Chiropractors

[Vagus]

Does anyone use one?
Have they helped, or been a total waste of time and money?
Thanks.

[Canary42]

No personal experience, but my one-time landlady fell down the stairs and was in pain although she could move around. Went to chiropractors, after treatment could no longer walk and became wheel-chair bound. I lost touch so don't know final outcome.

On the other hand, my niece put her back out lifting her little boy and was in agony, couldn't lift anything at all heavy. Regular visits to chiropractor cured the problem.

So it would seem to be a bit of a lottery.

[ladybirder]

Vagus I'd look for any reviews for ones local to you. That should give you an idea or get a personal recommendation. Good luck.

[Vagus]

Hmmm, Canary, that’s what the general view seems to be from what you read online..some really rate them, others say be very wary as they can do more harm.

[piggynose]

Why do you ask? Got a back problem?

[eve1974]

Deffo helped me. Far more than physio.

[ubasses]

It will depend on what your problem is as well as finding a good one. Friend has neck problems swears by hers. My husband found using one did no good at all. When his pain got to excruciating level he phoned GP and was referred to an Osteopath, she has relieved so much of his pain, he is moving around again. There is a lot of crossover between their treatments but one could be a lot more suitable than the other.

[lankeela]

Definitely helped - went in bent almost double with back pain and walked out upright and pain gone.

[Samuraisan]

Helped me a lot years ago with my back. But check them out first, like every profesion, there are good and bad. Don't whatever you do, let them twist/click your head/neck. I have heard of some dreadful stories.

[Vagus]

Thanks for all your answers, interesting.

[Buenchico]

The NHS view appears to be that chiropractic treatments can help with certain conditions:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chiropractic/

I've known two people who've used the services of chiropractors and they've both been delighted with the results of their treatments.

[Peter Pedant]

easy answer
some do and some dont
try it and see, up to your cost limit

[Peter Pedant]

oh - chiropractor versus operation
came out - - equal, no difference
hence try it and see

[johnk]

My SIL used one for a long time, it cost him a fotune and achieved nothing.

[david small]

My wife has used one for years. Last week was the nearest. She said her back aches. Went to the Chiropractor who said her hips were out? After treatment she said she felt a lot better and the pain had gone.
£50 for half an hour. Worth it to her.

[jourdain2]

After wrenching a hip badly in late February and finally seeing an NHS phsio. for 10 mins. (after a 3 week battle) she diagnosed, correctly, damage to the insertion of the gluteus maximus with the hip and gave me a series of gentle 'old lady' stretches to perform, saying 'get in touch in about 12 weeks if you are no better'.

I used to be an athletics coach and recognised the stretches so I did them to a more advanced level - but it is difficult to affect the insertion of a muscle by exercise. Massage is much more effective. Anyway, months later I still couldn't walk much more than a couple of hundred yards without pain and limping.

A couple of weeks ago I had an appointment at a private
clinic, recommended by a friend. The chap I saw checked me, said he could see that the shape was different and swollen and confirmed the physio's diagnosis. He took a thorough history of my back problems etc.. He is a qualified osteopath, physiotherapist and also uses acupuncture. There followed a proper massage, manipulation and 5 mins. of acupuncture. Took slightly over an hour in total and, OK, it cost me a bit - £55.

I knew I'd been in a fight, the next day - but I could walk!
I still can. I can feel stiffness in my hip, so I know there is a little bit to go yet, and the usual back pain, but much lessened. I have another appt. booked in a few weeks.
Worth every penny - and it will be cheaper next time.