Chiropractor or Physio?
Discussion
I've had lower back pain since the week before Xmas and it's really getting on my nerves (pun not intended).
Not sure if it's muscular back pain or sciatica as just lately I'm also getting a pain down the back of my left leg.
I've been to my GP who gave me an anti-inflammatory and diazepam and although it is better than it was around xmas, the pain is now plateauing and not getting better.
I appreciate the NHS GP is stretched so thinking going to a chiropractor or physio but which is better for treatment/exercises for these conditions.
I do not have a history of back pain.
Thanks.
Not sure if it's muscular back pain or sciatica as just lately I'm also getting a pain down the back of my left leg.
I've been to my GP who gave me an anti-inflammatory and diazepam and although it is better than it was around xmas, the pain is now plateauing and not getting better.
I appreciate the NHS GP is stretched so thinking going to a chiropractor or physio but which is better for treatment/exercises for these conditions.
I do not have a history of back pain.
Thanks.
If you have already seen the gp then ring and ask for a telephone appointment. Explain to the gp your are still struggling and ask for a physio referral.
Obviously there is nothing stopping you trying a chiropractor while you wait on the physio assessment.
As in all professions there are good and bad. A clued up physio will be better than an unenthusiastic chiropractor...... And vice versa. Bit of a lottery really unless you can get some local recommendations.
Keep moving though with some gentle flexion/extension exercises and stretches.... You can Google this.
Obviously there is nothing stopping you trying a chiropractor while you wait on the physio assessment.
As in all professions there are good and bad. A clued up physio will be better than an unenthusiastic chiropractor...... And vice versa. Bit of a lottery really unless you can get some local recommendations.
Keep moving though with some gentle flexion/extension exercises and stretches.... You can Google this.
I had a similar pain from sitting hunched over a too-small desk for too long two weeks before Crimbo. It was so bad I couldn't even put up the Christmas tree. Went to see an osteopath who was bloody great. Osteopaths are a little less complementary than chiropractors. Though they still do a good range of satisfying clicks and twists.
RichS said:
I had a similar pain from sitting hunched over a too-small desk for too long two weeks before Crimbo. It was so bad I couldn't even put up the Christmas tree. Went to see an osteopath who was bloody great. Osteopaths are a little less complementary than chiropractors. Though they still do a good range of satisfying clicks and twists.
I'll definitely go along with that -I've had lower back issues for some time and reckon a good Osteopath is the way to go -they treat both the muscle and the joint. I find Chiro's a bit too keen to click and crack without assessing & relaxing the muscles first!
I wouldn't go anywhere near a Chiropractor, maybe it's different now but over the years I've heard nothing but horror stories.
If you can find a good physical (not physio) therapist who also is well practiced in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and acupuncture, you'll get some real benefit.
I dated a lady for a few years who was practicing these techniques and her books were always full, for good reason - she was very good at it and of course it worked.
She treated me on many occasions.
Last year I had cervical disk at C6-C7 collapse and I cannot even begin to explain the pain it caused across my right shoulder and down into my hand. It was like tooth ache. Utterly horrendous.
I went to see a well respected physiotherapist who made it worse so I plucked up the courage to call my ex and ask for some help.
Within a few weeks of treatment (90% acupuncture and a bit of massage) and the pain was gone. I'm just left with pins and needles down my arms and the occasional feeling of people randomly jabbing hypodermic needles into my legs.
I'm still far from right, in fact I had another MRI last weekend and I'm seeing the consultant surgeon again next Tuesday to discuss options.
My Dr (who incidentally was taught by my father in Med school, even better so was the consultant surgeon!) put me on Tramadol and also recommended a low dose SSRI and anti inflammatories.
I balked at the SSRIs as I like to 'oil the tin soldier' when the mood suits me.
Tramadol was a nightmare to get off, it took me a few weeks to get clean. Shivers, sweats etc, hot, cold, sleepless nights where you knew if you popped over to the kitchen cupboard and take another you'd be feeling better.
A long post, and admittedly I've been out for a few scoops.
My serious recommendations are:
1. Stay off the high power benzo painkillers if you can - alcohol is almost a better option.
2. Don't underestimate the skills of a decent physical therapist - especially one who is practiced in acupuncture.
3. Try and get an MRI done.
4. Do not under any circumstances go to a Chiropractor - they can't see what is happening inside yet seem to think they can just twist you until they hear a crack/clunk and you'll be fine.
