Your Views on Chiroprators Please

[David Agnew]

My experience mirror's Rick's. Over about 6 months, I had progressively more pain and less mobility in my left shoulder area and neck. I was getting to the point where I couldn't turn my head far enough left to check my blind spot while driving. My good chiro saw me 3 days/wk for two weeks, then 2 days/wk for two weeks. He also talked through my work environment. 10 visits and following his instructions to re-arrange my desk at work, and I had full range of motion. Ever since, I go when I feel like I need it... about once every 2-3 months.

Unfortunately, that guy moved away... I don't like my current chiro as much, but he's doing ok until I find someone I really like.

Having been w/ four different chiros over the years, I think there's a lot more variation in them than in "regular" doctors. My good chiro was just an awesome doc and right on the ball all the time. Another was more "clinical" and his adjustments were too forceful for my taste. One lady I saw was just once was too small to properly adjust me (I ain't big, but she was like 5'4"!). My current chiro adjusts ok, not great, but he's a little off the deep end with the holistic high-fructose-corn-syrup-causes-cancer and chiropractic-can-heal-everything-from-sore-necks-to-impotence schticks that chiros get on sometimes.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Chiropractors have a place, but they do not replace your MD, Surgeon, etc. The good ones know their strengths and limitations - and practice accordingly.

Bingo!

[Carol Reed]

I would not be walking today if not for chiropractic care. All the doc could do was give me pain medication. Said I was not a candidate for surgery. I wasn't able to walk so I had better be a candidate for something! I found (recommendation of a friend) a chiropractor that uses muscle testing and an activator. Does not do 'adjustments' as in cracking. My neck is too fragile for that. I'd windup a quadriplegic, so you could say I am real careful who touches me. You can find one of these chiropractors at activator.com which is how I found one when I moved to Nevada. This was at the recommendation of my Arizona chiropractor.

Having said that, I have cut way down on chiro visits due to regular massages, and feel much better overall. With either I go when I feel the need to, not when they say I ought to. I am not in favor of funding their annuity. Its my body. I know how it feels.

Regarding costs. IMHO, to leave how I feel up to the insurance company based on what they will pay for is stupid. (So ask me how I really feel!) I am happy to pay out of pocket. Ask for the cash rate (there is one) and pay accordingly. The insurance rate is much higher as is the cost of complying with all the insurance forms. Negotiate. I once had laser eye surgery done at 1/6 of the insurance rate. I didn't have eye insurance, so I paid cash. They were happy.

[Jeff Bower]

Thanks for all the responses...they were about what I expected some that love their chiro, some that are kinda and some that have had or heard about bad experiences. I first went to a chiro in high school because of hip pain, went once a week during basketball season and he always fixed me up. I went to one when living in chicago and it didn't help at all. Fast forward about 15 yrs to where I am now...my parents found this chiro thru friends at church and they have been helped by him. If they trust him, I trust him and he really has helped me. To start he is "cracking" my neck and back, but once all is where it's suppose to be he will start using the activator for maitenence. Glad to hear many have found help at a chiro!!

For whatever reason, my spine likes to go out of place and I'm going to treat it just like a car and take it in for a regular check up or alignment. I would never think that the chiro would replace my regular doctor, however my fortune teller did once tell me that I would....nevermind...maybe next time.

[Jim C Bradley]

Like others have said---I use the cheiro or the physician depending on what my problem is. I would hate to have to do without either. I have always been real "Picky" when I have had to choose a new doc---and that includes optometrists and dentists.

Enjoy,

JimB