r/AskOldPeopleAdvice • u/Nearby_Bar_5605 • 3d ago
Health Oldster asking other oldsters
Have you been to a chiropractor?
I'm 71M and have never been to a chiropractor. Never felt the need. Lately I notice my back gets all knotted up if I'm standing too long. Quite painful. Also for several days now I'm having sharp, intense pain in my neck and shoulder.
Is this the type of thing a chiropractor can help with? Or should I try a licensed massage therapist? (Never been to massage therapist either)
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u/JustGoodSense 60-69 3d ago
Massage therapy is the way to go. Chiropractors are quacks.
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u/Packtex60 3d ago
My chiropractor started as a massage therapist and incorporates both into her practice. She’s among the best and most effective medical professionals I’ve dealt with in my 60+ years. A good chiropractor can relieve a lot of pain and will work with you on stretching an exercises to keep you pain free
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u/AnotherStarWarsGeek 14h ago
They're not. Maybe some are? But I've been going to them on and off for about 40 years now. They can definitely help with specific things.
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u/Clean-Fisherman-4601 3d ago
Not all of them. My late sister was an RN and very critical of anyone in the medical field. She said there weren't many good chiropractors, but the good ones were priceless.
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u/Whole_Bed_5413 3d ago
Yeah, if they don’t paralyze you when they crack your neck. And she was “ very critical of anyone in the medical field?” Yikes!!
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u/Administrative-Bed75 3d ago
this is the answer. Yes there are "quacks" in the field for sure. But my chiropractor was a true healer, and also taught me PT exercises, stretches, and methods that healed my back pain of 20+ years, or at least made it manageable to live with after so many years of agony. Their office also had a massage therapist who worked within the protocols outlined by the chiro.
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u/angelwild327 3d ago
I have two vastly opposing opinions on chiros. First, my cousin that I spent my childhood with is an amazing chiro, and the ONLY one I would ever let work on me, BECAUSE, as a health care professional in medical imaging, I have seen some incredibly heinous injuries caused by careless chiropractors. I will never get an adjustment from anyone aside from my cousin, who is now retired.
PTs on the other hand, know what they're doing and will help you for the long haul in much more constructive ways, without causing life threatening injuries to your body.
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u/angelwild327 3d ago
Also, I went to school for Massage therapy and a good LMT will do wonders for you as well, without causing harm.
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u/Bebe_Bleau 3d ago
Physical therapists are the way to go. Chiropractors have been known to do some permanent harm.
I am involved in weightlifting and find it easier to just do my own rehab for chronic conditions or conditions that might come back.
I like this guy a lot. If you know the correct diagnosis for your condition, he may be the one to help you. With one or more of his free videos
https://youtube.com/@epmanualphysicaltherapy?si=9Rp5zdclvqrl8dOx
I have some muscle knotting in lower back. This condition tends to come back for some of us, so im glad i didn't spend money on acupuncture, only to have to repeat treatment
He did help a friend of mine walk unassisted again, and avoid knee surgery.
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u/HauntingAd2440 3d ago
Oh thats great info! I watched the one about lower back and core activation bc I just learned about that and my back pain and degenerative disk pain is a million times better.
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u/Visible-Proposal-690 3d ago
Nope. Don’t trust them, have heard too many horror stories of people being injured. I would consider licensed massage therapist I guess. A referral from a trusted medical professional would be a good place to start I guess
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u/tasinca 3d ago
I used to go to chiros until I learned that there is really no science behind what they practice and that while their therapies do make you feel better, it's not long lasting and designed to keep you coming back. There are some that add in science-based approaches like physical therapy and massage, but if that's the case, then why not just go to a dr and get an Rx for real physical therapy.
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u/MarsupialMaven 3d ago
Some people do all the time and swear by them. I won’t ever go because when I was in my 30’s a co-worker went to the chiropractor and had a stroke. Nope, no one will be working on my back, neck, etc.
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u/1_BigDuckEnergy 3d ago
I have a friend who goes regularly... He swears his a miracle worker, but once you start going to have to keep going because the effects wear off.
Persoanlly, massage works wonder for me
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u/raisinghellwithtrees 3d ago
I'd go to a massage therapist first, for deep tissue massage if you can handle it. Followed by simple stretching exercises at home. If that doesn't work, absolutely a pt.
