Advice needed re: chiropracters (ics??)

[Athena]

Help! I have a 21 year old daughter who has just started seeing a chiropracter.

She was "diagnosed" with chronic fatigue syndrome and fybromyalgia and if you know anything about these ailments it is unknown what causes them and there really is no treatment.

She has gone to a chiropracter and he took xrays and claims that the spine is out of whack (don't know all the medical terms), something in her neck, pinched nerves which he claims is causing the pain. He's given her supplements to start taking and he will be manipulating her back and neck in the next few days.

The reason I've posted this is just to ask if anyone has had any experience with a chiropracter and to know if that experience has been bad or good or indifferent.

Needless to say I am concerned and really would appreciate any comments you may have to offer.

TIA,
~Athena

[One2Snoop]

I've heard good and bad things about chiropracters. I personally had a bad experience and will never go to one again. Your daughter seems extremely young to have Fibromyalgia and CFS. :rose:

Here are a few websites I go to for information....

http://www.fibrohugs.com./

http://www.immunesupport.com/chat/forums/index.cfm?b=FM&CFID=35059956&CFTOKEN=33131857

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079/DSECTION=1

[Athena]

One2...... thanks so much for responding.

I should maybe have elaborated a bit. We have been referred to several specialists where she took tests for MS, Lupus, Lukemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis and they've so far all been ruled out. One of the neurologists did say though that sometimes early on it is too early to tell so she just has to be monitored. She is in pain more than she's not, she's in her third year of college and it is now interfering with that; she can't sleep, she cries - I don't think she's depressed at least not clinically meaning that I think her anxiety is caused by what she's going through and I just don't know how to help.

She took it upon herself to go to this chiropracter that someone referred her to and I only found out tonight that she was even going because she had to ask me for money for the alternative supplements that she was given. I freaked out -- not at the money but because I've never had a "good feeling" about chiropracters although I have never been to one myself. So of course, she feels now that I'm just passing my fear onto her and we had a bit of a "fight" that left her in tears and me obviously upset.

Without going into personal detail -- may I ask why you won't go back to a chiropracter? This is what I'm afraid of....

Anyway thanks for the links to the sites you posted. I will read some of the posts on that message board and perhaps ask my question there. CTV and this site is really the only site I post on.........

Thanks again.

[One2Snoop]

Regarding the chiropracter - I think many of them tell you your spine is out of whack. I don't want to lump them all together as being bad, as I'm sure there are some good ones out there, somewhere. Anyhow I was told the same thing and had an adjustment. The chiropracter failed to take note of the two degenerative discs in my neck, needless to say the adjustment made me worse instead of better. I went through months and months of physical therapy after that - it's history now, but I'd hate to see anyone else go down that road. It's good to do your homework first.

Just tell her to be careful. :rose:

[Mikie]

I went to a chiripractor for the first time in my life recently, only because I had a serious pain in my spine and the chiropractor was offering free xrays and first-glance opinion. The xray was interesting in that it showed me nothing was wrong, (I suspected a broken bone), and the opinon was mixed, I would say. I later discovered it was a particular exercise device and the way I used it that was causing the pain. However, the chiropractor said it was arthritis and suggested natural remedies: fish oil, antioxidants. Also he suggested being cognizant of exercises that I was doing to try to focus on the area of pain and strengthen those muscles. As it turned out it was good and bad.

As for fibromwhatever, I know someone who had that problem all her life. Her pain eventually drove her to have a hysterectomy at a relatively young age, 45 or so. However, upon removal of the organ it was the doctor's opinion that it was normal. What I am getting at is that the problem was apparently not as severe as the pain it was causing, and it is probably a good idea to take the avenue of pain relievers rather than permanent cure. Hope that helps.

[Athena]

Thanks all. Much appreciated. :)

One2..... that second link above is great!!! I've already learned much!

I can't thank you enough.

[One2Snoop]

Thanks all. Much appreciated. :)

One2..... that second link above is great!!! I've already learned much!

I can't thank you enough.

You're welcome - glad I could help.

[Sharon]

Help! I have a 21 year old daughter who has just started seeing a chiropracter.

She was "diagnosed" with chronic fatigue syndrome and fybromyalgia and if you know anything about these ailments it is unknown what causes them and there really is no treatment.

She has gone to a chiropracter and he took xrays and claims that the spine is out of whack (don't know all the medical terms), something in her neck, pinched nerves which he claims is causing the pain. He's given her supplements to start taking and he will be manipulating her back and neck in the next few days.

The reason I've posted this is just to ask if anyone has had any experience with a chiropracter and to know if that experience has been bad or good or indifferent.

Needless to say I am concerned and really would appreciate any comments you may have to offer.

TIA,
~Athena

Dear Athena,
I will ask my sister who is a doctor and get back to you.

Meanwhile, I believe Chiropracters are very different to other medical areas because they believe that everything starts from the back, even canser. They dont believe in traditionall medicine like antbiotics etc, because they dont believe in viruses or infections as such....only everything from the back.

