Physical Therapist vs. Chiropractor

[Fairy-Bird]

As many/most of you know I have been involved in a few car accidents recently... Oct. 7 was the last one, where I was rear ended on the highway. I'm still suffering from whip lash etc... My Family doctor reccomended me for physical therapy I had only gone to two sessions, when my lawyer had reccomended I see one of the specialists he works directly with all the time etc sends lots of clients to this dr... I was under the impression it was another physical therapist. I went for my first appointment this morning and it was a chiropracter.

Now I was under the impression that whip lash was all muscular. Weakness in my neck muscles and tension in shoulders and back.... (Which the physical therapist was going to help me build strength and help work out the tension.) Chiropracter said something about one of the vertebre in my neck being out of place..? He did show me a few exercises to help with the tension.

My father is very adament that I discontinue seeing the chiropracter because he's heard "nothing but bad"... Mom says try a full session w/ him an see if it helps any.

My question is have any of you been involved in auto accidents and suffered from whip lash? and WHAT did you do to follow up? What would your opinions be on Physical Therapists vs. Chiropracters?

[NightRider]

My experience is that a chiropracter will always find something wrong with you, always. And it is alway "misalignment". I'm not sure I trust them, and don't plan on going back. But I also know that some people swear by them. I guess it's different for different people.

I've had much better luck with particular problems with physical therapy.

My suggestion is to go to one or the other but not both. Otherwise you won't know which one is helping or not.

[Fairy-Bird]

"it is alway 'misalignment'."

Yeah sounds about right... My dad was at the Emergency Room with me when I was having the X-Rays done on my neck... and He recalls that nothing was fractured/ broken/ out of place... He's really pushing the physical therapist.

I'm thinkin of going w/ mom's advice... try the first full session w/ the chiropracter (cause today was only the evaluation or whatever its called) and I guess then I'll decide on which made me feel better afterwards.

Thanks for responding Night Rider.

[PantyFanatic]

ANYTHING BUT THERAPY STEPH STYLE:eek:

A lawyer and a chiropractor? I’m SURE something is going to be wrong.:rolleyes:

Modern medicine only knows chemicals and knives. Alternative medicine likes manipulation and magic ointments. I’ve had my best results with somebody willing and able to blend the parts that work from both denominations. Our species didn’t evolve to live this long and most of us old bastards have issues with our backs. And I’ve had some good results with a chiropractor. The one I went to had no problem with getting me to a MRI and seeing the actual ruptured disks. A combination of manipulation, physical therapy (unlike Steph’s ;) ), and muscle relaxers (ibuprofen) had me functioning when the option was only “operate & fuse”.

Any purest, about ANYTHING, scares me. Almost as much as a doctor and a lawyer working together.:eek:

[campingboy]

I have been to both. I would go back to a Physical therapist, not to the chiropractor. At the suggestion of my dad I also went to see a massage theropist. I would go and see a Massage theropist again too. I felt that the Physical and Massage therapist conveyed similar messages. I learned how to stretch, and strengthen my back. And the massage kept it supple and removed the knots that formed after a long day.

I was never able to relax at the chiro's office. He would twist my head and say relax???? I knew he was about to twist my neck so I tensed up. I only went to three sessions and then stopped.

Hope you get better quickly.

[Lilith]

A physical therapist's goal is for you to be strong enough to discontinue treatment with them as soon as is possible. I have had only positive experiences with them.

[denny]

What Lilith said!

[Fairy-Bird]

PF- Like I said, I was under the impression that the specialist lawyer guy was sendin me to was another physical therapist. Which is the reason I chose to go to this said specialist also because they were able to write me a note out of work for a few weeks. The gettin time off work thing will help my case and hopefully my neck. The lawyers specialist also will bill send the bill to the lawyer when I'm finished with treatments thereby cutting out the middle man... Mom Dad and I agreed that I've enough on my plate, an this sounded like a good idea.

campingboy- From what you said the physical therapy is sounding better and better. She (the physical therapist) showed me a few stretches to strenghen the neck muscles... He (the Chiropractor) said something about pushing on my back and it making popping sounds like cracking my knuckles... I can already pop my back if i need to... and its not my spine thats botherin me...

Lilith- yeah sounds about right. Thanks

Denny- Thanks *L*

[Sharni]

I will never go to a chiropracter again.....and have been strongly advised by my doctor not to...they can do more damage than good for some ppl...and i'm one of them!

Physio Therapy...the muscle training is the one I was referred to...and it worked wonders

[BigBear57]

Fairy-Bird Hon first and foremost I hope whatever treatment choice you make works quickly. I know the pains of such an ailment and it's no picnic at all. As for treatment choices I'd go with the chiro first and then whatever else next. That's MY opinion. I'll also add that the particular chiro makes all the difference. As with any profession there are great ones, good ones and some who should've been parking attendants. Mine just happens to be a great one. The only way I've found to locate the great ones is to talk to his patients and you'll get a feel for his work. I made a statement during my first visit to mine and got 3 or 4 testimonials from people I'd never seen before. Having been a patient now for several years, I give him rave reviews myself. Whatever path you choose be sure to heed precautions too. Injuries like this can be worsened by those of us who think we're tougher than they give us credit for. Take the time to heal properly so you won't have any extended pain.
Soap box aside now, Hugggs Darlin.... I hope all goes well.

