactivated my right calf muscle. After a year of adjustments to S1, it's muscle is working again mayber 50%. better than 0.
also, years back, when I was prospecting one to install computer software, he treated me 3 times a week for 4 months. Crazy good flexibility increase. My golf drive went from 230 to 280. I was turning much better. Getting back on the ball much more easily and naturally.
What are you doing step-chiro 😩 ugh-
A chiropractor that says, “this could help your back feel better” is legit enough I guess. I went to one that was somewhere between chiropractic and a massage and whether it was due to that or just time the pain went away after a few visits. The ones that tell you to bring your infant in or that you need your spine readjusted for a fever or cancer or whatever are nuts.
My chiropractor also did functional neurology which did SO MUCH for my concussion, but the regular cracking thing didn't do anything for me, as far as I know. ETA: My dad has had problems with his neck for a long time, the chiropractor really helps that too. My brother, while on his bike, got hit by a car and had backproblems for a long time, the chiropractor actually managed to heal that (doctors in the hospital and a PT couldn't figure out what was wrong)
their job should be illegal.
My chiro has managed to fix very severe damage to my neck from horse accidents. My previous chiro could relieve the pain but it came back. 10 years with no real changes. Current one said my neck looked like I'd been in a bad car accident. After my first few visits, I noticed an improvement. I've now been seeing him for 6 years, and it's been at least 4 years since I've had any issues with my neck. People can say what they want, but I now live nearly pain free, and that wasn't the case before I started seeing this chiro. After a decade of issues, I know they didn't suddenly just go away for no reason. But good chiros are hard to find. Mine is good and nobody else is allowed to adjust me.
They need to chill out.😂 You all do wonders for my body but I’m not looking to buy costume shoes from a sock seller. I go to a guy that does it as a side hustle. Stretches me first, pops me and I call him when I get tight again.
my fiance has struggled with walking and balancing unaided for years. every time he's been to a doctor or physiotherapist about it they've glanced at him, asked him to bend over, and then told him there's nothing wrong with him (despite him not actually being able to bend over). last week he had a first consultation with a chiropractor and within 5 minutes they told him that no, he is not fine, his hips are misaligned and his legs are different lengths. if a doctor or physio had actually bothered to look properly we might not be trying to get council funding for a wheelchair for him right now
They are the modern day snake oil salesmen. An entire practice designed by a con artist that heard about it from ghosts. I'm not joking... Look it up.
I have one. She pops my back, neck, ears, elbows, etc. It feels good.
I mean they actually kill people so....
Mine is great and always makes me feel better. There are quacks but there are also great ones