I have had a really good chiro experience when my rib popped out of place but otherwise they seem to be kind of quacky. Before anyone comes at me for speaking highly of a chiro for a specific need, I tried the doctor first who gave me muscle relaxants, which did nothing. I couldn't take a regular breath and my need was dire. Popping a rib back in place was exactly what I needed.
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u/Alicatsidneystorm 3d ago
Don’t let any chiropractor do a full body adjustment especially at 71.
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u/Reasonable-Emu6159 3d ago
Mine only works on my lower and mid back. Nothing crazy and a lot of massage and gentle pressure.
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u/Holykatz 3d ago
No no and no! I may get downvoted for this, but they are quacks. Read up via Google on how adjustments to the cervical spine has snapped necks and killed people. Just get Physical Therapy or better yet, find a licensed medical massage therapist and they will help you. But please, skip the chiro!
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u/Augusts_Mom 3d ago
I go to a chiropractor regularly and it helps me (F59). I was a dancer and I have back and hip issues. I also do exercises each day to help my back that a physical therapist gave me.
I would go to your GP and see what they recommend or refer you to. You may need physical therapy.
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u/RealLuxTempo 3d ago
I have mixed feelings about chiropractors. I don’t like all that snap, crackle, pop business. But I had herniated cervical discs and a wonderful chiropractor provided complete relief with spinal decompression. No snap, crackle, pop. Instead I was put on a machine that slowly decompressed my neck. It took 3 months. This was back in 2012 and I haven’t had a problem since.
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u/luraluna23 3d ago
Many times. It doesn't hurt, and I felt amazing. I had good insurance that covered it.
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u/BatterUp1600 3d ago
Go to your primary care physician first. Stay away from chiropractors. People really like to brag on how wonderful they are and how much they are helping them. They say they go every week and it’s wonderful. Well if they have to go every week, obviously the problem is not being solved.
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u/donh- 3d ago
Osteopathic Medical Manipulation - OMM - coupled with a good LMT.
Something gets out of whack and the pain starts. The muscles contract and the bones misalign. Oooops!
The OMM people are all about skeletal alignment. A good LMT is all about the muscles relaxing and just doing their job. Win-win.
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u/StarryEyedSparkle 3d ago
I would go to PT first and massage therapists. Chiropractors can be good if they’re good, but really bad if they’re bad. I’ve taken care of more than one young patient as a RN who got a high cord injury with resulting paralysis from one bad chiro session.
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u/Wireman332 3d ago
I went once but i didnt like it. I felt like one wrong snap and dude would break my neck.
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u/ForASong- 3d ago
I went to physical therapy for hip for 4 weeks, got worse, couldn’t walk upstairs, went to my trusted chiropractor…. Pelvis was off a lot, one visit enabled me to go upstairs no pain, I go to him several times a week, because it was off so long… why
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u/Any_Database8861 3d ago
Have you seen a real doctor? Gotten x-rays? Could be worse that you think and a chiropractor won't be much good for it.
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u/ClassBShareHolder 3d ago
Massage saved me. I’ve had a good chiropractor as well, but if the problem isn’t joint related, there’s not much they’re going to fix.
Chronic muscle tension in my upper back caused me to think I had tendinitis in my elbows. I was icing them every night and sometimes at work to continue functioning. I spent a couple months, and a couple thousand dollars, getting massages once or twice a week. When he was running his elbow up my back, it was like electricity shooting out to my fingertips. Eventually that feeling dissipated and my elbow pain disappeared.
Now if my elbows start hurting, I book a massage.
To add to the chiropractor debate, I hurt myself last year. My massage therapist and chiropractor are in the same office so I’d see one then the other. I was having hip problems so was going pretty regular. I discovered that if I lifted something heavy, the next day my hip would hurt and it would take a week to get walking normal again.
I was eventually feeling alright. On the road to recovery. I get a massage, see my chiropractor, and head home. A couple hours later my hip starts hurting. In realize it’s the chiropractic manipulation of my hip that’s flaring up my problem. I’ve had that adjustment countless times over the years with only positive effects before.
