How long do you give a chiropractor?

How long should you go to a chiropractor for low back and neck pain before going to a regular doctor for help?  If spinal adjustments are going to work, shouldn't there be a certain time period during which they'll start taking affect?  My lower back always hurts, and I notice it gets really achy after a long walk.  And my neck and the back of my head hurts (low achiness), but it all originates from a little knot right under my hairline in the back of my neck.  And, actually, it doesn't feel any better right after an adjustment.  Just more sore or aggravated.  And I'm tired a lot.  And I whine a lot.  Haha, obviously.  Any opinions?

[mike1105]

chiropractors adjust bones--- f your muscles have been conditioned to hold your skeleton in posturally poor positions, chiropractics wont help much. you need to retrain your muscles. see a website by jolie bookspan.

[jotabravo]

You can get 20 responses on here and you will get 20 different answers and they can all be right and wrong.  Basically it is different for everyone.  Try to study what is going on and become more in tune with your body.  Experiment around and you may find something that helps.  With chiropractic you should notice that it is helping/hurting w/in 4 weeks of regualr sessiona of 2-3 times a week.  Depending on your problem careful on the techniques being used.  There are a lot of lone rangers out there that can hurt you.  There are others that can do good or just nothing.

Working on the muscles like mike says is a good option to try.  This will probably take much longer to notice any results though.  

Just make sure you exhaust your options before you go to surgery.

[NKarapasas]

I thought I would clarify here: chiropractic physicians do not just deal with bones. They are neuromusculoskeletal specialists.

(what do you mean "regular doctor"? Someone who has normal bowel movements?? *grin*)

The standard of care is that after 2-4 weeks, your physician will evaluate the treatment you are getting.

Given what you have written, I would suggest you try a different DC.

[Sooviver]

My chiropractor worked with me a week or so then said 'I can't do any more for you' And she sent me to my FP who sent me to a neurosurgeon. I agree with NK.
Have your physician keep track of your progess no matter who you see. Generally they know you (and your body best).