I am sorry about your daughter. It sounds like she has that chronic fatige syndrom which I am familiar with. It is possibly a virus that will take its course. My Mum has this too, and it comes on if she does too much, she had a serious virus (glangelour fever) as a child and it never leaves apparently.

The thing to fix chronic fatigue is probably rest, but also some gentle exersize. My friend who had it told me this is important.

I personally hold no faith with alternative medicine, but I can understand the frustration if traditional med. is not working. I would look into physiotherapist as they are safer than chiros imo.

Have you explored healthy diet, vitamins etc. If so, and she is eating right and not allergic to anything....then it may be some virus that needs to be identified. My 4yo. had a virus in her stomache all of last year and it showed up in the bolld tests and ultrasound she had. Meanwhile for the whole year, our local doctors thought she was making it up.

Just in addition, maybe try cutting out things like coffee or junk food, sugar....things that effect your tiredness. Although Im sure it is out of her hands and what she has just needs to be identified.

My Mum once got thick with a chiro, and I swear he had her on a plan that involved years...and he wanted her kids to come too. She was trying to get us to come because she thought he was the best thing ever. Eventually she realised he just wanted alot of money. She saw a phisio, and was fixed in a few treatments. So watch out for this. The red flag for me was when the chiro started preaching about cancer and making us feel guilty for not seeing him.:mad:

Anyway, you will work it out I know it. I hope its just a glitch, many people seem to get this syndrome but it does pass.
Regards Sharon

[Jayelles]

Yes I have.

From time to time I suffer from a pinched nerve in my left shoulder which causes me pain which often radiates down my left arm and sometimes makes my fingers twitch in my left hand. It's very annoying but only flares up occasionally.

I go to a chiropractor and he fixes it each time. I'm a happy customer. I hate doctors and hospitals BTW.

The only thing I don't like at the chiropractor is the thing they do when they pull your arm across your chest and then bounce on you (I'm sure that's not what he's actually doing, but it feels like it!). It's horrible.

[froggy]

Help! I have a 21 year old daughter who has just started seeing a chiropracter.

She was "diagnosed" with chronic fatigue syndrome and fybromyalgia and if you know anything about these ailments it is unknown what causes them and there really is no treatment.

She has gone to a chiropracter and he took xrays and claims that the spine is out of whack (don't know all the medical terms), something in her neck, pinched nerves which he claims is causing the pain. He's given her supplements to start taking and he will be manipulating her back and neck in the next few days.

The reason I've posted this is just to ask if anyone has had any experience with a chiropracter and to know if that experience has been bad or good or indifferent.

Needless to say I am concerned and really would appreciate any comments you may have to offer.

TIA,
~Athena

:seeya: Hi Athena, Most backs aren't in total alignment. My experience with Chiropractors is that they take an Xray and then set about raking in the dollars.

When I saw a chart on the wall with a tiny baby receiving Chiro I thought that's a bit dangerous. A baby can't tell anyone if it hurts. I wouldn't understand anyone who would take their baby to a Chiro.

Chiros are supposed to be able to address even the most unusual things with manipuation. I'm not convinced. Excellent manipulation of pockets. IMO. I know one case where a Chiro said someone needed x amount of work done. She then went to a General Practitioner who indicated she had siatica. He was correct. No Chiro required. She did, however, attend an Orthopaedic Doctor as per a referral.

Has she considered Acupuncture? The Chinese have been practising it for Centuries. They are supposed to be registered and some General Practitioners have taken the extra training to provide it as an add on to traditional medicine. I think that's a big stamp of approval.

I have known many Doctors and none of them have recommended Chiros. Physiotherapists are employed in hospitals.

Still, anything is worth a try when she's feeling so bad.

Let's know what she decides and how helpful the Chiro was. I hope she overcomes these medical problems. It's a concern, isn't it?

[Athena]

I have convinced my daugther that before she starts any treatments with this chiropracter that she at least see my internist and see what he says. All of these tests that she had were while she was away at school in Chicago so I was never privy to doctor conversations or results. I've asked her to also contact these doctors to see if they can send her the records. This chiropracter thing really has me on edge but know we need to do whatever it takes to in an attempt that her pain is alleviated.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

[LindaA]

My husband went to one over a period of time starting a couple of years ago and it has done him a world of good. He doesn't go any more -- just when he needs it and he hasn't neededit for a long time. HE had such awful back pain. I can see that he has a curvature of the spine which has never been corrected.

[Athena]

Hi Linda :seeya:

Thanks so much. Good seeing you "outside" of that board. LOL

~A

[Sharon]

My husband went to one over a period of time starting a couple of years ago and it has done him a world of good. He doesn't go any more -- just when he needs it and he hasn't neededit for a long time. HE had such awful back pain. I can see that he has a curvature of the spine which has never been corrected.

Hi Linda, I have slight curvature of the spine but only found out by mistake when getting a chest xray. Apparantly Ive had it since birth and I was told its very common and you could go your whole life and not know!!!!