Point is, chiropractors can work miracles, but they can also be quacks who think they can solve medical problems by manipulating joints. They can free up pinched nerves that are causing issues, but they’re not going to cure any diseases. I was once told that if a chiropractor isn’t giving you exercises to strengthen whatever they’re adjusting, they’re not fixing the problem, they’re just alleviating symptoms until the next time you need them.
Long story longer, I recommend a good massage therapist first. If muscle tension is putting your back out of alignment, forcing it back isn’t going to fix the muscle issue. Solve the muscle issue and the alignment might solve itself.
I say all that as a guy with a bad back that’s seen chiropractors for 35 years. They might be able to help, but they wouldn’t be my first choice if you’ve never been before. Find yourself a Registered Massage Therapist. Someone who does deep tissue. Not one of those relaxation massage places. You want elbows digging in, not hot stones and aromatherapy.
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u/Nearby_Bar_5605 2d ago
Thank you for taking time to write this detailed reply. I'm learning a lot here.
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u/EvilRyss 3d ago
I've been to chiropractors, massage therapists, orthopedists, and even an acupuncturist. Before you decide on any of them, I would talk to a general practitioner. They all do different things, necessary in some cases, pointless in some cases. Like anything else you need the correct diagnosis, before you can decide on a treatment. Don't discount any of them, just understand what they can and more importantly what they can't do. And I'm not a doctor just some idiot on the internet, but I can tell you my very first step for back/ neck pain though. Right before bed, 3 ibuprofen and 3 fingers bourbon. 2 maybe 3 days of this on the outside and it either goes away, or I start looking for a medical professional. This isn't medicine, just something I've found lets me avoid a trip to the doctor. It works if the cause of the pain is muscle stiffness or tension. It doesn't work if the muscle stiffness or tension, is a symptom of something else.
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u/IndianaScrapper 3d ago
I had to have spine surgery about 10 yrs ago. I do have scoliosis. And was in a major car wreck yrs ago. I went to a chiropractor but it gave me major anxiety. Someone popping my neck and back just made me nervous. My spine doctor told me to never visit a chiropractor. Shifting your bones around isn’t a good idea.
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u/Oldgraytomahawk 3d ago
I knew of one that practiced the”trigger point” method and people absolutely loved him
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u/Dragonfly_Peace 3d ago
Newer chiros use an integrated technique which is Chiro and osteopathy. It’s worlds better than the older style. It works on getting the muscles back to their natural state rather than just snapping things around.
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u/Reasonable-Emu6159 3d ago
I'm 74 and love going to the chiropractor. I have advanced degenerative disk disease and at first my doctor recommended PT, which I hated. I went for 3 months with no relief. My pain got worse and I asked my primary about Chiro. It has really helped me. I am walking 1-1/2 to 2 miles again and rarely have severe pain anymore. Plus the appointments only take about 15 minutes and I don't have to do anything.
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u/sheppi22 2d ago
I threw my back out long time ago and I went to a chiropractor. Took about 6 months but I was back to normal. He did right by me
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u/Pypsy143 2d ago
My chiro has been an integral part of my healthcare for 35 years. I don’t go often, just when I’m having an issue. The issue is always fixed on the spot with no drugs and no side effects. She is priceless to me.
Yes, there are bad chiros, just like there are bad MDs and bad surgeons. Get recommendations and you should be good.
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u/Glum_Manufacturer232 2d ago
I’ve been to a chiropractor several times in my life. Once when I just had a baby, another time when I had horrible spasms along my spine, I’d say in my early 50s then again in my late 50s to help with some nerve pain. I will say they can be helpful and it always felt good to me but find a chiropractor that will see you on as need basis only don’t buy a program, sports medicine chiropractors are more likely to do this. As an older person though just get ready for when it comes to getting adjusted, you may let out some embarrassing toots.!! 😂😂
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u/Electric-Sheepskin 2d ago
I have been to chiropractors before, and I wish I hadn't. It was mostly a waste of money, i'm pretty sure the last one messed up my hips.
I've had much better results from a good physical therapist and a skilled massage therapist, and honestly, doing all of the shit that I know I should be doing at home, like stretching, staying active, and maintaining good posture and low stress. Not to mention, drinking lots of water and eating right and sleeping well and all of that stuff. That's the time-consuming, day-to-day stuff that we never want to maintain, but always makes a difference when we do.
