No way! The benefits do NOT outweigh the risk.

Absolutely not. Although I focus on biomedical research and not clinical medicine, I've had to sit through more than enough medical grand rounds to know that you should never go to a chiropractor. If you're having pain, you should always go to an orthopedist who will probably refer you to physical therapy, so you can learn what to do to fix the problem. Chiropractors often make things irreversibly worse -- no thank you!!

There was actually an article in the most recent issue of Self that talked about the risk of strokes from having your neck adjusted... apparently done wrong it can sever a blood vessel in your neck and for some reason it happens more often with women. So be careful ladies!

I never, ever thought about going to a chiroprator until this year. I have suffered from back problems and migraines since I was a child. After years of trying everything else to fix the problems I decided I would give it a chance. Believe me I was very skeptical at first. But after one week, things started to get better. I haven't had a migraine in four months and the constant pain I had is now gone. My chiropractor isn't a believer in long term care however. He goes through a treatment plan where visits become less frequent to very rare check-ups when you are feeling really bad.

I don't believe it is for everyone, but it certainly has given me a new lease on life.

Yes - my chiropractor saved my life - well my quality of life at least. Out of nowhere I started having unbelievable pain in my back, along my spine. I spend months (and 1000s of dollars)going to "regular" doctors, physical therapists and having tests done. Finally my primary care doctor suggested I go to see a chiropractic. At this point I was willing to try anything to get the pain to end.

My chiropractor had me fill out a chart showing how and where I hurt, she took one look at it, and me and said "you have ribs out". After an examination she said yep - you have 6 ribs out of place (I had no idea that this could be a problem) and sure enough, that's where the center of the pains were, right along my spine where my ribs came out of place. She put them back in place and I was instantly pain free for the first time in months.

The ribs still keep coming out of place (the chiropractor said they could do this for a while, or they may just decide to say in place - no telling), so I usually go once a month to get them put back in place. I would go more often, but my insurance only covers 12 visits a year.

Truly, and with no exaggeration, my chiropractor saved me. Nothing but chiropractic care could solve my problem. Please don't make so many harsh judgements on chiropractors. There are good ones and bad ones, just like traditional medical doctors, but the care and relief from pain that they provide is very real, and very beneficial.

I went to a chiropractor after a serious car accident where my head collided with the windshield. I was in such pain that I couldn't sleep at night, every tiny move that my wife would make would wake me up with severe pain in my neck. After the third visit almost all of the pressure was off of my neck. It was then that the chiropractor started trying to sell me on a yearly plan. There were some other dubious practices that he was doing like infant chiropractic. I decided then that I was not going to go back to him. If my neck/ back was ever severely out of whack again, I would probably see another chiropractor. I won't ever sign up for a yearly plan though as that seems like such a scam. I don't think that I would have had such pain relief without those 3 adjustments.

I tried traditional chiropractic and the adjustments actually made my muscles tighter. I go to a holistic chiropractor now. She uses homeopathy and other "natural" methods which work much better for me. She'll still do a traditional adjustment once in awhile, if I really need it.

I was just coming here to post about the article in the new edition of the women's periodical SELF. There is serious danger of chiropractic care causing damage to the carotid artery, resulting in clotting and stroke. There is information available from a non-profit educational clearinghouse and victims advocacy group called VOICES (Victims of Irresponsible Chiropractic Education and Standards). While chiropractic care may be right for some, I would never allow cervical manipulation. And, the industry should be regulated like a medical field, since it has the ability to cause medical harm, ie. stroke and paralysis.

I had serious back pain after stepping off a curb wrong. I went to my GP doctor and he gave me muscle relaxers and said I would be fine. After a few weeks I was still having pain and a friend suggested that I see a chiropractor. I liked going to the Chiro, but it felt like he wasn't "fixing" the problem permanently and I had to continue going back. He was having me come in 3 times a week for 5 weeks, then 2 times a week for 4 weeks, then still wanted me to come in once a week for the rest of the year. I have had more success seeing a PT where they actually want you to get better and stop coming to see them.

If I could see a Chiro that was looking to make me better, with out constant follow up appointments I would be more than willing to see them.

