Chiropractors- harmful or helpful?

[trcylynn]

Hi everyone,

After seeing a specialist after not seeing any doctors for the last 2 years he recommended both physical therapy and for me to see a chiropractor. The doctor has great credentials and says a lot of his patients like the chiropractor. The card he gave me for this chiropractor is not associated with my specialist or the hospital/facility so I don't think he's trying to make any more money off me indirectly but I'm still not sure what to think.

When I first found out I had scoliosis I saw a chiropractor and it hurt more than it helped so I stopped going. I don't want to think all chiropractors are bad- maybe I just saw a bad one or something.

I am 22 so I'm done growing and the specialist said my curve is probably done the only thing we need to keep an eye on is the rib/spine rotation (but bracing won't stop that so bracing isn't an option).

Anyone have success or have their curve get worse from the chiropractor? There are posts randomly placed about chiropractors all over this board but I figured this would be easiest to get feedback on just chiropractors.

Thanks everyone,
Tracy

[green m&m]

I wasn't helped...

Chiros might be good for pain, but they have no business treating scoliosis itself. Pain secondary to scoliosis yes, scoliosis, no.

Why did your ortho recommend you goto a chiropractor? are you in pain?

I'm going to put it this way, if bracing sometimes cannot stop progression of curves in children, what good will adjustments do to adults? At least brace holds the spine in a correct position for majority of the day, not just a few minutes as adjustments will.

[trcylynn]

Basically he said that my curve is probably stable now we need to work on building muscles in my back/areas to support my spine since its weak (it seemed like he was saying scoliosis means I have a weak spine) and we need to reduce pain (I have mild- well probably moderate as my pain tolerance has increased- pain everyday). He said the two things to help build muscles and reduce pain were to see a PT and chiro. Did not really mention which was which but also did not see either would "fix" my curve.

I'm mainly worried about the chiro doing something wrong and somehow triggering my curve to start progressing again. Is that even possible?

Thanks,
Tracy

[Snoopy]

green m & m,

Check out something I posted under the teen section, I think, called "Local News Story". I think you'll enjoy it!

Mary Lou

[green m&m]

I think progression is always a possibility, regardless of whatever is being done for the curvature. Certain curves in adults, (typically ones over 50 degrees) tend to progress in small increments and over time will add up to a significant number.

I don't know that chiropratic adjustments can make you worse or not. I personally wouldn't take the chance and introduce a new variable that can affect my curve.

If you are trying to strengthen your muscles, maybe stick with PT for now.

[trcylynn]

What website/where would I go to find a certified therapist in my area? I emailed the one scroth website that is based in WI but have yet to hear a response from them.

Thanks,
Tracy

[Writer]

Check the front page of the NSF site for the US Schroth therapists:

http://www.scoliosis.org/

Trying phoning the people if you don't get a response to your emails.

"Weak spine" is half right. That is, in scoliosis certain muscle groups on one side of the spine are overpowered by the opposing group on the other side. So strengthening muscles is a large part of the solution. Trouble is, which muscles to target, and how to do it? Very few people have that expertise. The Schroth method has done this, among other complementary treatments, since the 1920s.

[edd]

if you go to the website http://scoliosisrehab.com, there is a toll-free phone number.

What website/where would I go to find a certified therapist in my area? I emailed the one scroth website that is based in WI but have yet to hear a response from them.

Thanks,
Tracy

[glenda87]

Bad experience

I personally had a bad experience with a chiropractor...

A LOT OF EMPTY PROMISES...

I must say that I was motivated after my first visit with all the exercises and methods he suggested ...however....after 4 visits and just 2 adjustments ....he concluded that I needed a night brace....thats it....??? ????

So Yes my experience was not a good one, but hey he's just one guy...

Surgery was never number one on my list, but now I'm scheduled for surgery in December.... my only option

[Canadian_Bacon]

My chiro didn't do much either. I have scheuermann's kyphosis and he told me he could correct the curve by upto 30-40%! (Ha! - I was very nieve at the time and didn't know anything about the condition so I believed him). After a year of treatment - I have no decrease in the physical deformity nor have there been any decreases in back pain....just a hole in my wallet. Becareful with chiro's and what they promise.

I personally had a bad experience with a chiropractor...

A LOT OF EMPTY PROMISES...

I must say that I was motivated after my first visit with all the exercises and methods he suggested ...however....after 4 visits and just 2 adjustments ....he concluded that I needed a night brace....thats it....??? ????

So Yes my experience was not a good one, but hey he's just one guy...

Surgery was never number one on my list, but now I'm scheduled for surgery in December.... my only option