Ryan Weisgerber Via Flickr
Is a chiropractor worth your money?
The answer to that question depends on who you ask since there are 2 camps on the subject.
There are those who see no science in what chiropractors do and the other camp consists of folks who feel that chiropractic treatments are the best thing since sliced bread.
I have never received chiropractic treatments but I have had a chiropractor as a patient in my practice and I have referred a fair number of my patients to chiropractors over the years.
The craft of a chiropractor involves touch- touching their patients. Something I think we in the mainstream medical profession should be do more of. Compassion and healing flows through touch.
Do I believe that having your back “alignment” right will fix your life long struggle with say constipation or cure your high blood pressure? No I don’t, that would really be stretching it.
If you however suffer from back or neck pain, trying out a chiropractor might not be a bad idea. Chiropractic treatment may just be what the doctor ordered to rid you of your pain. So what if you don’t find it helpful? You can then go on and try something else.
I would rather my patients try all the complementary treatments (AKA alternative medicine) there is than get hooked on prescription pain medications.
I see some chiropractors branching out of their scope of practice and assuming the role of a primary care physician or peddling their version of the “potent elixir” or some miracle in a bottle that would give you ageless beauty or melt your belly fat.
Those are the chiropractors you should be wary of.
I have major back issues, chronic issues at times, and i went to a chiropractor and he was so nice and helped me along.. my insurance paid for everything, i was happy.. yet he sent me a bill for more money.. i have had such a bad taste ever since.
Health insurance billing practices are thorny issues no doubt.
I have not had the need for one but I have heard that they do wonders for people. If insurance pays for it and it works-go for it.
Absolutely.
Very interesting post! I personally have never been to a chiropractor.. I hear that they are wonderful though 🙂
My hubby has seen a chiropractor for his back and it did help him, but I think with most back injuries, the relief is only temporary. Even surgery cannot guarantee a good result.
You are right about that Erlene. It’s rare to see back pain cured through chiropractic treatments. The relief usually last hours to days at best. Yes, back surgery is no guarantee either. What a conundrum back pain is!
I have back issues and have always wanted to try a chiropractor but my insurance does not cover it. I will have to look into it hoping for some relief!
Krista,
If you have a way to participate in a health care flexible spending account where you get to allocate funds pretax for your healthcare needs, do so.
You can then pay out of pocket for chiropractic care and get reimbursed from that account and save on taxes.
Those accounts work well for co pays, deductibles, vision and dental care.
I was in a car accident when I was younger. Since then I have used the services of a chiropractor periodically. I find that having an adjustment is much better than using drugs.
Cheryl,
I am totally with you. The only we can reduce the societal problem of prescription pain medication abuse and addiction is to explore other ways for treating pain.
I am so thankful my insurance pays for the chiropractor, I couldn’t afford it otherwise but I is a life saver for me! Makes my chronic pain so much more bearable.
Good for you Katrina.