I would have never considered going to a chiropractor, even though I lived in Seneca Falls, NY, home of the NY Chiropratic College! A good friend of mine is a chiropractor but I never needed her services - until (at 25!) I bent over one day to get a shirt out of a drawer and a disc slipped. I was flat on my back and couldn't even move my extremeties. I had to inch on my hands and knees to the bathroom and have my father lift me onto the toilet - it was humiliating. I couldn't have gotten down the stairs to see the dr if I wanted to so my friend Rebecca came over later that night and I was walking (slowly, and with a cane, but walking) after about 1 hour. She didn't really manipulate me at all that time either. I continue to see Rebecca as needed when the resulting chronic sciatic pain from that injury flares up. I do find that if I stay limber with yoga and pilates and keep my weight down the need for an adjustment is all but eliminated. I will say re: neck manipulation that while scary, if you trust the person doing it, it can bring a lot of relief. I don't trust anyone but Rebecca though, so now that I live in Alaska I do yoga every day til I get back to NY for an adjustment!

If you are interested in chiropratic, interview the chiropractor - they should be fine discussing their treatment philosophy with you. If they have a problem with your not being comfortable with neck manipulation they aren't the right chiro for you. Being comfortable with your treatment and your care provider are #1, so chiropratic might not be for everyone.

I am a big fan of my chiropractor. I agree that it is NOT for everyone, and you most definitely need to "shop" around for a chiro that you feel comfortable with and whose philosophy matches your own. Also- your chiropractor should NOT tell you he/she can "fix" your problems, and certainly should not tell you that things can get better overnight. Most chiro's will want to see you frequently at first, and then any good chiro will get you into a maintenance program where they are maintaining the health of your spine. It should only be about once a month. The thing I love about my chiropractor is that he promotes a healthy lifestyle along with chiropractic care. It is a very holistic form of healing, and while not for everyone, can certainly be beneficial for those with an open mind!

I had the same experience as other posts. I thought chiropractors were quacks. I have done four Ironman triathlons and 15 marathons and am no stranger to physical therapy and injury. I was in a car accident and two weeks later I couldn't get out of bed. I was hobbling around work and my boss sent me to her chiro. She spent an hour talking with me and doing a physical assesment. I had two previous injuries, a severed achilles tendon and a broken collar bone on my left side. She asked me if I had injuries on my left side before I had the chance to mention it. She said she could have me feeling better in three visits. After my first adjustment I was 80% better. I haven't had any problems since my last adjustment. She also said that if I didn't get into a regimen of stretching, pilates or yoga that my problem would return. I think chiropractors are like any doctor though they can be good or bad. Do your homework before you decide to see one.

I had a small consultation with a doctor once and he seemed very professional, but I could NOT relax properly knowing what he was going to do. I hate the sound of cracking bones. I can't bring myself to crack my knuckles. I just kept thinking "what if he does something wrong and breaks my neck?!?" And after he did everything, I ended up with a slight migraine, which he said realigning my back would prevent. Sure didn't.

As an orthopedic surgeon for 30 years, my father has a big problem with chiropractors. He has had to perform surgery on many patients who first visited a chiropractor as a quick fix for a larger problem. My recommendation to anyone with back problems is to at least have a consultation with an orthopedist so you can make an informed decision.

A friend of a friend is a chiropractor and my friend loves to have him crack her back. When we were at his house he offered to do mine and I was wary but said OK.

Dear Lord it was awful. I know some people like the feeling, but it definitely wasn't for me. Didn't hurt or anything, I just really didn't like thow it felt.

For those of you that know about this, is it always the same technique? Ha had me lie face down on one of those beds with a hole for your head, then he was lookig for something on my spine. When he found the right spot he placed both hands on it, one on top of the other, and pushed down until it cracked.

So the answer is no.

I used to go to one, but the visits are quite costly. And honestly, I would feel great after a visit, but I'd the feeling would go away by the time, and I'd HAVE to go for another visit. Kinda became an addiction almost, like I couldn't ween myself off. It was an endless cycle . . .