I doubt spine curvature can be corrected anyway without very drastic surgery?

Glad your husband found a chiro that worked for him.

[Sharon]

I have convinced my daugther that before she starts any treatments with this chiropracter that she at least see my internist and see what he says. All of these tests that she had were while she was away at school in Chicago so I was never privy to doctor conversations or results. I've asked her to also contact these doctors to see if they can send her the records. This chiropracter thing really has me on edge but know we need to do whatever it takes to in an attempt that her pain is alleviated.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Good decision imo.

I believe that `some` chiros are the cause of very big damage to spines and the patients end up in the hospital emergency...as per my sister who worked in er for some time. But this would be only some very aggressive ones who really take the manipulation too far and dont know what they are doing. They can be very rough in twisting heads etc.

I have had great pain releif from a physio who does deep tissue massage. Some of my friends swear by a monthly medical massage for well being to counteract what we do to our bodies inbetween.

Please keep us posted on her progress. Its hard to try to cure something when you dont know what it is.

[One2Snoop]

Good decision imo.

I believe that `some` chiros are the cause of very big damage to spines and the patients end up in the hospital emergency...as per my sister who worked in er for some time. But this would be only some very aggressive ones who really take the manipulation too far and dont know what they are doing. They can be very rough in twisting heads etc.

I have had great pain releif from a physio who does deep tissue massage. Some of my friends swear by a monthly medical massage for well being to counteract what we do to our bodies inbetween.

Please keep us posted on her progress. Its hard to try to cure something when you dont know what it is.

I agree Sharon - I'm one of those cases where I was made worse by a chiro - although I was fortunate to find a physical therapist (aside from the PT treatments) who did deep tissue massage and it did me a world of good.
I have to admit though, after my first 3 or 4 visits I would tease him and say he was making me worse, but he really wasn't. He said my muscles were in such tight knots it was no wonder I was having so many problems. I think its just a matter of finding whats right for you whether its meds/Physical Therapy or whatever but it does take research and trial and error experiments unfortunately, and trust me I did more than my share of those.

Please do keep us posted Athena - hopefully those of us with experience can help keep your daughter from going down some unknown/needless roads. :rose:

[elvislives]

Help! I have a 21 year old daughter who has just started seeing a chiropracter.

She was "diagnosed" with chronic fatigue syndrome and fybromyalgia and if you know anything about these ailments it is unknown what causes them and there really is no treatment.

She has gone to a chiropracter and he took xrays and claims that the spine is out of whack (don't know all the medical terms), something in her neck, pinched nerves which he claims is causing the pain. He's given her supplements to start taking and he will be manipulating her back and neck in the next few days.

The reason I've posted this is just to ask if anyone has had any experience with a chiropracter and to know if that experience has been bad or good or indifferent.

Needless to say I am concerned and really would appreciate any comments you may have to offer.

TIA,
~Athena

Hi Athena,

Sorry for the tardy reply--I just picked up your PM.

The first thing I would recommend you do is send your daughter to a Rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis (hopefully the initial diagnosis was not made by the chiropractor). CFS and FMS as you probably know are exclusionary diagnoses...i.e. there is no clear cut test to determine whether someone has either of these syndromes. Rather, mds use laboratory tests and xray to rule out any other known condition with similar symptoms. If nothing is found, the 'diagnosis' will often be CFS and/or FMS by default.

Years ago before Lyme disease was identified, pts who suffered from it were often misdiagnosed as having CFS or FM. So again, I think getting a diagnostic work up from a rheumatologist is the best place to start. If the MD confirms the diagnosis, then they will have to establish a treatment protocol, which will entail managing the symptoms as there is no cure.

Regarding chiropractors, my personal opinion is that manipulation can be beneficial to some pts in managing pain. So if the chiro visits are alleviating your daughter's pain I would tell her to continue them. If however, she is of the belief that chiropractic care will cure her illness, I think she will be disappointed. Many chiros believe that ALL disease is caused by malalignments of the spine and that ALL disease can be cured by manipulation. I don't subscribe to this theory and it has been disproven in the scientific literature.

So remember that IF her diagnosis is confirmed that chiropractic care can be used effectively to control the symptoms (i.e. pain) but imo will not cure the underlying disease. The name of the game with a FM or CFS diagnosis is treating the symptoms. If pain meds or manipulation do not help her, there are some great pain management clinics out there who offer alternative therapies.

But first thing first--make sure the diagnosis is accurate. Hopefully they will discover that she has some common and easily treatable condition that can be cured. Good luck with this. I will check in more frequently in case you have any questions.

Elvis

[Athena]

Thanks so much Elvis. :rose:

I'm pretty sure she saw a neurologist and rheumatologist (sp?) but I will double-check. She was also monitored while she slept because she has a problem staying asleep and she was told she never went into a deep sleep and woke up off and on all night. She is only 21 but very stubborn and refuses to take pain medication.

