Posted by petem (207.137.176.34) on August 09, 1999 at 23:57:26:
In Reply to: Chiropractor Questions posted by Tim M. on August 09, 1999 at 22:23:38:
The problem with chiropractic is that its not a one shot deal. Most people who call them "quacks" only went a few times, may have had some relief, then stopped going, only to have thier symptoms reappear, thus, the dude was a quack. What actually could have happened here is that the treatment was never finished, and as a result, there was no cure. Adjusting your spine is not a "one time thing". It is most likely that you have been "out of adjustment" for quite some time. When the Chiropractor "adjusts" you, your body has a tendency to return to the "out of adjustment" condition. That is why you have to go back again and again. Not to say there are not ones who are only out for your money either. I'm sure we *all* have had our run in's with M.D.'s. Chiropractors are no different. There has also been much research into the brain stem that actually protrudes into the the upper two vertebre lately (thanks to chris rieves and his neck injury). This research discovered the importance of this previously unknown area of the brain and its vital importance to our overall health. Cluster headaches are not just because of a few grey brain cells, there is alot more going on. If there is not, then why are attacks triggered by the mere scent of a perfume, now how could that cause a headache in itself. My theroy is that there are biochemical reactions occuring that may be related to chemicals and toxins in our systems. What Chiropractic may do is allow the organs to function properly. Once they are working properly, then they can do thier job of manufacturing whatever it is that makes us as humans run better. The organs that are used to cleanse toxins can also do thier work better. The biggest problem is that there is not necessarily an indication that something is wrong when the nerves going to vital organs are being pinched. Alot of the time there is no pain at all. But there are other problems that require drugs and surgery that I feel some of which could have been prevented via chiropractic care. I had been having headaches for over 20 years, 1-3 times a year. The past five years whenever I had headaches, I immediately went to the Chiropractor and you know what, they stopped. Of course, you can take a really decent dump and the same thing happen but who knows. I have not had any headaches for about 2 years after receiving Chiropractic adjustments, then they came back this year again. So, I have been going again for about a month. The 8-10's stopped immediately but I have been plagued with shadows. Of course who can be certain that it helped, not me for sure, but I did seem to have immediate relief. Some things to note if you are considering Chiroproctic:
1) Try to find someone who does precision adjustments to the atlas areas - the upper two vertebre (this requires a special machine - not just getting you in a headlock and swinging you around)
2) If he dosent want to do x-rays, go somewhere else.
3) Remember that it could take a while to become aligned and stay there - usually the visits should taper off and only monthly visits to check that you have maintained your alignment.
Theres nothing I could ever say to anyone who thinks these guys are quacks, but they would have no problem calling a mechanic who lets a kinked fuel hose go unrepaired.
Personally, I feel I have had good results this last time and am continuing to go (twice a week at the moment). No headaches (other that the shadows) since my second or third adjustment and I have felt better than I have in a long time lately.
Sorry for the bad grammar and length...
ptm
;..-)