Reminder: If you have not done so, please read the Initial Post and Blog Information. At the upper left of this page above my picture click on the button, Initial Post and Blog Information.
It is fine if you want to see a chiropractor, as long as you understand what he cannot do. There is no scientific evidence chiropractic manipulation can fix infections, eye problems, heart disease, kidney problems, tumors, etc. Neither can he rearrange (or adjust) your spine to remove an offending alignment in order to relieve your pain. An x-ray taken by your chiropractor before adjustment will look no different after adjustment provided the positioning is exactly the same. (Don’t do this, because the radiation exposure is unnecessary and excessive. In fact, most people with back problems don’t need x-rays by anyone. See my blog discussion X-rays, MRIs, and CAT Scans from May 22, 2012.)
It is fine if you want to see a chiropractor, as long as you understand what he cannot do. There is no scientific evidence chiropractic manipulation can fix infections, eye problems, heart disease, kidney problems, tumors, etc. Neither can he rearrange (or adjust) your spine to remove an offending alignment in order to relieve your pain. An x-ray taken by your chiropractor before adjustment will look no different after adjustment provided the positioning is exactly the same. (Don’t do this, because the radiation exposure is unnecessary and excessive. In fact, most people with back problems don’t need x-rays by anyone. See my blog discussion X-rays, MRIs, and CAT Scans from May 22, 2012.)
However, a chiropractor (or a physical therapist) can stretch soft tissues, like ligaments, tendons, and muscles, to help relieve pain; and he can help patients who are fearful of using their backs understand that they can, in spite of their pain, be active. Mobilizing a patient with back pain is one of the first steps in resolving the pain. (See Initial Post and Blog Information – Chapter 1 of What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Your Lower Back.)
He, or a threrapist, can also use ice, heat, stretches, massage, electrical stimulation, etc. to relax muscles in spasm and to relieve pain.
Taking repeated x-rays, keeping you in therapy for endless periods of time, selling balms or copper or elastic bracelets, etc. do nothing but add to your bill. This is true whether it is done by a chiropractor, a therapist, or a physician. Most back pains are limited entities. Chronic pain may require chronic care, but that is rare. (Again, see Initial Post and Blog Information – Chapter 1 of What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Your Lower Back.)
So, if your chiropractor, therapist, or physician insists on a lot of x-rays, repeated visits, months of care, etc., there is a chance that he is lining his wallet and lightening yours or your insurance company's. Get a second opinion, or maybe read my book, What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Your Lower Back.
So, if your chiropractor, therapist, or physician insists on a lot of x-rays, repeated visits, months of care, etc., there is a chance that he is lining his wallet and lightening yours or your insurance company's. Get a second opinion, or maybe read my book, What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Your Lower Back.
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