Should I really be seeing a Chiropractor?!

[kirsty_2011]

Hi,
I have been seeing a Chiropractor for the past couple of months, 3 adjustments a week and some excercises at home, this is to continue for 6 months. Basically, I have suffered from neck and shoulder pain for years. Sitting down all day at work at a desk really aggravates it but there's nothing I can do to change that! The chiropractor took xrays and showed me that my neck has lost 80% of it's natural curve, it's completely straight! I also have a slight degeneration of C5 disc. He says these are the causes of my pain. Initially my pain subsided and almost dissapeared for a couple of weeks and I thought, wow it's working already! Unfortunately it has come back with avengence and my neck is very tight, stiff and sore. The chiropractor says this is normal and it will go away. I'm concerned if the chiropractic treatment will really help me get rid of my pain for good or is it more of a muscular problem? Deep massage always relieves it but never for long. Physio hasn't helped in the past. I had to sign a contract for my treatment and it will cost me £2,500 over the next 18 months, I need to know if it's going to be worth the money or should I try to get out of the contract before the first payment comes out on 27th July?!! Any advice would be much appreciated!
Many Thanks,
Kirsty

[sandyRoe]

That seems an unusual contract. If you were 'cured' after the first few treatments would you still be expected to pay so much?

[evil__sheep]

if you've signed a contract, it seems on the face of it you'd be unlikely to be able to get out of it.

[Sqad]

This sort of conservative treatment requires at least 6 months to assess the value.

You do not mention pain killers Ibuprofen or the use of cold applications, which normally should help.

If it was me..........I would ask to see an Orthopaedic surgeon who i am sure would asses the condition of C5 by MRI scanning or CT scan and to take it from there.........and i would not sign a contract with the Chiropractor........I would rather send my £2500 on a Private Orthopaedic consultation and MRI.

[Sqad]

"assess the condition of C5".....no idea why this was cancelled.

[AB Editor]

Sqad,

You dropped and s and made a pair of asses of an assessment.

And I've pulled it out of the filter. Unsure why it was in there to be honest...

[LazyGun]

Hi Kirsty,
Personally, I would be very sceptical of a chiropractice in general.The health claims and benefits claimed for it are far too wide, many chiropractors have some strange ideas that subluxations and the back control any and all ills within the body, and I have far too often heard of people paying a lot of money for what seems to be unnecessary treatments.
Add to that, spinal manipulation, especially around the neck area can be potentially dangerous.

Were I you, I would definitely consider having a chat with my GP first, to get their opinion and guidance. I might then consider an Osteopath or Physio.

Some links for you;
http://www.quackwatch...Topics/chiroeval.html
http://scientopia.org...order-so-many-x-rays/

A respected Science journalist, Simon Singh, recently had a set-to with the British Chiropractic Association over an article he had written, which you can take a look at here.

http://gimpyblog.word...cle-on-chiropractors/

Personally Kirsty, I would be very wary, and would most definitely exhaust all other options before even thinking about chiropractic.

[Postdog]

I can't answer on your problem, but I went to a choropracter as a result of constant back pain.My spine was "s" shaped as a result of years of carrying a mail bag on one side. Basically at the end of my course of treatment I was a new person. No back pain, walking tall. etc. I would recommend chiropratic treatment - it seems like money for nothing given what they actually do, but I've no complaints.

[Sqad]

AB Ed,,,,right.....thanks.

[jomifl]

I had a chronic lumbar problem cured after 3 sessions with a chiropracter 'recommended' by my GP, It cost less than £100 including x-rays. It was a few years ago. At the same time he sorted out a misplaced ligament or tendon in my neck, included in the price. Some things they can put right, some make reasonable charges. I think there are a lot of charlatans though.

[jno]

I've had successes with chiropractic treatment, though I prefer osteopaths, who are gentler. I never paid in advance for a course of treatments, though; I just booked as needed and paid on the day.

But yes, these things can take a while to settle down; some results are instant, some aren't.

[Postdog]

osteopaths gentler. Hmmm, I went to one way before the chiroprator and felt like I was in the ring with Mike Tyson. Couldn't move next day either.

[jno]

goodness, you must have struck a bruiser. Chiropractors mostly concentrate on the spine; osteopaths do more soft tissue work around the body.

[boxtops]

Ostepathy worked for me, both with hip problems way back when, and with whiplash after our car accident. Mind you, Ill never let him crack my neck again, it was terrifying!

[jno]

I find treating my neck often doesn't work *unless* it's cracked.

[campbellking]

I would have concerns about any medical practitioner who tried to lock you into a contract like that. You might need to 'stir up' a problem in order to improve it, but with work on your posture and gentle muscle strengthening exercises you should be able to go a long way into helping yourself.

[bimbo123456]

There are some rip - off merchants out there. Did you go to one of these "first session plus x-ray for bargain price" merchants. I went to one. After 6 weeks of three sessions a week I smelled a rat. Went to another chiropractor and they said the x-rays taken were so poor they were pointless and the treatment given was too severe. As for signing a contract...you need to get to your local Citizen's advice about that one I would say. Sounds well dodgy to me.

[mazzywoo]

Hi Kirsty.
I think you need to go to the General Chiropractic Council website and check this out (you can easily google it) It does seem like a very expensive (and long) course of treatment! On the website, you should be able to get some advice and complain about being tied into a contract like this. There are a lot of reputable chiropractors out there, who wouldn't practice like that! Good luck and let us know how you get on xxMaz