Chiropractor

[JonnyRadar]

I can move my neck around!! :D

Just went and saw a chiropractor for the first time ever yesterday - a local guy who's fairly holistic about things and is down with the paleo diet. He helped a LOT! I wanted to post this for anyone who may be on the fence about seeing a chiropractor - perhaps wondering if it really works or not.

I got a couple structural things fixed and a good chunk of lingering pain went away last night, and is not in its usual place this morning. Normally I wake up with a shot of nerve pain in the left shoulder, and that is gone today. Diet and DMSO have kept it mostly at bay, and my inflammation is way down from where it used to be - but there were things out of place that had to be fixed by force, apparently, not vitamins or nutrition.

So, if you're thinking about it, I would say don't hold back - chiropractors (at least this one) can really do some effective things. He also spent about 45 minutes doing a little "class" about joint health, so it was also quite an educational experience.

I'd be curious to know if anyone else has had the same experience? I was/am really amazed at how big a difference such a small adjustment made.

 

[SeekinTruth]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Jonathan. I had found a great chiropractor back in the early 90's in the U.S. A mechanic friend of mine and my brother's told us about him, since he would occasionally throw something out of whack at work and need fixin' up.

I had pulled something in my upper back a couple of times over a few year period and went to him in excruciating pain. He had me sit on a chair and lean my head forward, while feeling around my neck and shoulders barely touching me it seemed, and said something like "oh, yeah, we got something really out of whack here." He had me lay down on his table and just push on certain area between my shoulder blades and neck, almost like when they push down with both hands on someone's chest to get their heart to start beating again, while saying things like "just relax, think of the weather...". Which is really funny because he said this every time, and the first time I went to him it was REALLY hot and humid out. After a few minutes of this, he would have me sit in the chair again and check like before. If need be, he'd have me lay down again and do some more of his thing, and within ten to fifteen minute's, I walked out of his office pain free every time. Same with my mother and brother who went to him also on a couple of occasions being in a lot of pain. Oh, and he charged some ridiculously low fee, like $10 or $15 if I remember correctly.

He claimed that any real chiropractor would never do ex-rays and such. And he didn't have any fancy equipment. He was probably in his 70's and unfortunately he retired sometime in the 1990's. I think really good chiropractors are hard to find, but if you do, they're worth their weight in gold.

 

[PullingPins]

Glad that it helped with your pain!
I haven't gone to the chiro myself, though if I ever have the money, I'll definitely make an appointment.
We did take my daughter to a chiro when she was a couple months old, though. I was never able to go because of my work schedule, but her dad was really impressed with them. The doc also had a very natural approach to his practice- the first thing he asked was "does she have all the vaccines she needs?" Her dad "she doesn't have any," doc "so she has all the vaccines she needs." Thought it was kind of funny coming from a doctor of any sort.
Anyway, the reason we took her is because she had a huge reflux problem since the day she was born, but after a couple adjustments, it got enormously better. Her dad said it was a very subtle process for babies, but it seemed to be effective.

 

[Masamune]

I have been seeing a chiropractor for about 9 years now and yes I have had the same experience. Every time I leave the office I feel like a completely new person. And my chiropractor does all types of work with nutrition, supplements, and emotional cleansing. I have been to about 5 different ones over the years and none of the others really compare to the one I currently am seeing. The depth of knowledge and intuitive abilities are really amazing. I would recommend looking into a chiropractor who uses applied kinesiology because then they can muscle test to determine where to adjust you, how to adjust you etc. It can be used to determine how each of your organ systems are functioning, your joints, muscles, etc. and which supplements would be most beneficial for you. Also my doctor uses it to find emotional/mental blocks and clear them such as shame, guilt, and using "shoulds". A recent one that came up for me was feeling that I did not deserve to exist. I went to a chiropractor who just used x-rays and what I told him to find where to adjust me and it was a really horrible experience. I would suggest looking into applied kinesiology and giving it a try.

 

[Lilou]

I was always a bit leary about letting a chiropractor "crack my spine", but have since learned the value of adjustments. In 2000, I took a nasty fall down a flight of marble stairs. I had a bruise on my backside the size of a tea saucer that took a year to heal! And life went on, until I started to suffer pain in my left hip in 2003. It was so bad I was walking with a limp.

I consulted a MD friend of mine who recommended a chiroprator. After a series of adjustments over the course of 2 months, I am free of the hip pain & walking normally. Apparently, the fall I took twisted my sacroiliac joint & over time, it became worse. I found the chiropractor to be nothing short of a miracle!

