Doctor or chiropractor?

[dchance]

I am not a doctor guy. Don't have a doctor and havent been to one in probably 10 yrs or so. Ever since my college football days I've had lower back issues. I am now just fed up and going in. So would you see a regular family doctor or go to a chiropractor? Excuse my medical ignorance

[flyingwillie]

Doctor.....you will regret any other choice.

[hizzah]

I'd go to a physical therapist to see if it's something you can work out. I had an issue and went to a physical therapist and he gave me a bunch of exercises and stretches that got things back aligned and pain removed. My friend went to a chiropractor and just get's adjusted and it only last a few weeks and he's back. I haven't gone in 3 years I just do the things he told me to and I've been fine.

[DG]

My worst episode with my lower back sent me to the hospital in an ambulance. That was probably 20 yrs ago. The doctors x-rayed and examined my back and sent me home with some pain medicine. I started going to a chiropractor not long after that and have been going ever since (now just once a month to keep me loose). I'll still have a flair up about once a year or so, but after a couple of adjustments, it usually eases up. So, based on my experience, I'd recommend the chiropractor. I'd also say, that since you've not been to a Dr. in a long time, you might want to start there. Your mileage may vary.

[billius]

I used to think chiropractors were pretty much wackos. But several years ago, I had a good friend refer me to a chiropractor. He has really helped me out. On the other hand there are no doubt some back issues that warrant a medical doctor's attention. It's a tough call. If you have someone who can recommend a good chiropractor, I think I'd try that first. I'm currently going to my chiropractor as I have some symptoms of carpel tunnel in my right arm/wrist. I want to try to avoid having that surgery again. (had it on my left hand last May) My left hand has never recovered totally.

[darrall]

Depends on what you want to do. Doctors don't like Chiropractors & more than likely will just want to cut you open and try and fix you. You have nothing to loose by going to a Chiro first. I have lower back problems and they have helped me. An honest chiro will tell you if his treatments can do anything for you.

Darrall

[Lockon]

I would try a family doc to start with and see if he sends you out to a specialist. I have heard good things about Dr. Felts.

[siskiyoucrash]

A Dr. who like mine is also a Dr. of Osteopath (sp?) It worked for mine when I started having shooting pains in my right leg. It took a couple of visits and he also gave me some literature on streching excercises that help also. Good luck with it!

[fishindoc]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by siskiyoucrash &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> A Dr. who like mine is also a Dr. of Osteopath (sp?) It worked for mine when I started having shooting pains in my right leg. It took a couple of visits and he also gave me some literature on streching excercises that help also. Good luck with it! </td></tr></table>

You beat me to it. Find a local DO. We are fully licensed doctors like MD. our training includes manipulative therapy.

[StratosBrad]

Go to a doctor.
Get an MRI.
Assess from there.

[Allsup]

Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Osteopathy, or Doctor of Medicine, It doesn't matter until you find out the problem. I'm a Chiropractor and treat many DO, MD's and their families. We pretty much all get along these days.

[dchance]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Osteopathy, or Doctor of Medicine, It doesn't matter until you find out the problem. I'm a Chiropractor and treat many DO, MD's and their families. We pretty much all get along these days.
</td></tr></table>

Any of them will help with that diagnosis right?

[BMCD]

dchance I tore a muscle in my lower back in my football days. Situps are the most important thing for me to keep my lower back feeling good. Chiro can tell you just as much maybe more then a general doctor.

[Allsup]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by dchance &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Any of them will help with that diagnosis right? </td></tr></table>
They should. If they can't... find a different Dr.

[Bwana Juju]

Go only to a Medical Doctor. Chiropractors are a bit above Witch Doctors, because they do have some training. Don't be afraid to go to an MD. There are many treatment options for backs these days. He will probably refer you to an Orthopedist, but you will be glad you went.

[F150owner]

You need to go to the doc first. There are some serious issues that you can have that may manifest themselves as "pinched nerves" or bone pain.

[Wags]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bwana Juju &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Go only to a Medical Doctor. Chiropractors are a bit above Witch Doctors, because they do have some training. </td></tr></table>
Joe thats not fair to say, we have a Chiropractor that replied to this thread, a little respect please.
You may not have had a good experience with one or more but putting them all in that category is wrong.

[bassmasterfitz]

Go to the Doctor first... but if it's lower back pain... I have bad lower back and can.t get out of bed sometimes, advil been alot of help but try not to take it to often.. I can't stand to long it starts to stiffing up on me.... Good luck

[Ranger 361V]

Chiropractor...

[Bwana Juju]

Sorry about that, but what Chiropractors call "adjustments" damaged my wifes back further. Utilmately she was treated for a bulging disc in her L-4 vertebae. Problems this significant are not treatable by Chiropractors. This is only my experience along with my opinion. Sorry if I stepped on anyones toes, that was not my intention.