Wow, lots of opinions! I've always been iffy about chiropractors. I've never had to go nor do I think I would go... but I guess it works for some!

I've never been, but everyone I know who has gone says its just a temporary relief, not a permanent fix.

i've never been to a chiropractor!

I think some of it likely has to do with the kind of problem you have, and then the kind of chiropractor, and then what you are comfortable with. Since so much of chiropractic is about alignment it's no wonder yoga and pilates have minimized my sciatica problem which at it's most severe would leave me unable to walk, sit, or stand comfortably for days or weeks. I went to yoga with my chiropractor once!

I agree that doctors should be consulted for certain kinds of back problems or for those who just want all the information before they embark on a course of treatment. In my case going to a doctor was out of the question - I literally could not put weight on my feet - I could barely crawl without collapsing (ex. the 15 foot trip on my hands and knees to the bathroom took 20 minutes round trip and left me drenched in sweat). I am definitely only speaking positively about my experience. That being said, people have bad experiences with doctors all the time but they don't stop going to doctors - they find a better one.

People who speak badly about chiropracters... do you know what it is that "cracks" when you hear that sound? It's air! Nothing is cracking.

I've had back issues, & seeing a chiropracter helps me.

i used to go twice a week but can't afford it anymore

The tool that chiropractors use, ie: manipulation (physical, not emotional) can be very powerful and effective when used appropriately and correctly. It can also cause injury and death when used incorrectly. And while chiropractic can help certain musculo-skeletal problems, it is not going to cure liver cancer (for example) or any of the other stupid and ridiculous things that chiropractors claim they can cure. My favorite comment ever comes from a doctor, on his feelings about chiropractors:

"When your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like a nail."

When I broke my foot, one of the side effects was pain in my lower back and hips.
Going to the chiro was a good way to get things back in line.

I only went for a 6 month period, and have not had the need to return.

I say go to a chiro someone you know recommends...there are good ones out there and bad. They should want to get you better and not have you come in every week, or buy a yearly plan. A good chiro is a healer who wants to get you better and not come back on a regular basis.

my dad goes to the chiropractor ad my mom was trying to get it covered by insurance. They were like yea totally, if they are really doctors, closest actual doctor was over 2 1/2 hours away. and they don't live in the boonies or anything. So just be Careful!!!

My dad has gone to a chiro... I have not. However, My boss goes to one that I think is a wack job and he's there to stiff people. He needs like 10 sessions to "fix" you. The guy that my ada used to go to in 1 or 2 sessions, boom you're done.

I dated a chiropractor - he used to refer to himself as doctor, and every time I would correct him. Obviously we didn't last.

SaraSmile LMAO!

Haha SaraSmile- reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where Jerry is dating a dermatologist. She says she's saving lives by saving people from skin cancer etc... and George is like "Please, she's one step away from working at a Clinique counter."

I love that Seinfeld episode! Pimple Popper, MD!

they also did one where elaine is dating a podiatrist and after jerry makes fun of him, the guy refers to himself as a doctor and elaine says, "well, a podiatrist". hehehe

I will not see a chiropractor, but understand that for some, such body work will provide them relief. Instead, I have a WONDERFUL massage therapist here in Austin, whom I trust completely. For me, massage is a very important part of overall fitness. Happy Friday, y'all!!

Wow i was really thinking about calling a chiropractor , actually i did but they were at lunch, i threw out my back somehow 2 weeks ago and it sucks i'm in so much pain, so i want it to be done with and figured oh i'll just have it popped back in place, if tha'ts the case. i dont know i just need the pain to stop so i'll try anything and regular docs just seem to be drug happy lately and i really dont want that. i barely like taking tylenol. I loved all the comments though this is a contrversal topic though. I saw the article in SELF too and will not have my neck popped NO WAY , what if he breaks it? it sounds horrible like some scary horror movie ewe! no !

I've gone to see one. I've tried a physiotherapist but with my swimming injury, it was the only thing working....

I recommend it..but choose your chiropractor carefully.

