chiropractors

[Naughtybutnice]

Can chiropractors heal your back if you have a bulging disc? I have suffered over 6 years with sciatica.  I wear prothestics. I was told doctors no longer recommend invasive procedures like surgey, because it causes more damage. I receive some relief from decompression ( hanging upside down). It comes as no surprise that physical therapist recommended podiatry and better shoe inserts.I also get relief from streching and yoga.

[RubyWitch]

Before nursegirl has this post moved to the more appropriate forum, I'd like to quickly add my 2 cents.

I'm a bit leery of the "cures" many chiro's promise. Like nursegirl, I don't believe our bodies need to be "realigned, readjusted, snapped, cracked or popped."

My back was injured at work a couple of years ago and had to jump through all the hoops of that bureaucratic, paper filled nightmare. (Which also included visits to a chiro.....the first in my 50+ years)

To make this story as short as possible, it was eventually discovered that I had 3 bulging discs in the lumbar region of my spine, and a torn muscle that connects something to something else on or near my spine on or near the bulging discs.

I saw a spine doctor (I believe they are called Physiatrists) who told me the only way to repair the discs was surgery IF time, physical therapy, rest, drugs, heat/cold......blah, blah blah..........didn't do the trick.
When I asked him if I should continue to see the chiro he said, "yes, as long as he didn't touch me."

The previous 5 visits I'd had witht he chiro did nothing to relieve my back pain and when I fianlly allowed him to "adjust" my neck, I had a headache for a week.

I know, I know. Everybody has their story. As NG said, you either love them or hate them.
But I think I can say with some authority they cannot FIX bulging discs. If they say they can, then run away. Unless they've worked on your legs and those no longer work right either.
Peace
Greenlydia

    

[nursegirl6572]

Here's my take on chiropractors.  If you have an actual problem (like you do), they can actually be helpful.  Where I have an issue are people with absolutely NO problems going to one to be "re-aligned" or "readjusted".  Bodies don't need realigned, typically.  Some people absolutely swear by them, however, even when they don't have any ailments.

Check with your doctor first, and make sure that a chiropractor wouldn't cause more harm than good.  Most docs these days recognzie the value of chiropractic sessions for their patients, and will actually refer them.  Make sure the chiropractor has copies of your entire chart, from your doctor, any specialists you've seen, any surgeries, and any films you have (MRIs, CT scans, etc).

If it isn't contraindicated, I say give it a shot.

That being said, I'm going to see if we can get this thread moved to a more appropriate forum, perhaps our pain management community.  Best of luck!

[Kelz72312]

Well I would recommend seeing one and see if try could help.. If the stretching and everything helps keep doing that as well but see a chiropractor to see if they could help..