I'm going to have her take the tests again here since again I wasn't privy to her results in Chicago which she took last summer while she was away at school. I just feel so bad for her. She's only had 4 treatments at the chiro and each time she says she does feel a bit better. I know she had a problem with one of her hands and she says she can now move it freely. Our insurance is only covering 15 visits under the primary but I have additional insurance that I think covers 8 visits although I don't mind if I have to pay out of pocket as long as it seems to be working.

The appt with my internist is not until June 4th because of the long holiday weekend. Then he has to make referrals to the specialists so it will be a couple of weeks before I know anything.

I'll keep you posted and thanks again.

[dallasvic]

One2...... thanks so much for responding.

I should maybe have elaborated a bit. We have been referred to several specialists where she took tests for MS, Lupus, Lukemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis and they've so far all been ruled out. One of the neurologists did say though that sometimes early on it is too early to tell so she just has to be monitored. She is in pain more than she's not, she's in her third year of college and it is now interfering with that; she can't sleep, she cries - I don't think she's depressed at least not clinically meaning that I think her anxiety is caused by what she's going through and I just don't know how to help.

She took it upon herself to go to this chiropracter that someone referred her to and I only found out tonight that she was even going because she had to ask me for money for the alternative supplements that she was given. I freaked out -- not at the money but because I've never had a "good feeling" about chiropracters although I have never been to one myself. So of course, she feels now that I'm just passing my fear onto her and we had a bit of a "fight" that left her in tears and me obviously upset.

Without going into personal detail -- may I ask why you won't go back to a chiropracter? This is what I'm afraid of....

Anyway thanks for the links to the sites you posted. I will read some of the posts on that message board and perhaps ask my question there. CTV and this site is really the only site I post on.........

Thanks again.
Hi A,

I am really sorry you and your daughter are going through this. I know its hard for you and her both. I have been to one and he was totally honest with unlike most of them that are there for the money. It is very expensive I know. The one I went though after me 1st visit said he could not help me.
I have chronic pain in lower skull down my neck radiating into my shoulders.Lower back same way. I suffer from depression also, chronic pain can also cause depression., because that person can not do the things they had normally done without pain.I would go more deeper , but not on here . If you what just PM me and I will be glad to talk one on one .
:seeya: Later

[Athena]

Thanks Dalla....

Right now I'm waiting for her to get the tests redone and will post about it again then.

I have to say there's a bunch of super-nice people on this board and I so appreciate the support. Sometimes it is just easier talking to "faceless friends".

:rose:

[dallasvic]

Thanks Dalla....

Right now I'm waiting for her to get the tests redone and will post about it again then.

I have to say there's a bunch of super-nice people on this board and I so appreciate the support. Sometimes it is just easier talking to "faceless friends".

:rose:

Hi A,
yea i do agree, and yes there are alot of nice people here for sure.. I am still suffer in from these problems til this day.That is why I don't want to tell everyone about it . I will have to suffer with this for the rest of my life and I just don't want everyone on her knowing my personal life if you know what I mean?

[Sharon]

Thanks so much Elvis. :rose:

I'm pretty sure she saw a neurologist and rheumatologist (sp?) but I will double-check. She was also monitored while she slept because she has a problem staying asleep and she was told she never went into a deep sleep and woke up off and on all night. She is only 21 but very stubborn and refuses to take pain medication.

I'm going to have her take the tests again here since again I wasn't privy to her results in Chicago which she took last summer while she was away at school. I just feel so bad for her. She's only had 4 treatments at the chiro and each time she says she does feel a bit better. I know she had a problem with one of her hands and she says she can now move it freely. Our insurance is only covering 15 visits under the primary but I have additional insurance that I think covers 8 visits although I don't mind if I have to pay out of pocket as long as it seems to be working.

The appt with my internist is not until June 4th because of the long holiday weekend. Then he has to make referrals to the specialists so it will be a couple of weeks before I know anything.

I'll keep you posted and thanks again.

Not going into deep sleep is likely to have a whole lot of symtoms in itself imo. Not sleeping well and fully makes it very difficult to function. I hope she sorts everything out....inparticular the pain and the sleep. Can she take any pain meds as that might help her sleep and build up some immunity or strength? Maybe sleeping pills will help?

Just a few thoughts to follow up with the professionals???
Best luck and wishes for health to you both.

[sharlock]

Athena when I was younger I had a major operation and during recovery was advised to go to a chiroprator, I was manipulated to correct my spinal chord quite frequently and I can't tell you how much this improved my recovery. After a certain age your bones calcify and whatever position they are in when that occurs they stay no matter what a chiropractor does and this is why people are encouraged to take their children to a chiropractor before the age of 16. After that they can relieve pressure and discomfort but as a general rule the bones will move back to the position they calcified in after a period of time so if it has gotten that bad you need to see a chiropractor you probably will end up seeing one on and off forever; still better to do it earlier before other problems set in. I have a high opinion of chiropractors as long as they are fully qualified because their job is not an easy one.
BTW i personally believe that a physiotherapist assists more if the person is not very flexible but a person who is flexible will probably need a chiro weird I know but I think that is why physio NEVER worked for me; after seeing the chiro for 4mths I was better and have never seen one since. When you are in pain you tend to favour one side or unusual positions which cause your back to go out and slow recovery.