This is a very long post, but VERY INFORMATIVE …PLEASE READ!!
I have been going to a chiropractor on a regular basis for the past 8 years. At first, I was going to a full spine chiropractor (he would adjust any vertebra in my spine that was subluxated), but now I go to an upper cervical chiropractor (he only adjusts atlas—the first bone in the neck). I go for wellness and health maintenance.
I am a student at Life University College of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA. I am in my last year of school and incredibly excited to graduate! From reading many of the comments/answers to this question, I can see that many of you (along with majority of the population in the U.S.) are quite misinformed about chiropractic. I just wanted to comment on a few of your comments and, hopefully, educate you a little more on this passion of mine called CHIROPRACTIC!
First of all, “chiropractic MEDICINE” is an incorrect term. Chiropractic is a natural healthcare field that does not use drugs (“medicine”) or surgery. We adjust subluxations. A subluxation is a misaligned vertebra (one of the bones in the spine) that is causing interference to the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves). When there is interference to the nervous system, your brain and spinal cord are not able to communicate properly with the rest of your body. Your nervous system controls everything in your body and when it is not functioning properly, other parts of your body eventually function improperly as well (that’s when various symptoms start to show up). Put a rubber band around your finger for a few minutes, and notice how your finger feels. Think of the rubber band as a misaligned vertebra and your finger as your nervous system. The rubber band is causing many uncomfortable changes in your finger, and that was only after a few minutes of pressure and interference. Imagine what years of interference would do. Many people think that chiropractors are back, neck, and headache specialists, but in reality, we indirectly affect the nervous system and your whole body by directly correcting the spine. We help with so much more than just your typical back and neck pain. A chiropractor CORRECTS THE CAUSE of your problem so that YOUR BODY CAN HEAL ITSELF! “THE POWER THAT MADE THE BODY HEALS THE BODY!” We do not want to merely hide your symptoms, numb your pain, or remove the symptomatic part of your body.
Secondly, the benefits of chiropractic care greatly outweigh the risks!! There are risks with chiropractic care (just like there are risks in all other healthcare fields), but the risks are very minimal. A chiropractic doctor’s malpractice insurance is somewhere between 10 and 50 times LESS than a medical doctor’s malpractice insurance. The numbers don’t lie—obviously the insurance companies know where the risks are. With regard to the VOICES group wanting to petition to congress to outlaw all cervical “manipulation”, it is illogical to ban cervical adjustments because they are a main part of chiropractic care. There are many different chiropractic techniques that adjust the cervical spine in many different ways—some being safer than others. Before petitioning to congress, this group should do a lot more research.
Thirdly, a chiropractor usually wants to see you for long periods of time for 2 reasons. 1) It takes a while to CORRECT your subluxation, and 2) you need to MAINTAIN the correct position of your spine. If you have ever had braces, then you know how long it takes to move those bones (your teeth). Even after you get the braces removed, you usually have to maintain their position with retainers. I still wear my retainers every now and then even though I had my braces removed 14 years ago! The spine is the same way! Even though you don’t feel pain or have any other symptoms anymore, it doesn’t mean that your problem is corrected for good! By the way, your bones are NOT CRACKING! It is called cavitation, and it is the sound of air being released within the joints.
Chiropractic care is for EVERYONE, including infants and elderly. Everyone has a spine and nervous system, so shouldn’t everyone get checked for subluxation? For most of us, our first subluxation occurred at birth (forceps, vacuum delivery, manual pulling, etc.)!
I agree that there are both good and bad chiropractors just like there are both good and bad people in every profession. The best way to choose a chiropractor is by referral from family members or friends who go to a chiropractor. Your chiropractor should be willing to answer any questions and concerns and have you read and sign an “informed consent” before he/she begins any care. They should educate you and inform you on every step of the care plan. If you aren’t satisfied or comfortable with your chiropractor, don’t give up on chiropractic altogether! Instead, find a new one that you like better! Trust your instinct!
“WHEN YOUR ONLY TOOL IS A HAMMER, EVERYTHING LOOKS LIKE A NAIL.” That’s a very good quote; I’ve heard it before. I’m assuming that M.D. meant “When your only tool is an adjustment, everything looks like a subluxation.” If medical doctors can say this about a chiropractic doctor, then chiropractic doctors can say it right back. “When your only tool is drugs and surgery, then everything looks like a drug deficiency or diseased organ that needs removed.” You don’t have a headache because you have an aspirin deficiency!
Lastly, chiropractors are definitely DOCTORS! If they aren’t doctors, then what are they?? Legally, our degree is called a D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) degree! Chiropractors, physicians, podiatrists, dentists, dermatologists, etc. …ALL DOCTORS! When I graduate next March, I will have completed about 8 years of college education after high school. I received my B.S. degree in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh, then chiropractic school is another 3.5 years of year-round (no long summer breaks) education after that. If chiropractic school was based on the traditional semester schedule like most other colleges, then it would be a total of 5 years after your undergraduate degree! Then, we need to pass all 4 parts of the rigorous national board exams to get our national license and another state board exam if our state requires it. We also have required continuing education credits to complete after receiving our license. We have extensive education in anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, chiropractic analysis and adjusting, and much more!
At this point, I hope you feel more informed about chiropractic care. Please don’t hesitate to post comments or questions—I am open to all remarks!