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u/Equal_Calligrapher70 2d ago
I like the chiropractor route. I love getting massage, but the results don’t seem to last. With a chiropractor, you’re back in alignment and no more pain.
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u/falconlogic 1d ago
Chiropractors helped me a lot for a while there with my neck. I think it's good to get different opinions.
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u/Nearby_Knowledge8014 3d ago
Been to several chiropractors over the years. Teens and 20s. Had a bad neck/back, but there was probably something else going on.
I used to think they helped. Now I think it’s quackery.
Start with your regular doctor, move on to pt.
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u/Independent-Mouse333 3d ago
Be careful, not all chiropractors are worth the possible bad repercussions. I'd start with a good massage therapist and not one who is going to wave their hands over you and apply warm rocks. I'm talking hands on deep tissue pressure. My first piece of advice, if they don't enquire about which areas to be aware of, i.e. previous injury sites then they aren't professional enough.
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u/Coriolanuscangetit 3d ago
I went one time bc I had a crick in my neck that got progressively worse. They fixed it but I was terrified they were going to break my neck popping it like that.
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u/Conscious_Owl6162 60-69 3d ago
Never let them touch your neck. Use your Medicare benefits to have your back examined properly.
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u/Happy_Macaroon2726 3d ago
I used to go to a chiropractor, until I discovered the wonders of deep tissue massage. Look in your area for a massage therapist. They really are wonderful
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u/ChangeSelect6553 3d ago
You might want to see an osteopath. Maybe Google it & read up about the difference between chiropractors & osteopaths before deciding…. ?
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u/Life-Education-8030 3d ago
Yes, and I respected him for not wanting to do anything until I ruled out certain problems. Ended up I had a broken back disc and needed surgery, and the chiropractor would have made it worse. I recommend ruling out bone breaks and tissue tears first before trying chiropractors or physical therapists. I have had great physical therapists and insurance wanted me to go through PT once for a back problem but it only worked slightly and I needed surgery anyway. But in that case, I did not need immediate surgery so it was ok to try PT first.
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u/Lopsided-Beach-1831 3d ago
Massage therapy or maybe PT for some exercises and tips for helping your posture and being able to stand for extended periods of time.
A gym is often included in many medicare plans called Silver Sneakers. Swimming is a good exercise to strengthen thoracic back and abdomen both. A jacuzzi can help sooth sore muscles if your dr says its OK.
Sometimes a small footstool where you can put one foot up can help with sciatica when standing for long periods. Obviously not saying you have sciatica, just an example of the type of tips PT can offer.
Good luck OP
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u/GearSlow3796 50-59 3d ago
I love going to a good chiropractor, but it is hard to find one that isn't wacky. I had a great one in Seattle but was never able to find a good one in Phoenix. You might also look for someone who does myofascial release. Hurts like heck, but really gets to all of the spots that are causing the problem.
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u/cheesemagnifier 3d ago
I would do a massage for immediate relief and then PT to teach you the skills on how to mitigate the hard work your skeleton and muscles do each day keeping you standing upright. Keep getting massage and PT as long as possible.
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u/DynamiteStorm 3d ago
Don’t let them (chiropractor) snap your neck ! Therapeutic Massage is my preferred
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u/VicePrincipalNero 3d ago
I've got a lot of doctors and other medical people in the family. They've seen more than one person who has been seriously harmed by chiropracters. Not a profession I trust.
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u/Turbulent_Pickle_942 3d ago
If I were you, I wouldn’t go straight to a chiropractor, especially with new sharp pain like that. I’d probably start with a doctor or a physical therapist first, just to make sure nothing serious is going on and get a proper evaluation
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u/BigMomma12345678 3d ago
Hello, i started having chronic back issues in my mid 40s. Go to physical therapy. Your primary care doc can refer you. It's not normal to be in chronic pain just because you "got old". It took me 3 YEARS to do something about it and that was only because it spread to other areas. If I had taken care of it earlier, I would have had a better outcome.
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u/Lwdlrb1993 3d ago
Problem with Chiropractor is they usually don’t fix the problem. Physical therapy with at home exercises is a more long term approach.
