Chiropractic ?!!!

[Reinbeau]

It sounds like you haven't found a good chiropractor yet. My chiropractor did show me my x-rays, as a matter of fact, I have them on CD! I've also got problems with my neck due to severe kyphosis (my spine rounds forward). I did find a wonderful chiropractor, after going to four losers who saw me as a meal ticket, rather than someone who wanted to be free of pain. My first problem was in my low back, for that he did some manipulation but mainly he sent me to a Pilates mat class - that changed my life. After living with moderate to occasional severe lumbar back pain for sixteen years I finally found relief by rebuilding my core muscles. I started in 1999 and now I'm an instructor.

I developed the upper back pain probably from sitting in front of a computer for a living, plus I have this darn kyphosis and arthritis in my thoracic spine that's pretty painful. My spine is just about c-shaped up there, and then my neck goes up from there - I am constantly fighting to keep my head from going forward. He's told me that without Pilates I'd have a hump on my back by now.

I'm not telling you to run out to find a Pilates class, because it sounds as though you need the structure fixed first. I can't see from here (the reply window) where you're located, but there must be a larger city nearby where you can find a good practitioner. Don't give up, there is someone out there that can help you.

 

[lurky]

You need to go to a regular Dr. and fast. I cannot believe the chiropractor has not told you that. I can take alot of pain too......but you really have to know when you are in THAT much pain....time to be a little tougher and know when to throw in the towel. I hope you are already doing that, let us know how it goes, Good Luck!!

 

[horsechick]

I had a siatica problem and was about to the point I couldn't even walk! My brother told me to go to his friend the chiro, after seeing a different one that didn't help at all, I was skeptical to say the least.
But I went and he was FANTASTIC!
Had me feeling better in no time!

I think its like with anything.
Do your homework on them and get references on them. (chiros)
There are good and bad.
Mine is the greatest in THE WORLD!
Super guy.
He also helps kids whose parents are at the wits end trying to get help for them thru doctors.
And honest to a fault, but willing to try and help people if at all he can, if he can't he'll help you find what does work or make suggestions as well.

Sounds like you may have more going on and maybe checking with a specialist would do you good as another poster said.

Too bad your not in my "neck" of the woods. You'd love my chiro.

Best of luck to you!
Hope you get to feeling better.

 

[OHChick]

hi there. my neck is messed up too, though not from anything as wild as bull riding. my chiropractor had me buy one of those tempur-pedic neck pillows. it did help, i wake up with less pain, but its not a cure.... just means that instead of waking up 5+ days a week with terrible neck/shoulder pain, i wake up with either minor pain every day or bad pain just 1-2 days a week.

however at the severity you describe, i'd go see a regular MD. orthopedic specialist or maybe a neurologist, in case the nerves are pinched also.

good luck to you, i know it is no fun being in pain.

 

[palabeco]

It sounds like you haven't found a good chiropractor yet.

I agree. I also went thru quite a few before I found a good one. My chiripractor is a medical chiropractor and specializes in sports injuries.

I also have neck problems,and use a water pillow and a rolled up towel for a neck roll. If I don't, my neck would be out of place by morning. It keeps the neck in proper alignment, whether you sleep on your side or back. But NEVER NEVER sleep on your stomach.

Strengthening and conditioning exercises help to keep the vertebrae in the proper position. You don't need to join a health club, the chiropractor should give you specific exercises to do at home.

BTW, I have been going to chiropractors for over 40 years.
But I only need to go about once or twice a year, when I need it.

 

[ratlummountain]

my husband is a union electrician, if your health plan is even half as good as his then i would encourage you to take advantage of it.
they even offer to cover a lot of alternative therapies such as cranial sacral therapy and acupuncture which just might help you a LOT.

i agree you just haven't found the right chiro yet. i've been going to mine for 5 years and if he moved i just might follow him.
i go for chronic pain in my jaw and also my SI joints ~ and also because my job of working around horses has me all bent out of shape every other week.

the longer you wait to harder it's going to be. yoga or pilates could very well be your ticket also.

ask your friends who they use. referalls from friends and collegues are always better than from another doctor in my opinion.

btw, i hope the "men" in your local treat you better than they treat the women in my husbands.

 

[Reinbeau]

ratlummountain, I'm with you, if my chiropractor ever left I'd follow him, too! I only go to him when I need to, he's wonderful, he can feel my imbalances and put them back into place except for the one spot on the right-side of my thoractic spine, where the arthritis has built up quite a spur - there's no fixing that, so we work around it.

He would never, ever tell me to not see a doctor if we thought there was something serious. Any chiro that does that is one to run away from fast! The problem around here are the osteo doctors and neurologists (they're the only ones who will work on spines around here, neuros) are so hard to get to see! Try getting a specialist appointment, you'll wait months.

 

[unionwirewoman]

Just got back from the doctor . I have an MRI scheduled on the 12th . Meanwhile he gave me some pain killers and muscle relaxers . I'm not into the whole pill popping thing , but if it will help temporarily then I'll be happy . We bought a tempur pedic bed 6 months ago and I also have a tempur pedic pillow .

ratlummountain ......... all of the guys in my local are great ! They are always willing to help and teach . I'm in local 768 , Kalispell Mt .

 

[ratlummountain]

Quote:
cool, tommy is in local 35 in hartford, ct
he's told me some stories that really make me think most men are Neanderthals.
he hates his job. well, ... he loves being an electrician but hates the politics involved with the union.

hope you get your sitchy resolved without surgery and quickly! good luck with the mri!

 

[kstaven]

Good to hear you went to the doc today. I avoid pills like the plague. But there are times when they serve a purpose and allow one to function while pursueing other options. I do hope you find the options you need like I did.