Thoughts on chiropractors - Triathlon Week

jtwhitmor · 01-15-2004, 08:24 AM

I was wondering if anyone had andy thoughts on using chiropractors for treating injury. I have always felt that chiropracty was only a termporary relief of pain and doesn't fix a problem like a physical therapist would. I have friends that swear by their chiropractors and insist that they couldn't continue to race without their treatments. Any thoughts?

Bhakti · 01-19-2004, 09:59 AM

Hi,
I came up lame a few years ago while training. I rupture a disc at L-5 S-1. I went to a chiropractor, the pain was so bad that I could barely walk. I was told by the chiropractors that I would need to see a orthopidic surgen and they gladly gave me a referal. The very last thing I could imagine was back surgery. I began to ask others who had back problems and heard some real horror storys. I refused the surgury...for the time being and one day someone told me about "Alphabiotics!!!"
A chiropractor uses twists and pops to aline your spine. I went to my first appointment with a Alphabiotisist and was hardly able to walk in on my own. The pain was going down my left leg and I limped in, leaning to the right in almost a 45 degree angle.
The tables in the office are not flat, as they are in a chiropractors office, the tables are in steap angles. Instead of twisting and poping my back to "aline" me, the Dr. did an ajustment that, to me, was liken to pulling the bones out of a fish" in a straight line. My spine seemed to pop from my neck all the way to my pelvis bone. I almost started laughing, it was such a relief. I walked out of the office that day standing straight and errect. Made a believer out of me to this day. This was in 1995. I was able to run again ! I strongly suggest to anyone that has had back problems to see a trained Alphabiotisist. Especially if they have been told they may need surgery. Use your web search engine and just type in "Alphabiotics." look for one that lists Training and you should be able to fine a practitioner near you.
Be Well,
Ronnie James

cfallon32 · 10-17-2006, 06:11 PM

Hi,
i have been seeing a chiropractor for about 5 years now and have found that it is extremely helpful with healing injuries. the first time i went to see one i was 13 and was suffering from a pinched nerve in my left shoulder while at swim practice. Ever since then i have consistantly visited and will always rely on one for my injuries.
-Casey

pyschosyd · 10-18-2006, 03:21 PM

I go religiously every month now (since it is now covered in my benefit package

). I swear by them. I lucked out and found a guy that is a Chiro, physiotherapist, and podiatrist. Not to mention that he is a triathlete. I have found that he is excellent for bouncing ideas off of, and he has given me some excersises for various complants that I have had. I'm really glad that I have him on board now that I'm really ramping the training up! I think he will help keep me healthy for Ironman!

My wife had an experience when we where in NZ. She had seen a chiro before for her back but we hadn't found one in NZ, and she didn't want to pay the large induction fee. Her back went out pretty badly. She saw a doctor who referred her to a physiotherapist. She told her that she had a slightly ruptured disc, and that the pain might never fully go away. Needless to say that she was scared. So she got treatment for a while with little improvement. Once we got home she saw a doctor who just gave her drugs. He couldn't figure out what was wrong.

Jenn then went to our chiro, and he said her hip was locked. 4 treatments later she was back to normal! Since then she is a regular visitor as well.

Just my experiences though. They will only work in certain circumstances, and the best chiro's will refer you to a doctor or physio if it is out of their league.

Syd

hmullett · 10-18-2006, 06:24 PM

I swear by mine! I have minor scoliosis and an extra joint in my pelvic cavity (don't go there!), and he's kept me in alignment for the whole IM journey. I also go to his wife for accupunture, which I also firmly believe in. She's going to do a treatment next week, pre IM, for destress. They are like part of our family. I don't like putting medicines into my body, and these people help keep that for me.

Heather