Chiropractic care doesn't seem to be helping?

Question

I have been visiting a chiropractor for months now and have had nearly 70 adjustments. However, what's frustrating is that I still have the same level of back pain as when I started getting the adjustments. It's not constant, but appears to be caused by muscle spasming and stiffness and only occurs from lying in bed for a length of time. I've tried a different mattress, and have used a piece of (chiropractor-provided) home exercise equipment called a "wobble chair." No difference. Further, the three doctors in this practice don't really know what's causing the problem. I feel more and more like I was sold a bill of goods, although this doctor has a good reputation and a very large practice and is a true believer in his work. Do I actually need a physiotherapist instead? After all, this pain started well after (presumably) my spinal curvature occurred - I've only had it about two years. Everyone else I've known who gets adjustments feels better afterwards - not me!

Answer 1

have you consulted an MD? chiropractics doesn't work for everyone or every back problem. it could be that it just won't work for you. you may want to pursue physical therapy, aqua therapy, yoga or some other alternative treatment.

Answer 2

For this type of chiropractic care, you have to do the exercises prescribed RELIGIOUSLY to feel better - have you been doing your exercises?

I have a wobble chair along with wedges and traction and they help tremendously with my pain due to curvature (and it's pretty severe) If you aren't doing exercises with these things twice a day find a new chiropractor that does this! Mine is wonderful!

Answer 3

try a different therapy. there are several forms of chiropractic treatment. the most common is the " back cracking" most people are familiar with. problem is I have found that this type of treatment does not do a lot for chronic problems and is at best a temporary fix in most cases. In this case I would use muscle energy, counterstrain, and myofascial techniques along with muscle relaxants and possibly physical therapy. I usually get longer term results with those modalities.

Yoga is also great, I try to do it once a week. massage therapy or accupuncture may be beneficial to you as well. Basically, stop doing what you are doing if it isn't working and find something else that does.