Glad to hear you were helped Jonathan! Chiropractics can great, but I would still be leary of having adjustments if there is alot of inflammation. In other words, get the inflammation under control with NSAID's/DMSO before having any adjustments.

 

[JonnyRadar]

Glad to hear you were helped Jonathan! Chiropractics can great, but I would still be leary of having adjustments if there is alot of inflammation. In other words, get the inflammation under control with NSAID's/DMSO before having any adjustments.

Agreed. After we went over the fact that I'd been reducing inflammation for a while, he said "Oh, that's much better, now we just need to move things around a little."

Thank you guys for lending your experiences as well. To the other points, this guy did use kinesiology to test a few areas. That was pretty amazing - I'd never had that done before either. While I was holding my arm up under the pressure of his hand, he put his finger in one spot on my jaw and I lost all strength in my arm. That was really wild. After he did his thing, we did the kinesiology test again and I could hold my arm up.

The doc also had a very natural approach to his practice- the first thing he asked was "does she have all the vaccines she needs?" Her dad "she doesn't have any," doc "so she has all the vaccines she needs." Thought it was kind of funny coming from a doctor of any sort.
Anyway, the reason we took her is because she had a huge reflux problem since the day she was born, but after a couple adjustments, it got enormously better. Her dad said it was a very subtle process for babies, but it seemed to be effective.

This was my experience as well, with the sentiment, I mean. The doc I went to see went off for about twenty minutes on the medical establishment, berating their willingness to give people drugs right away. He was happy to hear that I didn't readily go to the hospital unless I needed to and urged me to basically always try the chiropractic route before anything else, unless it's an emergency of some sort. Granted, he is a chiropractor, so he wants to promote his profession, however I sensed quite a bit of sincerity from him in that regard...

 

[stellar]

For the past ten years I have regularly been to my chiro for 'tune ups' and I don't know where I'd be without those treatments. My work is very physical so my joints can get out of whack occasinally. The Diet keeps inflammation in check but sometimes bits need to be put back into place.

He did attempt accupuncture a couple of years ago for my chronic sinus problems but that didn't do anything until I found the Paleo diet on this forum and then things took a dramatic turn for the better. So I would say the combo of the two practices keep me in pretty good nick for my age. :D

 

[Hildegarda]

Chiropractors have been great for our family. Their recommendations and care, over the years, helped my children with ear infections, and helped me and my husband with various pinched nerve problems. In fact, when my children grow up, I would like to become a chiropractor, DCM willing.

 

[stellar]

Chiropractors have been great for our family. Their recommendations and care, over the years, helped my children with ear infections, and helped me and my husband with various pinched nerve problems. In fact, when my children grow up, I would like to become a chiropractor, DCM willing.

As opposed to 'when I grow up...' Sorry, I have a very vivd imagination

 

[Voyageur]

Chiropractic work seems, more often than not, to have been demonized, like other alternative health practitioners. Glad the treatments are helping you out - I'm well overdue but have a Chiropractic physician who has help the family so many times. :)

Chiropractic embraces the science of life, the knowledge of how organisms act in health and disease, and also the art of adjusting the neuroskeleton.

 

[Vulcan59]

Thanks for sharing Jonathan. Yes, I've benefited as well from visiting a chiropractor. The chiro I visit, uses subluxation.

 

[Gwenllian]

Thank you guys for lending your experiences as well. To the other points, this guy did use kinesiology to test a few areas. That was pretty amazing - I'd never had that done before either. While I was holding my arm up under the pressure of his hand, he put his finger in one spot on my jaw and I lost all strength in my arm. That was really wild. After he did his thing, we did the kinesiology test again and I could hold my arm up.

I visited a chiropractor for the first time today.
He also did a kinesiology test and I had to fill out a form with lots of questions about my health. During the test I had to raise my arms and legs and push back his hand, but had little muscle power, until the moment he asked me to open my mouth. :D And then I could really push back. The same happened when he pressed on a point on my breast-bone. Same thing happened.

I hurt my back just before Christmas and although the pain was bearable after a day or two thanks to DMSO, acupressure taping (also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent), the Far Infrared Blanket , lots of sleep, comfrey and supplements, he told me today that my back is pretty out of whack and for the next two weeks (or more?) he will treat me twice a week. He told me that my lymphatic circulation was not optimal, about 80 to 90%. He also noted that one side of my face does not move.
What a difference if I compare the chiropractor to my GP who could not really say what the problem was. Although he did say it wasn't rheumatism and I should take some rest and go for a walk.

