your experiences with chiros? is it worth a try for back pain?
 

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.?

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.

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.

I would not let a chiro do the neck either. Especially since I have a history of dizzy spells...yikes:eek: 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.

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. :D

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.

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.
:grouphug:

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. :D

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.