I'm crippled by the fact I can't sit in a chair for very long, a posture issue? I'm on my second MRI now seven months from the initial one, Tuesday will let me know whether to go for surgery or just live with it.
Hope you find some relief, and feel free to contact me via PM if you want to chat.
Here's my original thread I'll up date that thread once I've seen my new scan
s p a c e m a n said:
I'm going to sound like a f
king hippie, but acupuncture is better than both of those in my opinion.
king hippie, but acupuncture is better than both of those in my opinion.If you can find a good physical (not physio) therapist who also is well practiced in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and acupuncture, you'll get some real benefit.
I dated a lady for a few years who was practicing these techniques and her books were always full, for good reason - she was very good at it and of course it worked.
She treated me on many occasions.
Last year I had cervical disk at C6-C7 collapse and I cannot even begin to explain the pain it caused across my right shoulder and down into my hand. It was like tooth ache. Utterly horrendous.
I went to see a well respected physiotherapist who made it worse so I plucked up the courage to call my ex and ask for some help.
Within a few weeks of treatment (90% acupuncture and a bit of massage) and the pain was gone. I'm just left with pins and needles down my arms and the occasional feeling of people randomly jabbing hypodermic needles into my legs.
I'm still far from right, in fact I had another MRI last weekend and I'm seeing the consultant surgeon again next Tuesday to discuss options.
My Dr (who incidentally was taught by my father in Med school, even better so was the consultant surgeon!) put me on Tramadol and also recommended a low dose SSRI and anti inflammatories.
I balked at the SSRIs as I like to 'oil the tin soldier' when the mood suits me.
Tramadol was a nightmare to get off, it took me a few weeks to get clean. Shivers, sweats etc, hot, cold, sleepless nights where you knew if you popped over to the kitchen cupboard and take another you'd be feeling better.
A long post, and admittedly I've been out for a few scoops.
My serious recommendations are:
1. Stay off the high power benzo painkillers if you can - alcohol is almost a better option.
2. Don't underestimate the skills of a decent physical therapist - especially one who is practiced in acupuncture.
3. Try and get an MRI done.
4. Do not under any circumstances go to a Chiropractor - they can't see what is happening inside yet seem to think they can just twist you until they hear a crack/clunk and you'll be fine.
I'm crippled by the fact I can't sit in a chair for very long, a posture issue? I'm on my second MRI now seven months from the initial one, Tuesday will let me know whether to go for surgery or just live with it.
Hope you find some relief, and feel free to contact me via PM if you want to chat.
Here's my original thread I'll up date that thread once I've seen my new scan
My experiences with back pain over a number of years.
I have problems with the tubes the leg nerves go through from the spine. L5 is badly compressed, cycling 250 miles a week seems a likely candidate, but perhaps initially brought on by being a shield training PC for four years. I also broke three vertebrae up by my shoulders.
I spent £350 on chiropractors to make my condition worse - more pain, even less sleep.
I spent more than that on physios to give me temporary relief, sometimes lasting months.
I then went to see an NHS physio privately. She was my rugby club's physio. I told her my symptoms.
On her advice I went to see my doctor who sent me to a specialist. I was in the NHS system and everything began to improve.
I was told clearly what was wrong with my back. I was shown the MRI scans. I could take the explanation to a physio who could then be more effective. And not only that, could avoid treatments that could make my back worse. When I told my physio what the chiropractor did she suggested that, given the accurate and precise diagnosis, if I'd continued there might have been permanent injury.
In the years that I had back pain I read an awful lot.
Chiropracturing is well iffy. Its basis is not scientific but there have been many changes from the basics over the years as the errors in the original, and unproved, theory have been exposed.
Acupuncture does't work beyond the placebo effect. That is clear from the research. If it works for you, then I'd suggest you continue but taking a sugar pill is cheaper.
Physios need information to be effective. They will examine you, find your limits etc, but can't be precise as they lack sufficient information. My chiropractor X-rayed me but missed the main problem.
What can help most people is doing the basics correctly. Sit properly, for only 45 minutes at a time. Don't do anything that will permanently harm your back. Lift things properly. Don't lean over. Keep a curve in your spine. Don't stand with your knees locked. And more on the booklet which I was given, which I think is available online. It all works much better than sticking needles into you, but if that's your thing, then go for it.