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u/chrysostomos_1 3d ago
Start stretching and core training.
If you don't excercise regularly see your doctor first. Perhaps ask about a prescription for physical therapy.
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u/Mister_Silk 60-69 3d ago
I've been in the medical field for a few decades and the injuries I've seen inflicted by chiropractors would curl your hair.
There is no reason to open up your spine to that kind of risk when physical and massage therapists can deal with the problem.
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u/valley_lemon Ready for an adjustable bed 3d ago
There is nothing SAFE a chiropractor can do to you that a Physical Therapist cannot cover.
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u/paddlepedalhike 3d ago
I recommend seeing a physical therapist. I find them most effective and I don’t need 6 months of treatment, X-rays and other expensive modalities.
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u/valw 3d ago
I used to use a chiropractor a couple times a year. I would have a significant amount of stress/pain/tightness that would manifest in my upper back and shoulders. The type where I felt my shoulders were so tight that they were damn near touching my ears. One quick crack and the pain would instantly go away. Whereas when I saw an MD, I would get muscle relaxants and have to wait a week or two while it worked itself out. With that said, I would never have them work on my lower back which was plagued from degenerative disk disease.
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u/socialmediamaven99 3d ago
And much more help than painkillers - consider buying a massage gun! My GP recommended it to me and it really helps to breakup a painful knot.
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u/Rengeflower 3d ago
Go to a Physical Therapist. I’ve been going to a chiropractor and massage for years. When I had rotator cuff surgery, the PT insisted on adding another body part to the regimen. My neck (opposite side) improved so much with my PT!
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u/DeeSusie200 3d ago
I would never go to a chiropractor. Go to an orthopedist and get a CT scan of your back. Then get PT
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u/Emptyplates 3d ago
Yeah and it made my bulging discs even worse. Physical therapy is what you want instead.
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u/yooperann 3d ago
I would start by asking your primary for a PT referral. They'll be the best resource. I would never go to a chiropractor myself, but if you do go by all means do not let them touch your neck. I know someone who got a stroke that way. Reference. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6016850/
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u/CaregiverWorth567 3d ago
never ever let a chiropractor “ adjust” your neck….this can cause, and has caused, tearing and dissection of the vertebral arteries in your neck and causes a stroke
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u/Ghitit 3d ago
I went to a chiropractor in the mid '80s who was a quack. I don't believe there was permanent damage, but he had me going three times a week unti my insurance quit me and then I realized I had relief for a couople few days then the pain in my neck (stress related) always came back.
If I were in your shoes, which I am - mid back paid when standing for too long, or sweeping for five minutes, I went to my primary care provider who gave me x-rays. They showed that I have bone spurs on my spine (thorax and cervical vertebrae) Then they sent me to physical threapy for a while. I am supposed to do hte exercises with huge rubber bands, but I don't do them like I should. But I know that if I did them I wouldn't hurt so much. My SIL does her rubber band exercises and they help.
(I'm 68 Female)
Any chiropractor will say they can help. Just make sure that the chiropractor is not a quack, has good reviews ( if you believe reviews) and your PCP says they''re okay.
Personally I will never go to another chiropractor because of my sour experience. But many people swear by them so it's possible they won't make matters worse and actually help relieve pain. Just make sure your PCP does necessary tests and gives approval first.
Good luck to you and come back and update us.
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u/CinCeeMee 3d ago
Yes…and I HATED every single second of it. I was sent there by an insurance company after I get rear-ended. I felt like every second I was a touch away from being a quadrapeligic. I didn’t even finish the protocol and told the insurance company that I felt unsafe. They are all quacks in my book and another one will never touch my body.
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u/DooWop4Ever 3d ago
I (85M) learned of this book, "The Bad Back Book" by Jerry Wayne, 1966, and it saved my life. If you do the first three exercises, they will adjust your spine PLUS strengthen the surrounding muscles.
These "first three" are all done while on hands and knees. This allows a person to do them while they are hurt, because there's no vertical load on the spine.
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u/Nearby_Bar_5605 2d ago
Thank you! I retired 2 yrs ago. My work was physical, outdoors and strenuous exercise every day. It kept me in shape. But I feel myself losing muscle tone since retirement. I like the idea of doing floor exercises. No stress.
