Chriopractor

[nanci]

I go to a chriopractor for lower back pain and have been seeing him for years now, off and on.  I mentioned to him a few months ago that I have gastritis and he said he could help.  He did an adjust in the middle of my back and the entire weekend, I was discomfort free!  I had heard that chriopractors can sometimes help with symptoms of GERD and gastritis.  Well, each time I go, he does an adjustment in the middle of my back - sometimes it would help, others times, not.  For constant relief, I would have to go a few times a week for a year, something I can't do.
So I only see him once every other week or so.

I went last Thursday, not feeling particularly well.  He tried something new this time.  Along with doing an adjustment in back, he also pressed down under my breastbone in front - he did this three times.  When I left, I felt pretty good but as the day went on, I started to become increasingly uncomfortable.  The weekend was terrible, I felt sick all weekend and even today, I don't feel much better.  My upper stomach aches, it's hard to eat, i.e., all my symptoms of gastritis have come to surface.

It dawned on me last night that this return of symptoms was after I saw the chriopractor and now I'm wondering if there is a connection - did he do something to cause this discomfort.  As I said, this was the first time he did any adjustments in front, it's always been in back.

I'm taking 2 Nexium, chewing DGL and taking enzymes.  I'm now getting concerned that something happened when he did that front adjustment.   Under my breastbone is extremely sore.

[Concerned lady]

Dear Chicken Soup,

Having been a nurse, I view doctors pretty much the same way you view Chiropractors--most doctors I have encountered are incompetent, arrogant, ignorant, quacks.

There are a FEW good docs, but few and far between. You have to ask yourself, if there were a LOT of good docs, how come this message board is full of people whose docs have NO CLUE about what's going on with all these people!

So, I agree with you, that a doctor should be seen--but, hopefully the doc will be one of those rare gems,...a GOOD doctor. :-)

And, I like a GOOD Chiropracter, a GOOD acupuncturist, etc., too!

Good luck to all!

Concerned lady

[virgo57]

You should be careful when seeing a Chriopractor or how many times you see one. My family has a history of bad backs especially one of my sisters with curvature of the spine and it seems the more you get snapped the more you have to get snapped.
All this continous snapping in the same areas wears the joint away and it pops back out easier after a period of time and you have to go back to get it adjusted back in place. I agree you do feel better after an adjustment but I only go when absolutely necessary, when all else fails. I used to go on a regular basis but now I haven't been in years and I feel great.
A few weeks ago they had a special on our tv news station on how getting your neck adjusted is related to strokes and a Chriopractor should NOT adjust necks...they had alot of cases where patients after having their necks snapped suffered from strokes, one right on the chriopractors table. I don't think these doctors are meant to be seen for every ache and pain that you get...just once in a while when a pinched nerve or a slipped disc is in involved. I realize what works for some will not work for others but it has been my family's experience...the more you go..the more you have to go.
My sister wasted so many years going to the chriopractor when she should have been in a back brace but he told my mom he would be able to correct it(she was 12) as long as they came to see him every two weeks ..which they did. The long and the short of it is she ended up having major back surgery because by the time they finally realized it wasn't going to work her major growing years when she should have been in a brace was wasted on this doctor with his false promises.
take care and I wish you well

[s.mcm]

I live in Ontario and there is currently an ongoing court case about a women that died from a stroke caused by a neck adjustment by the Chiropractor.  I was told by my Chiropractor to come 3 times a week to relieve bad headaches and neck problems.  I did this for over a year before quitting.  I actually feel better now not going.I still have problems but at not as bad and at least I am not broke now.
-my mom believes totally in her chiropractor and goes along with anything he says.  She had extreme stomach pain and in her hip for over a year.  He kept claiming he could fix it.  After an adjustment she would feel better for awhile but of course had to keep coming back  etc.  After begging her for a year to see a real Dr.  it turned out to be cancer in her cervix.  Her outlook looks good now after surgery etc. but please see a real Dr.  Don't mess around with Chiropractors.  I agree they have their uses but always see a regular Dr. first to rule out serious illnesses.

[karie]

I so appreciate all to learn here at this board.
Have any of you tried accupuncture ?
A doctor suggests this for many of her patients who have not found relief yet.
I wonder if accupressure would be a good tool as well.
With GERd , heartburn I agree in " How could working with the bones in chiropractic practices help our digestive needs so we can function without pain.
I always ask questions at my visits and know they don't have a crystal ball, Any hollistic measures help with digestive you have tried?
Thanks

[Addie]

I will not comment on the chiroprators that I have seen claiming to rid me of my nerve damge pain.  No, they did nothing to help me and got rich off me.  Shame on me!!!!  I was so stupid.

Yes.......I read an article by a neurologist that have seen strokes in people that have recently had neck manipulations via a chiroprator.  He advises agaisnt having the neck worked on if one is 40 or over.

If I have a problem now, I see a physical therapist overseen by a medical doctor.  Some Doctors of Osteopathy (DO's) also are good for treating neck and back problems.  

My humble opinion for "me" is to stay clear of the chiro's. More money in my pocket and a lot happier.

[Concerned lady]

I agree with the warnings about bad chiro's.

Even a "good chiro" can sometimes do something wrong. This is also true of doctors.

After first hearing about strokes and quadriplegia due to some chiropractic neck manipulations, I decided several years ago, that I wouldn't let my chiro do any sudden neck adjustments (the "cracking"). My husband still lets the chiro do the "cracking" methods, with him.

Instead, I ask the chiro to use the little spring-hammer dealy that is much more gentle--no cracking.

Good luck with your situation.

Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com

[ISHA]

I have seen a chiro for the last 6 years off and on.  I played soccer and from kicking and rotating myhips my back would get out of wack.  I have had nothing but relief!!  Maybe you are seeing the wrong chiro.  However if you feel uncomfortable then don't see one.  I have done acupunture 3 times in one month and had no relief of gerd,  however i have heard that other people have had relief  and the believe the whole acupunture philosphy so i would try it..  maybe do it 6 times and see and keep a journal to keep track of your relief.