Would you see a chiropractor before a GP? ABC Catalyst program on chiro

[Arcadia]

Just saw in interesting program on Catalyst about chiropractors where the presenter was seriously questioning the ability of chiropractors to treat non spinal disorders such as autism, ear infections, asthma, colic etc.

I've never been to one because my dad is a GP and I just call him when I have any issues, but the program was pointing at the trend for people to turn to chiropractors instead of their GP for common complaints.

The main problem with that was the lack of specialised medical training for chiropractors to recognise when a patient really should be referred on (and their lack of testing etc to check for evidence of serious problems).

Anyone here see the program?

[meow]

I didn't see it, but I do prefer most alternative health providers (including chiro) over a GP for chronic conditions.

I take my children and myself to a chiro. I am getting treatment for scoliosis and my younger son for bowlegs so they are both spinal issues. My eldest son has autism though and we do see the chiro as part of his treatment for that. A GP has never been able to offer us any support for his health beyond writing referrals for speech therapy and the like. The chiro is helping his nerve and movement development to assist with his sensory processing, spatial awareness and motor planning. I don't think anyone taking their autistic child to a chiro is doing it to "treat autism", you are treating the related conditions.

[dusty]

I found it compelling viewing and very frightening how parts of the 'profession' are delving into areas, particularly paediatrics with little or no science or training to back it up.
The review of the course notes at one of the universities really cast doubt on the appropriateness and accurateness of the current raining too.
Some of the profession seems to be bordering on quackery.

[Trillian]

I didn't see the story, but I'd never see my chiro for a health problem. I see my chiro/physio when my back's out and I see a Dr when I'm sick. I think it's a shame that this is happening. Chiros are very valuable as part of your overall health support network so it's a shame that some are taking things too far. It just tars the whole industry with the same brush.

[JLeigh29]

I saw a chiro regularly for years (looking for another now we've moved interstate). I know after seeing him awhile, I found I was seeing my GP less - less asthma, infections etc. Not sure about there being a link, but I definitely think my chiro has improved my overall health. However, if I was sick and needed medication, I'd always see a doctor.

DH started seeing my chiro after years of getting headaches, having all the tests and them finding nothing. He'd also seen a physio with no results. However, after seeing the chiro regularly, he'd get no headaches. The two times he missed appointments, he got headaches, and now we've moved interstate, those headaches are back! However, he saw his GP first and tried all his suggestions, tried several meds, had US and CTs, then saw a physio before he agreed chiro was worth a try.

[Traveller]

I didn't see the program but I see a chiro before my gp and so do my kids. We still see a gp in conjunction and my chiropractor has said a few times that myself or the kids need to see a gp but in general they help me out first so I don't need the gp as much. I'm a huge believer in chiropractic, they've made a massive difference to the health of my eldest son and since then I've put my trust in them. We all have monthly health check ups and more often if there is a need, like my recent car accident and my son's surgery.

[Arcadia]

Thanks for all the replies. I think there is a lot to be said for spinal and nerve related therapy for specific conditions, but yes I am skeptical about treating asthma through chiro but I have zero experience.

Yes dusty I think the section on pediatrics was quite alarming and I would caution people against taking a newborn to get an adjustment. I think checking alignment is one thing but adjusting a newborn gives me anxiety. (And what was with those pen things that click?)

[peanutter]

My SIL works park time at my chiro, and gets regular complimentary (and I suppose complementary ) treatments.

He diagnosed that she was having issues with her appendix - she'd had no idea, but on his recommendation went to hospital to get it looked at. It was a whisker away from rupturing, and she got it removed in under 24 hours.

He's rather awesome - though I've been to a few really crap chiros, too.

That being said, I've been to some awesome GPs, and some I wouldn't buy icecream from.

[meow]

And what was with those pen things that click?

It's an activator. I'm a huge advocate for newborn chiropractic adjustments- I think every baby should get them!

[Livinthedream]

I went to a chiro weekly for 2 years.
I won't to go back.
They never "fix" you, and they often just keep making exactly the same adjustment every time.

If I had to go to a GP every week to feel good, I would be searching for another care provider.
I now do 20 mins of yoga a day and get a remedial massage once a month.
Feel much better at 1/4 the price.
At the end of the day it's your muscular system that holds your skeleton up, if your bones are moving, mYbe look at their support structure?
Much less invasive and way more effective IMO.

And there is no way I would let a chiro near my infant.

[meow]

You know, I was a chiro sceptic even though I started seeing one regularly throughout my second pregnancy. It wasn't until I was 40 weeks pregnant and one side of my tongue went numb. I asked the chiro about it as I saw him that morning it happened and he guessed it was due to body swelling and squeezing the nerve that affects my tongue. He couldn't adjust that part of my spine as it's up in your skull but he thought it would go away after birth once the swelling went down. He said I should see a GP too though.

