What will happen if I go to the chiropractor? Fabulous Update in Post 12

[Purple*Lotus]

I apologize if this is totally irrational.  It is very early in the morning.

I have back pain.  Mainly at night only.  I wake up in horrific pain and all I can do is wait it out.  I can barely catch my breath, it hurts so bad.

I have been to two doctors.  I take a muscle relaxer, and that does help a little.  I keep a detailed back pain "log" if you will.  Some nights I don't have any at all.  I can't find a link to anything in my diet that causes it- although if I am overlooking something, please let me know!

Basically, both doctors feel that this is lifestyle related and not anything I need a specialist for.  I totally accept that it is probably hard on my body because I am overweight.  I am working on losing weight but that isn't happening over night.  I also lift some for my job as a pre K teacher.  That is just part of the job, no getting around that either.

Second opinion doctor suggested a chiropractor.  He thinks that is the best way to get me some relief.

I have to admit that I am terrified of chiropractors and up until now my fear of them has been worse than my pain tolerance.  But not anymore.

I went to one once, because my ears weren't draining properly.  The way he twisted my neck scared me.  I mean, yes, it did help, I did feel the ears draining right away, but perhaps I watch too many horror movies.  I had nightmares about it and I cried.  Perhaps a totally irrational reaction, but truly, I was scared. 

So now I wonder what will happen to me if I go?  For back pain?  I am afraid that I will cry in the office or something.  This is not covered by my insurance, but I am willing to go in to debt to get some relief- that is how bad this pain currently is.  I have to do something, I simply can not live like this any longer.  So I am going to suck it up and call for an appointment on Monday.  What can I expect?  I am scared, but I don't know what else I can do.

[escher]

I'm sorry you're in so much pain.

I went to a chiropractor this summer for some back issues. The first appointment was mostly taking a health history, taking some x-rays, and talking about what to expect. Most of the actual treatment was not the twisting you're talking about, and the bit of twisting that I did have lasted less than a minute. I think it is ok to tell the chiropractor that you're scared--I know they are used to that. You could even tell them that you're worried that you'll cry, and then if you do cry they'll know what is going on.

Good luck!

[PAgreenmama]

i'm sorry you're in so much pain and i really hope that chiropractic helps you.  

your first visit will be mainly a history as the pp said.  they may or may not adjust you on the first visit but you should definitely talk to them about your fears.  there are MANY chiropractic techniques and most chiropractors will not do a manual adjustment if you are uncomfortable with it.  you can try to find an activator technique or TRT doctor in your area... both of those techniques use an instrument to deliver the adjustment so you don't need to be twisted and you won't hear an audible "crack" with those techniques.  there is also a technique called thompson or drop that uses a special table so the twisting is less and there is no "crack".  there are certainly other techniques so if you have several doctors to choose from, you can ask before making the appointment what kind of adjusting they do.  in any case, EVERY chiropractor adjusts a little differently so sometimes you have to find the doctor who works for you.  

and as for insurance not covering it, many doctors have cash plans so you can ask about that on the phone as well.  

please call on monday and i hope you find some relief soon!

[ASusan]

I second finding a chiropractor who uses an activator. I had seen a traditional "cracker" chiropractor for lower back pain for about a year. Then I needed surgery (who knows if I would have needed surgery anyway). And I still had pain almost 2 years after surgery (despite PT and rolfing, but no more chiropractor after surgery). 

About 6 weeks ago, I started with a chiropractor who uses an activator. Wow. Amazing. I am almost pain free, and after not being able to do much bending or lifting for 2 years, I am back to almost normal function.

An added bonus seems to be that an office visit is about 5-10 minutes, whereas the other ("cracking") chiro visit was 15 minutes of adjusting followed by 45 minutes of electrical stimulation/ice/mechanical massage. Yes, I liked the relaxation and sometimes-nap, but it took a lot out of my day. With the activator guy, I'm out of his office and into mine all before 8am.

[Panserbjorne]

yeah....there's different kinds of chiropractic and many many many people don't like the osteo-release.  You can find one that does myofascial release, or CST...something gentle as opposed to cracking.  Just as effective (some would say moreso) and far less scary.  Good luck!

[wendyland]

I understand your fear.  I've also watched too many horror movies.  I think it would be really beneficial to go.  I was nervous at first, but now I love the neck cracking.  I always tell her it's time for dessert when she gets ready to do my neck.   I'm sure they can leave that part out for you, if you tell them. 

[Purple*Lotus]

Well I found someone who is accepted by my insurance.  I will still have to pay the first $500 out of pocket, but I figure that is worth it for pain relief.

