Chiropractic Experiences
Read more articles on Natural Medicine and Let Me Share With You.February 5, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
February 5, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
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Have you ever been to a chiropractor? If so, what have you thought?
All of us know someone who has either raved about them or would never consider doing so. I’ll share my experiences in case you would like someone else’s insight.
I grew up hearing family members complain about adverse chiropractic reactions, so I was always leery about the practice. Fortunately, the only back problem I’ve ever had was a slight spinal curve, which seemed to be kept at bay by a lifetime of dancing or daily work outs. About two years ago, I started having an unusual pain that was annoying enough to force me to rethink my method of moving. It became so restricting, that one day at work, I literally picked up the yellow pages and called the nearest chiropractor, who was two minutes away. (My reasoning was that something must be out of alignment, and manipulation seemed less intrusive-and quicker-than medical tests or prescriptions.)
I was not displeased with the care or treatment I received, although the benefit of reduced pain did not last longer than a few hours. Returning for a follow up a few days later, I was saddened that I was back to square one. Supplied with herbal pain killers and told to use ice and whatever gentle stretches made the condition better, I attempted a stretch and felt an agonizing pain shoot down my leg. I limped to bed, only to awaken a few hours later with numbness down that leg and into my foot. An orthopedic specialist diagnosed a herniated disc, which affected two major nerves and necessitated a month of traction therapy.
I never returned the chiropractor’s phone calls.
Would you believe that I still have some numbness in that leg and foot? I really cannot complain, as I consider myself lucky to be able to still be able to do as much physically as I always have done (and at my ripe old age!). But I always wonder what would have happened had I not seen the chiropractor. After the first visit, when I did feel better, I was glad that I had attempted the more “natural” route. The chiropractor did review old x-rays and take a thorough history, so I don’t feel he was negligent, and neither the application of ice nor the gentle stretching appeared to be dangerous. But, what would an orthopedic specialist have suggested? Even if I wasn’t stretching, per se, a person still must bend down from time to time throughout their normal day, and chances are, if the disc was so endangered of rupturing, it would have probably happened anyway…but who knows?
My one friend swears by her monthly visits to the point where her daughter is now attending chiropractic training. It’s clear that many, many people find great value in the treatment. But, it just depends on the situation and the needs. Apparently mine were greater than what could be offered by a chiropractor, and that’s something everyone should keep in mind. Even with excellent chiropractic treatment, you may still find yourself back in the medical loop of prescription pain killers and conventional physical therapy.
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