[Athena]

Not going into deep sleep is likely to have a whole lot of symtoms in itself imo. Not sleeping well and fully makes it very difficult to function. I hope she sorts everything out....inparticular the pain and the sleep. Can she take any pain meds as that might help her sleep and build up some immunity or strength? Maybe sleeping pills will help?

Just a few thoughts to follow up with the professionals???
Best luck and wishes for health to you both.

The $1M question. She just won't take meds but she'll take these alternative herbal supplements (or whatever you call them) because she is one of those that believe the FDA won't get involved because of the pharmaceutical companies' clout. Oh if you only knew her; a very strong, opinionated mind and she's only 21. Don't want her to sound like something she's not because she's actually a well-rounded, mature young lady and very stubborn. She just started taking an herbal supplement for sleep and the Chrio told her it should take about 5-7 days to kick in. :shrug:

[Athena]

Athena when I was younger I had a major operation and during recovery was advised to go to a chiroprator, I was manipulated to correct my spinal chord quite frequently and I can't tell you how much this improved my recovery. After a certain age your bones calcify and whatever position they are in when that occurs they stay no matter what a chiropractor does and this is why people are encouraged to take their children to a chiropractor before the age of 16. After that they can relieve pressure and discomfort but as a general rule the bones will move back to the position they calcified in after a period of time so if it has gotten that bad you need to see a chiropractor you probably will end up seeing one on and off forever; still better to do it earlier before other problems set in. I have a high opinion of chiropractors as long as they are fully qualified because their job is not an easy one.
BTW i personally believe that a physiotherapist assists more if the person is not very flexible but a person who is flexible will probably need a chiro weird I know but I think that is why physio NEVER worked for me; after seeing the chiro for 4mths I was better and have never seen one since. When you are in pain you tend to favour one side or unusual positions which cause your back to go out and slow recovery.

Thanks for your input Sharlock. Your post gives me a little comfort ...... :)

[chiarigirl]

Athena.....

First of all last night i was just looking up some info online w/ google and for some reason i just came across a link that lead to this website.

Your post caught my eye and I started to read your story on your daughter....right away I thought she might have chiari like me. Your daughters story fits mine to a T and plus I had many more different diagnosis's and many more symptoms but in my gut I thought I have to contatct you to let you know. I'm not a member on here but i signed up last night so i could post tp you.

I have chiari 1 malformation w/ some of its related disoders. My story is long but let me tell you that on average that a person w/ chiari goes on being misdiagnosed an average for at least 7 years.
First of all your daughter would need to have an MRI of the brain. But let me just warn you that 90% of doctor's..(all kinds) do not know and do not recognize chiari. I would check out www. chiarione.org www.chiaritvspecial.com and would google the chiari institute...this is where my doctor's are in NY...I'm from chicago...on the chiari institue's website they will have a link to their videos to learn more about chiari etc.

Maybye I am wrong w/ suggesting this w/ your daughter but when I read your story i thought to myself this was me. Most of my problems started after I was in a car accident. Usually their is a triggering event to trigger symptoms or to make them progressively worse like an illness, trauma etc.

I hope this helps....and BTW if she does have chiari.....Do Not..I reapeat...Do Not Let the chiropractor for any reason manipulate her neck.....it will make things worse and actually make her herniation worse if she has one....I learned the hard way.

Please e-mail (niccolai_monica@yahoo.com) me for any questions but please check out those links I gave you. I wish you and your daughter the best of luck.
monica in chicago

[Athena]

Athena.....

First of all last night i was just looking up some info online w/ google and for some reason i just came across a link that lead to this website.

Your post caught my eye and I started to read your story on your daughter....right away I thought she might have chiari like me. Your daughters story fits mine to a T and plus I had many more different diagnosis's and many more symptoms but in my gut I thought I have to contatct you to let you know. I'm not a member on here but i signed up last night so i could post tp you.

I have chiari 1 malformation w/ some of its related disoders. My story is long but let me tell you that on average that a person w/ chiari goes on being misdiagnosed an average for at least 7 years.
First of all your daughter would need to have an MRI of the brain. But let me just warn you that 90% of doctor's..(all kinds) do not know and do not recognize chiari. I would check out www. chiarione.org www.chiaritvspecial.com and would google the chiari institute...this is where my doctor's are in NY...I'm from chicago...on the chiari institue's website they will have a link to their videos to learn more about chiari etc.

Maybye I am wrong w/ suggesting this w/ your daughter but when I read your story i thought to myself this was me. Most of my problems started after I was in a car accident. Usually their is a triggering event to trigger symptoms or to make them progressively worse like an illness, trauma etc.

I hope this helps....and BTW if she does have chiari.....Do Not..I reapeat...Do Not Let the chiropractor for any reason manipulate her neck.....it will make things worse and actually make her herniation worse if she has one....I learned the hard way.