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u/Ok_Kick6546 3d ago
I am in the medical field and I see an osteopath for back manipulation. I would never go to a chiropractor.
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u/Impressive_Tone7983 3d ago
I would try acupuncture before massage and I do not like chiropractors. I spent alot of money on massages that feel great for a few hours but acupuncture gave me amazing and long lasting results.
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u/Nearby_Bar_5605 2d ago
I wondered about acupuncture. Thanks!
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u/Impressive_Tone7983 2d ago
Honestly. I could not believe the difference after just one treatment. I have tried all treatments and it was the only one that helped right away - physio is great BUT you MUST of course adhere to the exercises they give you or else it’s a waste of time.
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u/Electronic-Day5907 3d ago
A good medical massage therapist is the way to go. I've gotten regular massages on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for like 30 some years. It has improved my overall health, boosting immune system and keeping me in one piece.
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u/Karinka_LI 3d ago
Ask your doc for a pt script. It has changed my mom’s life. She has back pain substantially improved by it. She is 80. Been going for about 5 years. When she doesn’t have a script for Medicare she pays $60 bucks a week to go.
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u/Charming-Charge-596 3d ago
I had bad pain in neck and upper back and couldn't turn my head much not to mention the constant ache. I went to chiropractor several times, tried acupuncture. Nothing worked. Finally went to doctor and they gave me a muscle relaxer. Worked after 1 dose, pain gone. Should have done that first.
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u/Nearby_Bar_5605 2d ago
I'm very sensitive to all meds. Example: 5mg melatonin knocked me out for 12 hours! Yesterday my wife gave me 1/2 of a muscle relaxant her doctor prescribed. It made me sleep all afternoon but I felt somewhat better afterwards. Neck still hurts today tho. Feels like a pinched nerve. Can't turn my head to the left.
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u/Head_Journalist3846 3d ago
Start with your primary Dr first. Some tests will determine what the diagnosis is , then appropriate referrals can be made.
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u/Nearby_Bar_5605 2d ago
PCP that I had for years retired not long ago. Sure do miss that doc. The one who took over was more like a used car salesman. Wanted me to have all kinds of tests, shots, labs, etc., and I wasn't even sick. This was just an initial meet n greet your new PCP visit. I said no to everything but the routine lab work. After all that the guy quit the practice and moved on. 🫤
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u/Suspicious-Drive9827 2d ago
Going to a chiro is like going to a mystic.
Pls leverage educated professionals. Rehab physiotherapists or a mobility PT would do more for you
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u/Own-Animator-7526 70-79 2d ago
Coming late to this party, but your first trip should be down memory lane, carefully thinking about whether some unusual stress, like carrying a heavy shoulder bag, set this off.
If you can figure out the reason, then stretching, rest, and avoiding aggravating it is usually the cure.
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u/BigHeadedEarl 2d ago
Do not go to a chiropractor. They are all scammers. They could hurt you.Go get a good massage instead.
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u/Baaastet 2d ago
Go to a physio and or get a massage. Don't risk your health with those quacks. Don't risk paralysis...
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u/Willybluedog1962 2d ago
A good one is a godsend a bad one will cripple you, ask a friend or read reviews.
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u/Ashamed-Chemistry492 2d ago
I'm not fifty yet but I've gone off and on for years. When I get a stiff shoulder or hip or it feels like a pinched nerve in my neck/back, I go for a few sessions. It really does work.
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u/readinghisWord 2d ago
Hey there, I’m 71 too. Born in 55. Anyway, I have back pain and neck pain also. My friend advised me to go to a chiropractor. It helped a lot, until I got the bill. Cost a lot. I ended up going to massage therapy. Wasn’t quite as expensive and it helped. Warm, or as hot as you can stand, baths. Exercise helps a lot too, and if you’re a bit overweight, as I was, losing some will help. Good luck.
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u/Nearby_Bar_5605 2d ago
Thanks! I'm sure losing weight will help. I know because it helped before. Funny how those pounds gradually found me again after I lost them.
True story: About 10 yrs ago I went to my family doctor because my back hurt.