So I went to the GP who was stumped and ignored the idea I told him the chiro had. He said to go to the hospital and see a neurologist so I did. They also ignored the idea from the chiro and were totally stumped. Eventually they decided I must have bells palsy even though I didn't have the right symptoms and said I could take antibiotics. I decided not to as the chiro's explanation resonated with me.

What do you know? Within 48 hours of giving birth a week later, the numbness went away. The fact that a neurologist who should know a STACK about nerves was clueless and couldn't seem to wrap his head around what the chiro understood was appalling to me. I was SO glad I had seen the chiro first and had his understanding before seeing the western medicine doctors.

My experience has continued to be the same as we see more 'alternative' medicine practitioners. They understand the synergy of our body and holistic care. You are never "just" treating the spine, the body is a total unit. We are far healthier now and I'm so glad we're not reliant on western medicine for wellness. I'll see them for acute care and that's about it now.

I agree that a lot of chiro work requires self care to work. My current back adjustments for my posture are not really going to solve the problem. Doing exercises and strengthening previously un-used muscles is the important bit. But the adjustments really help provide me relief and keep me trending in the right direction as the week progresses. Long term I will also just do exercises and less frequent adjustments and massage. We're also lucky that our insurance covers most of our chiro visits so they only cost me $10 each time.

[little_O]

Just as a side question:

why does a newborn need to be adjusted? I know some babies have dysplasia (sp?) etc when they are born, but not all?

[RhiChiChi]

Just as a side question:

why does a newborn need to be adjusted? I know some babies have dysplasia (sp?) etc when they are born, but not all?

My DD was born via c-sect and having seen how they are performed and how the child is pulled out, I could imagine there maybe some adjusting that could be required.

[BellyBelly]

A newborn from the birth journey and the pressure from positions inutero etc.

For many things I see my acupuncturist first (they are doctors and chinese medicine has been around MUCH longer than modern medicine). I would also be inclined to go to osteo/chiro for other issues too. Serious ones, of course you would see a doctor, I still go from time to time, but very much less than I used to, with great results. E.g. my acupuncturist fixed 18 months of heavy periods after birth, in just one cycle.

Did you know that acupuncture has been acknowledged by the WHO for a cure for thousands of problems? In Chinese hospitals, they employ acupuncturists to see patients and do rounds.

[peanutter]

Just as a side question:

why does a newborn need to be adjusted? I know some babies have dysplasia (sp?) etc when they are born, but not all?

An excellent question. The reasons can vary, but the two most common from my understanding are:-

• from being in a cramped environment during the end of the pregnancy, and getting something squished or in a bad position; and/or
• from getting something out of whack during the birth (whether vaginal, foreceps, whatever).

DS2 was having a bit of difficulty with feeding from my right nipple - turns out his shoulder and neck was pinched on the opposite side, meaning it actually was stiff and uncomfortable for him to feed from my right boobie. One adjustment later (which my chiro did while seeing me) and it was completely fixed.

Now would I let any old chiro see and adjust my baby? Or to adjust me, when I was pregnant? Or to stick needles in me? No. Obviously not.

But the wife of my chiro (who is actually a friend of my brother) was pregnant around the same time, and I was aware of the huge amount of swotting he was doing to help her in her pregnancy, to take the absolute best care for her and their child. He already had done all his studying, uni, masters, further courses, etc, but I saw him working to take care of his own family, and I was impressed with his dedication.

So I was happy with him as a health care provider for me and my family, as I was confident in his knowledge ability and dedication.

As with any medical professional (with western eastern or other therapies) I'd generally go where I knew from people with first hand experience that they are a quality practitioner.

[HotI]

I took both my kids to an osteo in the first few weeks/months after birth and they had small adjustments. It did not make a big difference to their colic/reflux/unsettledness, but i was happy to try it and to repair any 'damage' from being born.

I also had chiro during my pregnancy to help with sciatica and to give DS best opportunity to turn head down. They used an activator during these treatments.

[Astrid]

If I had to go to a GP every week to feel good, I would be searching for another care provider.
I now do 20 mins of yoga a day and get a remedial massage once a month.
Feel much better at 1/4 the price.
At the end of the day it's your muscular system that holds your skeleton up, if your bones are moving, mYbe look at their support structure?
Much less invasive and way more effective IMO.

We see a clinical masseur who has trained under a number of disciplines, including chiro. He understands that he muscles can be pulling on the bones or the other way around. DH had chest pain for years, GP's would monitor him for heart problems, but found none. Our masseur within 5 minutes found that he had a rib popped out. Back in = no chest pain.

I like him as he looks from different aspects, but would never see him first for other ailments. A GP would be my first point of call. When DD1 was a baby and found not to be turning her head properly, then we were referred to an Osteo. Only if I was pretty sure it was something that fell within the alternative practitioners area would I see them first (like DH, his back is stuffed, so best to work on that first and then see if there is an issue remaining).