I have problems with the tubes the leg nerves go through from the spine. L5 is badly compressed, cycling 250 miles a week seems a likely candidate, but perhaps initially brought on by being a shield training PC for four years. I also broke three vertebrae up by my shoulders.
I spent £350 on chiropractors to make my condition worse - more pain, even less sleep.
I spent more than that on physios to give me temporary relief, sometimes lasting months.
I then went to see an NHS physio privately. She was my rugby club's physio. I told her my symptoms.
On her advice I went to see my doctor who sent me to a specialist. I was in the NHS system and everything began to improve.
I was told clearly what was wrong with my back. I was shown the MRI scans. I could take the explanation to a physio who could then be more effective. And not only that, could avoid treatments that could make my back worse. When I told my physio what the chiropractor did she suggested that, given the accurate and precise diagnosis, if I'd continued there might have been permanent injury.
In the years that I had back pain I read an awful lot.
Chiropracturing is well iffy. Its basis is not scientific but there have been many changes from the basics over the years as the errors in the original, and unproved, theory have been exposed.
Acupuncture does't work beyond the placebo effect. That is clear from the research. If it works for you, then I'd suggest you continue but taking a sugar pill is cheaper.
Physios need information to be effective. They will examine you, find your limits etc, but can't be precise as they lack sufficient information. My chiropractor X-rayed me but missed the main problem.
What can help most people is doing the basics correctly. Sit properly, for only 45 minutes at a time. Don't do anything that will permanently harm your back. Lift things properly. Don't lean over. Keep a curve in your spine. Don't stand with your knees locked. And more on the booklet which I was given, which I think is available online. It all works much better than sticking needles into you, but if that's your thing, then go for it.
Re acupuncture I agree that just sticking needles in body parts is probably worthless, it's the electric shock gubbins that does all the work on me. I have ankylosing spondylitis which results in the occasional bouts of sciatica and many other tense muscles up my back and neck.
I walk into my phisyos (because it's not just Chinese herbalists that do it) a knot of muscles, 45 minutes later I'm fine again. It doesn't fix any underlying problem, it is more like the most intense massage that you can ever have and will relax any tense muscles.
In my opinion it's perfect for instant relief and much better than someone randomly cracking your back or doing a bit of stretching. You still need to go see a doctor to find and resolve the cause of the problem, but you should do that with all of the other options as well. I've just found over the years after trying all of the mentioned that laying on a bed and having a bloke electrocute me with needles was the quickest way to get relief from sciatica etc.
I walk into my phisyos (because it's not just Chinese herbalists that do it) a knot of muscles, 45 minutes later I'm fine again. It doesn't fix any underlying problem, it is more like the most intense massage that you can ever have and will relax any tense muscles.
In my opinion it's perfect for instant relief and much better than someone randomly cracking your back or doing a bit of stretching. You still need to go see a doctor to find and resolve the cause of the problem, but you should do that with all of the other options as well. I've just found over the years after trying all of the mentioned that laying on a bed and having a bloke electrocute me with needles was the quickest way to get relief from sciatica etc.
I've used a good chiro successfully over the years for all sorts of problems, but she didn't help my back at all, saw a specialist who did an MRI which showed bad wear and tear, the Chiro was never going to sort that!
I have since taken up yoga classes one night a week which has been a revelation, it took a few months for my back to loosen up but things are now much improved with no discomfort, def worth giving it a try.
I have since taken up yoga classes one night a week which has been a revelation, it took a few months for my back to loosen up but things are now much improved with no discomfort, def worth giving it a try.
gareth h said:
I have since taken up yoga classes one night a week which has been a revelation, it took a few months for my back to loosen up but things are now much improved with no discomfort, def worth giving it a try.
The you tube yoga stretches I did have certainly helped matters and yoga could be a real option ongoing. I'm now mid - 40's and need to ensure I keep my flexibility and doing 35k miles a year in the car won't help....Thanks all
When the pain got so bad as to keep me awake, I used a Tens machine. I've found this type:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dual-Channel-TENS-Machin...
best for me. You can set it high enough to cause a slight burn mark. That's relief.
