[StellaP56]

Has anyone used a chiropractor before moving on to more drastic measures (epidurals, surgery) I'm seeing a chiropractor right now who's using a flexion-distraction table and was wondering if anyone had any luck with that for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, etc.?

[Jomar]

My chiro has that kind of table, but I don't have herniation's or spinal stenosis, so I guess I can't help you with info about that part of it.

Mine does use Low Level Laser Therapy {LLLT}, IF stim and triggerpoint/pressure techniques along with adjustments.
I wonder if the LLLT {also called cold laser} or even the IF stim might be helpful for you.
There is also IR {infrared light} but it does not go as deeply into the tissues as LLLT.
There are various kinds of electrical stimulation also- specific for nerves, muscles etc.

[Bobbi]

If it's the C-spine, where the spinal stenosis is, I sure wouldn't let a Chiro touch anything near the C- levels. I've read that Chiro. for C-spine probs. isn't advisable. Too much can go wrong.

[StellaP56]

I would not let a chiro do the neck either. Especially since I have a history of dizzy spells...yikes There were a couple chiro's who wanted to "adjust" my neck and I said no way. However my disc problem is in the lumbar region so I think it's a little safer for them to work there.

[Curious]

i have had between my shoulder blades, my hip and shoulder adjusted many times. ahhhhhhhhhh...feels sooooo good.

but a big big nope to my lower back where my problems are and i prefer my head to stay on my neck thankyouverymuch.

just check the dr out. some are good, some aren't. just like any dr's.

i lucked out, i worked with the 2 who adjusted me. one was my hubby's business partner and roommate before we got married.

getting the muscles in shape to keep the bones in alignment is key.

[Jomar]

Part of my problem is my c spine, along with my upper back, neck and surrounding muscles. My DC knows that {he has the xrays} and he is very careful, gentle and precise with his adjustments.
He stays away from the c4/5/6 because that's where my osteophytes are located. He is able to adjust above and below them.
He also does the C1/C2 upper cervical adjustment when it's needed, low back/hips, he even adjusted my elbows once and that really helped when they were hurting and causing some nerve pain.

I think he is highly skilled, knowledgeable, has excellent technique and very good at his job.

I read the pros & cons about chiropractic on many websites before I decided to see one, but I trust the one I go to and have been going since mid 04.

But all in all I think it is a very personal choice and I hope everyone checks out any DC as best they can before they have adjustments by them.

[Twinkletoes]

I used to go to chiros, but decided massage therapy is much kinder to my body parts and more soothing. Ahhhhh...

[Curious]

Originally Posted by Twinkletoes

I used to go to chiros, but decided massage therapy is much kinder to my body parts and more soothing. Ahhhhh...

the combo twink is awesome.

we had a full chiro and rehab clinic at the club.

message, crack, then to therapy, back to massage.

then a nap.

[Vowel Lady]

I think back pain is one of the few things I would consider going to a chiropractor for.
However, I would probably try other things first...esp. physical therapy.
If you really want to try chiropractic...I would just ask around for a good recommendation and then ask the doctor him or herself about what experience they have treating back issues.