NeuroTalk Support Groups - ? about chiropractors

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/)

- - ? about chiropractors (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/71390-chiropractors.html)

I really wish MDs & DCs would work together, they both could provide more complete care to patients.

I know many are wary of alternative types of care , but I'm sure glad I found my chiropractor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubious (Post 448996)

Gymjunkie, While I agree with most of what you said, you are incorrect to state that they are not doctors. They are doctors of chiropractic just like a dentist is a doctor of dentistry or a psychologist is a doctor of psychology. They are not M.D.'s, but they are doctors nonetheless.

There are 3 primary providers acknowleged in the U.S.: MD's, D.C.'s and D.O.'s. By the way,the D.O.'s in addition to administering standard allopathic care (drug's, etc.) also learn how to and believe in manipulating the spine/joints just like the chiro's and along with scores of studies published now, manipulation as done by a D.O. or D.C. is efficacious in treating certain musculoskeletal conditions, many times with validated quicker or better results than conventional medical care. And if they were so horrible, they wouldn't be the #1 alternative health care provider in the U.S., ahead of accupuncture or homeopathy.

While I just don't think that there is much that a D.C. could do for CRPS, there are citations in the literature (J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2000 Jul;30(7):401-9.Thoracic spine dysfunction in upper extremity complex regional pain syndrome type I.Menck JY, Requejo SM, Kulig K) attesting to the benifit of using spinal manipulation for CRPS, and like I stated before, it probably wouldn't hurt to try a short course to attempt to temporarily help with some of the pain, especially in view of the fact that either not much else helps either or treatment which is available can have serious side-effects.

Dubious
Before you jump down my throat in quite such an abrupt way, I live in the UK and the position here regarding chiropractors is obviously completely and significantly different than where you are. They would never be permitted to be referred to or call themselves "doctor" or use that terminology here. I think this is a simple disconnect that has arisen as a consequence of us living in different countries. Chiropractors clearly have rather a different reputation here in the UK and we have very different regulation of healthcare professionals.

Thanks for the citation of the article which I will look up when I get a chance. I am not saying that it can't help some people, all I am saying is that unlike so many other treatment modalities, there is virtually no mention of chirpopractic treatment in connection with the treatment of CRPS. My view is that this is surprising when you consider how many chiropractors say they can treat it. No more than that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gymjunkie (Post 449262)

Hi Gymjunkie,
I wonder why it is then, that many of the RSD websites that we all look to list chiropractors as doctors who do indeed treat this disorder. I can't imagine that these sites which we look to for quidance and direction would list these doctors unless there was something in the literature that supports their having success in treating this disorder as well as the knowledge behind it. I have visited some chiropractic web sites where they posted page after page of literature on RSD so obviously there is knowledge there. When I first started posting here there was a woman who had been treated for RSD by a chiropractor and felt she improved. As you say, it may be a difference in the area that we live. Just something to think about...Jeannie

I'm from the UK also and have found plenty of websites about Chirpractors treating RSD and many doctors state that it CAN help some people with RSD. Of course, it wont work for everyone as everyone is different but for some people it will work and can help lower their pain levels!

On the RSD UK Website (which I believe has now shut down), they used to have a list of Chiropractors that treat RSD and in which location they were located etc. I've personally never visited a Chiropractor to treat my RSD but it is definitely something to look into if other treatments don't work.

I am SO glad to hear that the treatment is helping you somewhat and hope you see even more improvements real soon!

Alison.

Ali,
I was just thinking that one that does a variety of therapies might be something to look into for you ankle, leg, foot problems..
If something is pinching a nerve ?
or maybe they could work to release the muscles & tendons that are spasming/locking up.
might be worth a few visits & evaluations to see what they think...
-interview them first to find a really good one

I just jumped aboard on this topic. About chiropractors. I see alot of advertising here in the states for acupuncture,chiropractors, natural medicine. I know alot of people would disagree with me but i believe in the future we will see that fibromyalgia and alot of the other disorders are all similiar being the case that us with crps take most if not first meds for our crps. Example being Cymbalta i was prescribed first for the crps and depression, before it was even approved for rsd. Neurontin is used as well, then they made lyrica which is a sister drug. I think that difference therapies work for different people. Here some people have done acupuncture with their rsd and it worked. My friends son in law is a licensed chiropractor here in ny and he hasnt yet worked on a rsd patient. Hmmm not sure id want to be his first but it would be interesting to see if it helped.

Jolene

MY experience with chiropractic doctors and RSD

It is important for us all to remember... that no two of us have the exact same symptoms and/or medical problems as related to RSD. We also do not react the same way to medicines or medical treatments. We all need to find what works best for us. We need to share what has and what has not worked for us so that others can try it for themselves if they so choose. What might or might not work for me might work for someone else.

Here is MY first hand knowledge and experience with chiropractor and acupuncture as related to MY rsd.

When I first started seeing my chiro I was possibly the one of the worlds largest skeptics!!! My rsd had spread to mid thigh after starting in my foot. This was in October... after having been diagnosed in August. By January after many hours of treatments with both Chiropractic adjustments and acupunture on a daily basis....my pain, signs, and symptoms were at that time only located from my ankle to my toes. Pain levels went from a 10+ to a 4.

For ME, Chiropractic and Acupuncture worked. I had some unfortunate, mitigating circumstances that caused my RSD to rage out of control when an all knowing, doctor playing, insurance nurse believed that she knew what treatment was best for me and removed me from chiropractic/acupuncture treatment. The nurse sent me to a doctor where that nurse TOLD the doctor what treatment was going to be done and ordered the doctor to provide the treatment the nurse was demanding.

My Chiropractor told me:
As far as Chiropractors being called doctor... some are and some are not. Some are "Licensed" Chiropractors... others do have a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. BOTH have to be licensed by the state and take tests from the state medical licensing board.

There are well known and highly regarded schools to become a Chiropractor and/or Acupunturist: Palmer Chiropractic College, National University of Health Sciences are but two...there are others.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gymjunkie (Post 449262)

Gymjunkie.....
I do not think Dubious was "jumping down your throat in an abrupt way", I think he/she was being very matter-of-fact about defining what a chiropractor really is and where they legitimately fit into the medical profession. I do not read it as intending to undermine you, it was merely correcting an inaccurate statement that you had made discounting chiropractics altogether, at least in regard to the US.

It is unfortunate that your experience with chiropractics has been so negative where you live. It is important to find a GOOD doctor in whatever specialty you require. There ARE many good chiropractors here in our country and they are invaluable in treating many ailments/conditions that the other medical professions have been unable to cure through more "traditional" methods.

We should welcome each others input and should be tolerant and willing to learn more information for the common good of furthering education about this disease from which we all suffer, as well as possible treatments to help each individual live their lives as fully as possible. Let's not make it about "us and them".....but rather "we and us"!!

Best wishes for a peaceful, pain managed night to all!!!