 

[Duke]

Wow good tread! Just so happens I became fast friends with our towns new chiropractor. He studied for 8y's in the USA before he was aloud to touch anyone. He is very through in his examinations getting thankyou cards often from patients after diagnosing other ailments the patients had and didn't even know, Some life saving interventions. We are very lucky to have him in our small town. Yes he has had to put up with the GP "chiro bashing", he's been in town now for nearly 10 years, lately with new young GP's in town he has built a good reputation. Lovely bloke ..... for a YANK! hahahah! hope you find this Chuky

 

[Gwenllian]

Here are some nice articles for those who wish to learn more:

People have reported chiropractic benefits help to improve:

Back pain
Headaches
Ear infections
Neck pain
Arthritis and joint pain
Scoliosis
Asthma
Blood pressure
Healthy pregnancy
Organ function
Surgery prevention
...
Because it is so effective at pain-based and pathological conditions, one of the most overlooked aspects of chiropractic care is that it enhances personal and athletic performance. Studies have sown that it:

Reduces inflammatory cytokines
Boosts your immune system
Enhances pulmonary function
Decreases mental and oxidative stress
Relieves muscle tension
And can naturally increase your energy-level

Studies have even proven objectively and subjectively, that chiropractic patients experience "overall increased bodily function," which includes bowl regularity and mental clarity.

Basically, because it helps place your body in the position where it can heal itself, chiropractic adjustments can free your immune system up to focus on keeping you healthy, which enhances your ability to think, move and perform.

http://www.sott.net/article/283532-Benefits-of-chiropractic-adjustments

Seeing a qualified chiropractor is another wise option if you suffer from chronic pain. I am an avid believer in the chiropractic philosophy, which places a strong emphasis on your body's innate healing wisdom and far less reliance on Band-Aids like drugs and surgery. Chiropractic, osteopathic, and naturopathic physicians receive extensive training in the management of musculoskeletal disorders during their course of graduate healthcare training, which typically lasts from 4-6 years.

Due to their comprehensive training in musculoskeletal management, numerous sources of evidence have shown that chiropractic management is much safer and often more effective than allopathic medical treatments, particularly for back and neck pain. In addition, researchers have also found that chiropractic adjustments affect our bodies on a deep cellular level.

What that means is that chiropractic care may affect the basic physiological processes that influence oxidative stress and DNA repair, so in addition to addressing any immediate spinal misalignment that might cause pain, it can also address deeper dysfunction in your body.

http://www.sott.net/article/242044-Chiropractors-and-Exercise-Are-Better-than-Drugs-Says-New-Study

BTW, my chiropractor told me yesterday that people that had braces and teeth extracted could develop problems with their spine.

 

[Gwenllian]

Just found this interesting bit of information.

Chiropractic and Acupressure Points complement each other and were traditionally practiced together in ancient China. Acupressure increases the circulation of blood and healing energy through the spinal column. This relaxes the back muscles and eases chiropractic adjustments, which tend to last longer.
Chiropractors commonly hire acupressurists to release patient's back muscles in preparation to make the adjustments even more effective. Acupressure given after the chiropractic treatment stabilizes the adjustment and balances the patient's energy to promote greater healing. Some chiropractors also give their patients self-treatment points to practice at home and refer out to practicing acupressurists and massage therapists.

Acupressure Massage is a safe, effective way to reduce common stress-related problems. Acupressure releases muscular tension, enabling the blood to flow freely and allowing toxins to be released and eliminated. An increase in circulation also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to affected areas. Tension tends to concentrate around the acupressure points. In order to relax muscular tension and balance the vital life forces, acupressure utilizes a system of points (the same points as acupuncture) that have a high bioelectrical conductivity on the surface of the skin. Some Chiropractors use high-tech devices to stimulate the points and move energy through the spine and supporting back muscles.

Acupressure does not substitute for Chiropractic Care, but complements its effectiveness. In the case of a spinal misalignment due to an auto accident, for instance, acupressure would not be the first treatment choice. In such cases consult a chiropractor. Acupressure can; however, speed the healing once the spine has been adjusted and can help relieve the patient's associated pain and anxiety.

Self-Acupressure & Chiropractic Care Acupressure is an ideal self-help therapy for chiropractic patients. They can quickly learn to locate the points and apply the correct pressure. Most points are within the patient's easy reach. By learning a few self-acupressure techniques, patients can enhance their chiropractic treatments and begin to take greater responsibility for their health. Patients who use acupressure find their adjustments are easier, more enjoyable and last longer.

_http://acupressure.com/applications/chiropractic_care.htm

What is acupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient healing art using the fingers to gradually press key healing points, which stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Using the power and sensitivity of the hand, Acupressure Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the immune system. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops spirituality and vibrant health.

Check out the Acupressure Chiropractic Points in the article. :)