I once had a muscle spasm in my lower back. It was like being stabbed. I had to crawl on all fours. No pills worked and the doctor was talking about serious drugs. I was in agony and did consider it. My wife phoned the club physio and she put her onto a sports clinic chap with a dirty great Tens machine. It took a while for the pain to ease but eventually it did. It gave time for the pills to kick in.
I don't like taking Ibuprofen as it upset my digestion. It works for me, although takes an hour or so to make a noticeable difference. The little Tens fills that gap.
I have fallen asleep with it on, but that was after a couple of nights without much sleep. My wife unplugs it normally but I had it on for hours once. The marks on the skin stayed for days, but the pain relief was all but erotic.
It's not a treatment and you'll be back where you were after a couple of hours, maybe less, but if you're in real pain, it is a blessed relief.
Not to be used on 'soft tissue' I'm told by my physio. Not sure what she means.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dual-Channel-TENS-Machin...
best for me. You can set it high enough to cause a slight burn mark. That's relief.
I once had a muscle spasm in my lower back. It was like being stabbed. I had to crawl on all fours. No pills worked and the doctor was talking about serious drugs. I was in agony and did consider it. My wife phoned the club physio and she put her onto a sports clinic chap with a dirty great Tens machine. It took a while for the pain to ease but eventually it did. It gave time for the pills to kick in.
I don't like taking Ibuprofen as it upset my digestion. It works for me, although takes an hour or so to make a noticeable difference. The little Tens fills that gap.
I have fallen asleep with it on, but that was after a couple of nights without much sleep. My wife unplugs it normally but I had it on for hours once. The marks on the skin stayed for days, but the pain relief was all but erotic.
It's not a treatment and you'll be back where you were after a couple of hours, maybe less, but if you're in real pain, it is a blessed relief.
Not to be used on 'soft tissue' I'm told by my physio. Not sure what she means.
https://www.reddit.com/r/JoeRogan/comments/27qo5z/...
it's from here, sorry, don't know which bit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2P1L_7uHrY
I use these.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_boots
also dead hangs
it's from here, sorry, don't know which bit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2P1L_7uHrY
I use these.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_boots
also dead hangs
I was due to have a lower back operation and we were all set, met the surgeon etc.
I then went to a chiro
Cancelled the op
10 years on I still haven't had that operation. I go back to the chiro about 3 times a year if I've done myself in as I don't look after my back so overdo it. Each time after a few clicks and maybe a follow up I'm sorted.
Three people I work with have also seen him but it's amazing how many others get on the gp/pills treadmill and 2+ weeks later are no better. I tried physios for 8 years before going the op route and they achieved nothing other than relaxed muscles which doesn't get to the cause of the problem. Chiros sort it.
I then went to a chiro
Cancelled the op
10 years on I still haven't had that operation. I go back to the chiro about 3 times a year if I've done myself in as I don't look after my back so overdo it. Each time after a few clicks and maybe a follow up I'm sorted.
Three people I work with have also seen him but it's amazing how many others get on the gp/pills treadmill and 2+ weeks later are no better. I tried physios for 8 years before going the op route and they achieved nothing other than relaxed muscles which doesn't get to the cause of the problem. Chiros sort it.
I also successfully used a chiro to help with my back. She was recommended by a neighbour. The treatment was deep tissue massage for about 20 minutes to relax the muscles followed by a session of what seemed like a game of Twister for 2 people accompanied by plenty of cricks and cracks :-). She also gave me various back stretches to do regularly. I think I saw her 3 times and then haven't needed it again.
Have heard some horror stories with chiro but get a recommendation locally if you can.
Have heard some horror stories with chiro but get a recommendation locally if you can.
Quick update
I wen tot a Chiropractor and just didn't get on with it. Felt worse than I was before.
So I then went for a few sports massages whilst waiting for a physio.
I feel much better. Still not 100% but certainly 75% better.
I'm also changing car as I think I just don't 'fit' VW's. The Passat is going back to the pool and I'm getting my c class back.
I wen tot a Chiropractor and just didn't get on with it. Felt worse than I was before.
So I then went for a few sports massages whilst waiting for a physio.
I feel much better. Still not 100% but certainly 75% better.
I'm also changing car as I think I just don't 'fit' VW's. The Passat is going back to the pool and I'm getting my c class back.
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