Please e-mail (niccolai_monica@yahoo.com) me for any questions but please check out those links I gave you. I wish you and your daughter the best of luck.
monica in chicago

This was so kind of you and even especially so because you registered just to respond to a cry for help. Bless you. I will check it out and may email you with questions if you don't mind. :rose:

[Canadian Bum]

This was so kind of you and even especially so because you registered just to respond to a cry for help. Bless you. I will check it out and may email you with questions if you don't mind. :rose: That was kind ! Thank you Chiarigirl :beer: I wish you all the best Athena. My 20 yr old has Arnold-Chiari Malformation.

[One2Snoop]

Hi Athena

Sounds like you will have your hands full checking out all this information. Lots of good advice I see posted here - let us know how things go.

It's late but I'm curious about this chiari - I'll check it out tomorrow.

Have a good weekend everyone. :seeya: :patriot:

[CaroleNichols]

Hi Linda :seeya:

Thanks so much. Good seeing you "outside" of that board. LOL

~A
Hi Athena,
My mother had a ruptured disc in her back that had to be replaced by surgery which restored the feeling in her hands but left her with pretty intense back pain. She went to a chiropractor who not only was able to get rid of her pain, but in the process (he told her that she had a deformity at the base of her skull) adjusted a problem she didn't know she had, and for the first time in over 15 years was able to breath through her nose without using pills or nose spray. I guess you can have good ones and bad ones, just like medical doctors.

[Athena]

Brook -- thanks for the melatonin suggestion. I have heard good things about that. I will pick some up tomorrow. :)

[elvislives]

Hi Athena, I havent checked in on this board for a little while and wanted to see if you have any updated info on your daughter's condition? I hope she is okay. If necessary I can get some second opinions for you...let me know how things turn out.

[cinny123]

No offence, but I think these guys are quacks. Everyone I've known that went to one had worse troubles afterwards. I have fibromialgia(I'm in remission now) and your daughter needs to see a Rhumatologist(sp?).They are the ones trained in this area. There are still some doctors that don't know much about it though.

[The R]

My 2 cents:

I've been to a few chiros over the years. For the most part they have been helpful. They are just like anybody else; some really good, a few really bad. The bad ones seem to be more $ oriented. They have helped me more than once with neck and back problems......I couldn't speak to the successful treatment of any other medical problems although some say they can treat other ailments. If you are looking to get relief from piched nerves, muscle tightness, etc. they might be a good option.

ALLMO,
R

[shill]

The $1M question. She just won't take meds but she'll take these alternative herbal supplements (or whatever you call them) because she is one of those that believe the FDA won't get involved because of the pharmaceutical companies' clout. Oh if you only knew her; a very strong, opinionated mind and she's only 21. Don't want her to sound like something she's not because she's actually a well-rounded, mature young lady and very stubborn. She just started taking an herbal supplement for sleep and the Chrio told her it should take about 5-7 days to kick in. :shrug:
If shes into holistic healing, maybe she should try acupuncture.

I too have heard that chiropractors believe that they can heal anything through the manipulation of the back, unfortunately I found this out the hard way after a discussion at a party about it and my opinion was it can't do all that, only to find out the host was a chiropractor and she took great offense to that opinion.
I am constantly self adjusting my back through different techniques. I even have a thing I lay on once in awhile designed by a chiropractor to align your spine. The only thing I find from adjustments is that it relieves the back pain caused from being out of alignment.
Improper stance or a shortened leg can cause back pain.
Does your daughter consume a lot of caffeine or sugars, she may want to get away from those.
Does she sleep on her stomach? This can often lead to a face in the pillow and reduced oxygen supply that will cause headaches.
Bottom line on the Chiro, they will tell her she needs to schedule adjustments whether she gets better or not because that's the way the make money. I know people who have tried to just schedule with them when they need it but they are often convinced by the Chiro they need it all the time.
As long as they are not a crummy Chiro, there shouldn't be anything to worry about, so check out his credentials and if he has had and complaints.

[Athena]

Thanks Shill. Re: the caffeine -- so funny because she felt tired all of the time before she started seeing this chiro she was taking something called "Energy 5". I used to find the empty bottles and when I checked the contents that's what it seemed to be; caffeine mixed in with other ingredients. She was told to stop taking them by the chiro as he said it would give her an 'energy rush' and then make her feel more tired after it wore off.

She is still seeing the chiro and he does seem to be able to help some of her pain thus far. We are wating on test results she took with my internist. Unfortunately with these health insurance plans everything requires referrals.

[shill]

I just came across this frightening article about Chiro adjustments of the neck.

Deadly Twist (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18871755/)

[thefragile7393]

It definitely helps some people, but not everyone. A lot of it is due to training and technique.....many just do "cold cracking" without loosening or massaging first for instance. Like any profession, lawyers, conventional doctors, etc., there are ones who do more harm than good, so one must be careful. Making sure careful research is done can elminate the possibility of being taken in by a quack in any module of medicine.