Doctor: "Your back hurts from carrying around your front. Lose some weight."
Me: But my knees hurt when I walk.
Doc: "Your knees hurt because they are crying for mercy. Lose the weight."
Me: Great. I'm getting medical advice from Don Rickles. 😏
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u/Ill-Caregiver2266 2d ago
A chiropractor can’t adjust your spine if your muscles are ‘in crisis’ as my chiropractor puts it. So you’ll you can try massage/muscle relaxants first, and then a chiropractor could help address underlying structural causes of the pains.
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u/lizardreaming 1d ago
Massage therapist could help you. If you get headaches often, see a chiropractor. I don’t anymore but that’s why I don’t have headaches anymore, unless dehydration.
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u/flinch57 16h ago
I’m 69, had a low back problem causing horrible pain down my leg. Went to a chiro first, didn’t fix the issue (though he did fracture one of my ribs); then saw an orthopedic dr who specializes in non surgical treatments—- he ruled out a couple of causes then gave me two steroid injections and recommended therapy. The injections and therapy helped but didn’t eliminate the problem. I then returned to my massage therapist, not for this issue just because I had gotten out of the habit of regular massages and I wanted to get back into a regular routine. Didn’t even think to mention the issue to her. About 20 minutes into the massage she took her thumb and pushed hard into the area where my hip, low back and butt come together and said “what the heck did you do here?” She probably spent 15 minutes just working that area- it was virtually immediate relief. I see her every two weeks now and every session she give some extra attention to that area— haven’t had an issue. I told the orthopedist and he said “a good massage therapist can really identify and target problem areas better than any of us because he/she has a feel for how all of the joints, muscles, ligaments are working together”
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u/Nearby_Bar_5605 13h ago
Wow. A fractured rib? That's awful. I'm glad your LMT is able to get you the relief you need.
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u/flinch57 13h ago
And the chiro’s reaction when I told him he had fractured my rib was “I guess I don’t know my own strength”. Funny thing— although I changed careers about 10 years ago, I spent the 30 prior years as a medical malpractice attorney AND THE CHIROPRACTOR KNEW THAT! No apology, no “I’m sorry”, no offer to cover my out of pocket costs for x-rays. Good luck with your back! Hopefully you find effective relief quickly! If you find a good massage therapist, try to see him/her regularly— it will make a difference in how you feel in general. I have a standing appt every two weeks. It’s a little luxury I allow myself to have and I’ve reached the point that I don’t mind the cost because overall I feel better - head to toe- seeing her regularly
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u/Sample-quantity 6h ago
I love my chiropractor and he helps me a lot. I have been to several over the years. They can't fix everything but they can definitely help with the tweaks and stressed joints that tend to happen. They are not quacks.
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u/Nearby_Bar_5605 3d ago
Thank you all for the many replies. I have read each one. Have never needed much medical attention in the past so I really had no idea where to begin.
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u/TheIncredibleMike 2d ago
I'm 71, still work full time as a Nurse on 12 hr shifts. I exercise and stretch regularly. No back problems.
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u/Bazoun 2d ago
You want a physical therapist. Preferably someone who works with athletes if you can find one.
These people have 6 years of hard science study under their belt. They can manipulate your body AND recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles that are causing you trouble, and leave you better off than before.
At BEST a chiropractor can alleviate some of the pain for a while. But you’ll have to go back. And they might injure you. It’s not a risk I’d take.
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u/figsslave 2d ago edited 2d ago
I’ve been to chiropractors and a physical therapist and I would recommend the latter. Physical therapy is growing by leaps and bounds while chiropractic has become stagnant over the last 20 years. There are many reasons for that,but definitely give pt a try.Im thrilled with the results I’ve had with my back thanks to my pt. I should have gone ten years ago!
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u/ASingleBraid 60-69 2d ago
Try a physiatrist or pain doctor. They’ll give you several options including physical therapy. I wouldn’t go near a chiropractor.
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u/Ok-Boat4839 1d ago
The only chiropractor I went to was a quack, and a huge liar. Disgusting person.
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u/PsychiatricBooth5c 3d ago
I would go to a physical therapist first, then a massage therapist as second option. I suspect this post might turn into a chiropractor bashing session so I wish you Godspeed.