I saw something on the web dealing with chiropractic. I’ve been studying this for some time and I had to say something. Even thought I’m a guy. Look for chiropractors who are upper cervical specific only, Use x rays; Lateral, nasium, a-p open mouth, base posterior or vertex. Base posterior is under the chin. It is the only one the accurately shows the amount of rotation of the atlas under the foramen magnum on the sagittal plane. No amount of palpation can tell the chiropractor the amount of rotation.. Instrumentation should be used before and after adjustment. The adjustment should have no twisting of neck and no popping. You can’t untwist the atlas when twisting the neck. Use of infrared scanners is very useful as a tool to track progress. He my chiropractor uses the wavy lines on the computer from an infrared scanner and superimposing them on a graph representing the 24 vertebra. Then He can track where the nerves are being pinched and how much and if there is a stagnant pattern. This would indicate another adjustment for the healing process to continue, Even so the national upper cervical chiropractic association, international chiropractic association and the international upper cervical chiropractic association, and palmer upper cervical specific Are good choices .Even thought they; the, IUCCA use the older knee chest technique They still have an impressive list of ailments they have helped. On this note you should have your self checked any how because when the nerves are not fully performing their functions whatever the percentage, many will not alert you with pain only symptoms .this is what is supporting the pharmaceutical industry .So it would be good for every one to be evaluated by a good upper cervical chiropractor even infants can be evaluated and adjusted. Just ask them if they are trained in the pediatric adjustment technique. I hope this will take the mystery out of finding a good chiropractor.

I went to chiropractor because my neck was hurting. when he ajusted my neck I felt dizzy I knew something was wrong. my right side felt strange. I had to sit in the waiting room because I felt so bad. My friend was with me and drove me home. when my husband got home he took one look at me and said take her to the emergancy room. Where I was diagnosed with vertigo. Later when i saw a neurologist and had test done he said I had a stroke. Now I have to live with slurred speach a limp and I have difficulty writing. The stroke was caused by the chiropractor. If I would have known that I could have had a stroke from having my neck cracked I never would have taken the chance. My life has changed so much. My family and friends say Im not the same person I used to be. I wish I could have the other person back. If you are thinking about seeing a chiropractor plz think about it real hard before you do. You could have a stoke or even die.

Once your start going to a chiropractor, you are in it for life. Your spine gets so used to being knocked back into line, it can no longer do it on its own, and they have wrecked my back three or four times now (with different doctors) There are bad adjustments, but no chiropractor will admit it, they will blame YOU, even if you tell them that you felt worse after treatment, they will never question themselves, but will ask you what YOU did to yourself, the problem is sometimes a bad adjustment doesnt make itself apparent until the evening, when its too late to do anything about it, or even on the Friday before a long weekend, so you have to suffer for days until you can go back to them and get them to fix the damage that they did to you. Of course they charge you each time, this last time I was in pain for two days after one of their "treatments" I feel like my back is ruined, and I dont know what to do, but I will never go back to a chiropractor. Be very careful people, sometimes it works, but when it doesnt you are on your own.