[been there]

I agree that there are good and bad. Personally, they have not done much good for me, as far as I could tell, but i know folks who did benefit from chiropractic. Last visit at a new one for me, I had to watch a video all about chiropractic as well as sign a form that said that it is possible after treatment that stroke can occur, that this was unlikely, but possible. Well, i continued to see her for a few more visits but did not find relief there. I am now in physical therapy for neck/shoulder pain. I wanted to write about an incident that occured there last week, that i don't think should have, only I am not quite sure this is the place to bring it up. In other words, i want to tell about how the physical therapist treated me. If you give me the go ahead, i will talk your head off. lol.

[One2Snoop]

I agree that there are good and bad. Personally, they have not done much good for me, as far as I could tell, but i know folks who did benefit from chiropractic. Last visit at a new one for me, I had to watch a video all about chiropractic as well as sign a form that said that it is possible after treatment that stroke can occur, that this was unlikely, but possible. Well, i continued to see her for a few more visits but did not find relief there. I am now in physical therapy for neck/shoulder pain. I wanted to write about an incident that occured there last week, that i don't think should have, only I am not quite sure this is the place to bring it up. In other words, i want to tell about how the physical therapist treated me. If you give me the go ahead, i will talk your head off. lol.

I don't know about the others, but I'd like to hear what you have to say. I think with anything else you have to shop for the right PT. I went thru several PT's before I actually found the right one - and then my insurance decided to give me hassles over it - in the end, (long battle with insurance company) I won regarding both coverage and care. :beer:

[been there]

Thanks One2Snoop. First of all i am there for neck/shoulder pain that i have had for two years. I have been seeing this PT, physical therapist for about two and one half months now. Since first visit, pain developed in the right side as well as not going away on the left side. What happened was i went to my appt as always, she had me doing arm lifts, then she said, "WHAT IS THIS I HEAR ABOUT YOU TELLING DR.***(my regular doctor), THAT PHYSICAL THERAPY IS NOT WORKING FOR YOU?" We are in the middle of the gym and it is just 7 in the morning. I was in shock. I could not think of what to say. So i said what? She said Yeah, you told Dr. *** ..............
I told her that i told him massage therapy as well as chiropractic has not worked. I said, "Did you talk to him?" She said no. I said, What is going on? Meanwhile i am trying to do the exercise she said to do, but i just cant, my heart has sunk to the floor. And I cant breathe correctly for the exercise. Anyway, she said, " I read about you. I have access to all your medical records. Its all there in my computer."
I was stunned. In tears still, actually.

[One2Snoop]

Thanks One2Snoop. First of all i am there for neck/shoulder pain that i have had for two years. I have been seeing this PT, physical therapist for about two and one half months now. Since first visit, pain developed in the right side as well as not going away on the left side. What happened was i went to my appt as always, she had me doing arm lifts, then she said, "WHAT IS THIS I HEAR ABOUT YOU TELLING DR.***(my regular doctor), THAT PHYSICAL THERAPY IS NOT WORKING FOR YOU?" We are in the middle of the gym and it is just 7 in the morning. I was in shock. I could not think of what to say. So i said what? She said Yeah, you told Dr. *** ..............
I told her that i told him massage therapy as well as chiropractic has not worked. I said, "Did you talk to him?" She said no. I said, What is going on? Meanwhile i am trying to do the exercise she said to do, but i just cant, my heart has sunk to the floor. And I cant breathe correctly for the exercise. Anyway, she said, " I read about you. I have access to all your medical records. Its all there in my computer."
I was stunned. In tears still, actually.

This is not right and you should tell your doctor what this therapist said to you. Your records are confidential and she broke that confidentiality. It would've been different if you were the one who said, I don't think this is helping me, but this PT had no right to tell you that she read this in your chart. I would be absolutely furious if that happened to me.

Have you had x-rays done? I have 2 degenerative discs in my neck and could barely move for months. Went to different PT's until I found the right person. Deep tissue massage helped imensely. I also ended up getting an epidural steriod injection in my neck - its considered outpatient surgery but it was the best thing I ever did. Might be something you'd want to consider and discuss with your doctor.

[warhorse46]

Help! I have a 21 year old daughter who has just started seeing a chiropracter.

She was "diagnosed" with chronic fatigue syndrome and fybromyalgia and if you know anything about these ailments it is unknown what causes them and there really is no treatment.

She has gone to a chiropracter and he took xrays and claims that the spine is out of whack (don't know all the medical terms), something in her neck, pinched nerves which he claims is causing the pain. He's given her supplements to start taking and he will be manipulating her back and neck in the next few days.

The reason I've posted this is just to ask if anyone has had any experience with a chiropracter and to know if that experience has been bad or good or indifferent.

Needless to say I am concerned and really would appreciate any comments you may have to offer.

TIA,
~Athena


I went to a chiropracter after a car wreck. Altho I did feel better for a few hours after each adjustment the discomfort would always come back. And during the last visit to him, he cracked my sternum. That was not supposed to be my last visit but I refused to go back for anymore adjustments. I did go back & asked him to x-ray my sternum & sure enough the crack was plainly visible. I have yet to hear of a chiropractor who did not find a spine out of alignment after doing x-rays.