I had my first appointment yesterday.  He was very nice and took a detailed history of my complaint.  He watched me walk and he looked at my posture, etc.  Then he took some xrays.  Tomorrow I will go back and he will show me my xrays.  Then we will decide on a plan together.

I like that he is explaining everything.  The one time I went before the person just cracked my neck, no xrays, no test, no talking about it, nothing.  So I feel a lot more comfortable right now.

He also suggested I try a supplement but he wasn't like "Oh this will fix you!, buy it now"  it was more like "Oh you can try this if you want, it might work, it not, just stop taking it." kind of thing.  I guess customer service is important to me.  I did not feel like a dollar sign to him, I felt like someone he wanted to try to help.

I will keep updating as things happen.  I am super excited to get some relief!

[Panserbjorne]

great update!  I'm glad you are feeling comfortable...that's the first step in healing.

[ASusan]

If you're open to supplement suggestions, may I suggest Calc Fluor, one of the 12 cell salts? I started taking it when I started activator chiropractic and it helped my back hold it's corrected position. Early progress was made well, and I went from "crisis" treatment (just addressing the pain) to "healing" treatment, which is where I am now.

[Purple*Lotus]

Yesterday I had my first session.  He explained everything ahead of time and kept checking in to make sure I wasn't in pain or scared.  He has one of those tables that kind of moves out from under you.  Anyway, I had a pain free and freak out free adjustment.  I already notice a difference.  My pain at night has gone from a 9 to about a 5, which is shocking to me that it happened that fast.  I will go back tomorrow again.  I feel silly now for not doing this months ago.  Even with it being so much upfront out of pocket, it is worth every single penny so far!

[Panserbjorne]

fabulous update!  Even better than the last.  I'm so glad you have relief.  Honestly, a good chiropractor is worth their weight in gold.

[Purple*Lotus]

After three sessions with him, I am now sleeping all the way through the night, every night.  I am on day four now of waking up on my own after a good 8 hours of sleep, no pain medicine in the middle of the night required.  I am so thrilled with this progress.

My back is still a little sore when I first wake up, but the pain has gone from a 10, where I literally could not catch my breath and was in agony, to a 2, where it is a bit sore, but I can still stay cuddled in bed for a bit longer if I want and I don't need to pop pain medicine like candy.  So I am so thrilled, I just can not even put it in to words.

I truly wish I had done this several months ago when I first posted on MDC about my back pain.  I could have avoided so much pain and lost sleep that way!  Live and learn, I guess!

I will continue going two or three times a week.  I am so happy I decided to try this. 

[Breathless Wonder]

I'm glad to hear it is working for you!

[PAgreenmama]

i'm so happy you found relief!  chiropractic is amazing! 

[pauljackson]

Chiropractic care in general is safe when employed skillfully and appropriately. Manipulation is regarded as relatively safe, Regular exercise relieves back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine and helps to prevent future injury .

 

if you encounter any problems with these poses, you should consult an expert.

 

 Chiropractor Lawrenceville GA

[phathui5]

That's great, Purple Lotus.

[tatsu15]

Originally Posted by ASusan 

I second finding a chiropractor who uses an activator. I had seen a traditional "cracker" chiropractor for lower back pain for about a year. Then I needed surgery (who knows if I would have needed surgery anyway). And I still had pain almost 2 years after surgery (despite PT and rolfing, but no more chiropractor after surgery). 

About 6 weeks ago, I started with a chiropractor who uses an activator. Wow. Amazing. I am almost pain free, and after not being able to do much bending or lifting for 2 years, I am back to almost normal function.

An added bonus seems to be that an office visit is about 5-10 minutes, whereas the other ("cracking") chiro visit was 15 minutes of adjusting followed by 45 minutes of electrical stimulation/ice/mechanical massage. Yes, I liked the relaxation and sometimes-nap, but it took a lot out of my day. With the activator guy, I'm out of his office and into mine all before 8am

[tatsu15]

This gives me hope... I will have a visit with a chiropractor for the first time next month for my upper and lower back problems and neck and shoulder problem. Wish me luck!

[Purple*Lotus]

So my chiropractor takes the week off between Christmas and New Years, so the 23rd was my last visit.  I was worried that the horrible pain would come back, although he said for me to call him if that happened and he would come in to his office to have an appointment with me.  That was so nice and put my mind at ease.  However, I still feel great and have had no pain!  Yay!  It really is working!  My next appointment is Monday.  I could kick myself for not doing this sooner.  I hope that someone reads this one day and can benefit from my story. 

It really was all about finding someone I could trust and going from there.  I feel great.

[lookatreestar]

that is so cool! as kids my parents took us to the chiro so it has always been a normal thing. i even take the kids.