[been there]

Thank you One2Snoop.
Wardog, you say the chiro cracked your sternum during an adjustment? What did you do? Does this mean you had pain in front as well? What ever happened?

[been there]

Warhorse? I am sorry, I called you wardog. There is quite a difference between the two. Please forgive the blunder.
An embarrasing faux pas for me.

[warhorse46]

Thank you One2Snoop.
Wardog, you say the chiro cracked your sternum during an adjustment? What did you do? Does this mean you had pain in front as well? What ever happened?

I was in pain for weeks, hurt to breath & sneezing or coughing were agnozing. It was the same kind of pain I had after my bypass surgery were the sternum was sawed in half then wired back together. Since the wires from that surgery were still there I knew to just wait it out & the bone would heal again. And it did---eventually.

[GSDSRULE]

I have used a chiro in the past, it seemed to help temporarily.
I have had several neck and shoulder injuries and also have fibromyalgia.

I would suggest that a regular deep tissue massage would do more good for the fibro than a chiro. It hurts so good! :D

[ann_onymous]

Sorry I can't offer advice about chiro.

As far as fibro goes, there are several things which can help.

Meds:
Neurontin
Motrin
Antidepressants
Valium (muscle spasms and tension/anxiety)
Flexeril (muscle spasms)

I've also found eating Indian food to be useful as turmeric is used heavily and acts as an anti inflamatory. Adding it to food helps (buy it in an Indian grocery store to save money) or there are supplements. Something called 5-HTP has made a HUGE difference for my sleep/mood/pain and eliminated my constant sugar craving.

If she was diagnosed with sleep apnea you might want to consult a pulmonary to see if she might have breathing issues (I have asthma). The exhaustion is due to not getting "good" sleep as well as the lack of oxygen.

Deep tissue massage does work. Heating pads or those lovely Thermacare pads. Hot baths. Icy Hot type creams. It all depends on her symptoms and how bad they are. The important thing is for her to preserve as much mobility as possible (stretching!) as once lost it is very hard for FM patients to regain it.

Oh and one last thing: insist her dr check her Vitamin D level. Even if he laughs. Dr's don't seem to be very aware but low Vitamin D can correspond to or cause fibro symptoms. It's also not merely a vitamin but a steroid precursor hormone. Ideal levels are around 50-60 but its not a "deficiency" (based on bone malformations not optimal levels) unless its under 20 so ask for the number. Mine was 23. Of the long list of blood, xray, CT, nerve study, etc., it was the only problem he could find to account for the constant spasms, pain, severe fatigue, etc.. Just don't overdo the D, it can be toxic.

Let me know how you do with the chiro. Its my next hope after the sleep apnea study. I'd do anything for the simple pleasure of functioning.

Good luck! :rose: :rose: :rose:

[Elemanzer]

My chiro is awesome. I get adjusted about once every 6 months and it cost me $20. So I can't complain. My wife on the hand would go like 10 times a month and still in pain. Now she goes to physical therapy and is all better. So if you can't be fixed in about 3 tries either seek another chiro or just therapy.

[cta2rlm]

I have seen two chiropractors in my life, one was while I still lived with my parents. I twisted my neck very badly in gym class, ended up being stiff, sore and couldn't move. Went to my childhood doctor and he wanted to medicate me. Mom had been going to the chiropractor for neck and back pain because of heavy lifting at her job. Long story short, went to the chiropractor and he had the stiffness and soreness out of my neck in two sessions and no drowsy medications, just heat, ice and Motrin.

When I moved to Kerrville, TX and was pregnant with my two children they sat on my sciatic nerve, I couldn't get any relief whatsoever, my OB told me to suck it up, but I was not getting any sleep. My chiropractor helped relieve the pain with deep tissue massage and heat.

My experience, I don't use them as a family doctor, but will use them as needed. The chiropractors I have been too have never told me that they believe all cures can come from aligning the spine correctly. Check them out, just like you would a dentist or family doctor. Also, go to a chiropractor who has graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. That is the number one school for Chiropractors in the country.

[cta2rlm]

www.palmer.edu

Here is the link for Palmer. Every chiro I went to graduated from here.

[rph3664]

When I saw a chart on the wall with a tiny baby receiving Chiro I thought that's a bit dangerous. A baby can't tell anyone if it hurts. I wouldn't understand anyone who would take their baby to a Chiro.

I used to live in Davenport, Iowa where chiropractic was founded, and they had some practitioners who would do adjustments on animals.

:eek:

[cta2rlm]

I used to live in Davenport, Iowa where chiropractic was founded, and they had some practitioners who would do adjustments on animals.

:eek:

I grew up there too. Didn't know that part. The chiropractors I've went too have always been good and I did ask about kids going and the 2 that I have been to won't take anyone under the age of 16. I think it's like anything else you have to research to make certain who you are going to is on the up and up.