[Steph]

My ex was crazy in his youth and fell off his bike, skis, etc. and landed on his back more than once. He had severe back pain and swears by his chiropracter.

I've never gone to one but have loads of PT experience but I'm using therapy to get strength back in my leg.

Ask your lawyer why he wants you to see a chiropracter.

[Cobalt]

I feel that they both have there place and most of them are good. Depends on what the problem is. I have gone to a chiropractor many many times, and it really helped. Other times a Doctor helps more. The problem is most Doc. hate chiros. and chiros. hate doc. Well maybe not hate, but feel differently about the type of treatment. I personaly don't like taking medicine if I don't have to, to many side affects. If your body works properly it will heal itself, and that is the way chiro. feel. As they say "If your spine is in line you'll feel fine", which is true. Then your body can take care of its self. But there are those times when you need other types of Doctors. It is a personal prefferance.

[Teddy Bear]

FB was in the high speed lane going apx. 65 mph when she was rear-ended. Can you imagine how fast he was going to do this kind of damage.... He said he was tired and only closed his eyes for a second. sheeezzzzz!!!

[Teddy Bear]

Yes, the cars name is cream puff. My brother named her. LOL

[Teddy Bear]

Poor 'ole cream puff.

Poor Fairy-Bird!! Shes in pain alot. Thank you all for your input. Obviously we want to do what will be best for FB but how to decide what that is......???

teddy :) :)

[Lilith]

Glad she is safe but sorry for her pain. Cream puff definitely looks like she has seen better days.

[dm383]

First of all, I'm just glad Fairy-Bird is still here and walking around..... even if in pain!


As for the question; I went to my Doctor, a physiotherapist and a chiropractor about my back about two years ago. It was so bad, I literally could barely walk - my doctor prescribed painkillers (!!), the physio offered ONE appointment every two weeks (and that was thru my works Occupational Health Dept.!!) and the chiropractor.........had me walking upright and in NO pain after two sessions!!

He showed me the X-rays he took, then and there in the office.... basically two of my discs are squished two less than a third of the thickness they should be (and I'm a nurse, so I know what they SHOULD look like!!) I went to him for about 14 months, and for the last year or so, have had no problems.

So, for me, a chiropractor literally changed my life...... I can't say enough good things about him! (Funny thing..... he's from TEXAS!!)

As others have said though, chiropractic ISN'T for everybody, and you do have to find a good one..... I had massage through his practice too, and it was GREAT!!

Best wishes to Fairy-Bird, hope you get well SOON hon, whatever option you choose!

DM

[Fairy-Bird]

Sharni- that seems to be the general opinion I've been getting elsewhere....

BigBear- Thank you.

Steph - Good thinking on asking lawyer why chiro.... I'm planning on giving him a call tomorrow morning.

Cobalt- yeah I just read an article about the on going battles between doctors and chiropractors.

Mom- grrr.... another math problem? hehe I think that's one I'll let my lawyer figure out...

Lilith- yeah Creampuff definitly has seen better... Still shocks me every time I take a look at her at the damage that was done. I can't believe that kid fell asleep. If he was so freakin tired- WHY didn't he just pull over?!?

dm383- Well like I've been saying... I'll probably keep my appointment for tomorrow as he was planning on sending out for my X-Rays from the ER... I'll go over that with him and if the damage looks like what he claims then I'll probably stick... If it appears only muscular, I'll probably end up going back to P.T.

[Teddy Bear]

TY all for your thoughts on this & your well wishes for Fairy Bird.

She decided to go with the physical therapist. She is feeling much better, with very little discomfort lately. In fact was recently discharged by the P.T.

Cream puff was declared totaled... but we're still waiting on the insurance company to settle.

Thanks again.
teddy :) :)

[babybunny]

Fairy~ *hugs to you*

I was invovled in a re-ender myself when I was 14 (now 21) and I still feel the effect of it everyday. We were inpacted at 35-45 MPH, you say 65! OMG how horrible! :( My empathy is with you truely.

I never have seen a justa PT about it so I cant say much about them. I have had *alot* of Chiro experience. And yes, you need one that is there for you, not his pocket book. The last one I had I desperately needed becuase I was pregnant. I had gained *alot* of weight and my hips were going out of place and needed to be pushed back in. And My back...was a nightmare. He would "align" me and it helped alot, but what really helps is I guess it is physical theraphy. They would do ultrasound into my neck at the time of the accident and heat or massage. The latter Chiro would have my lay on the rolling table that rolled and strecthed your spine gently.

If my insurance would cover it I would be at the chiro as much as I could. I have been perscribed painkillers and muscles relaxers before, for it as well. Beware...if you are prescribed ask for a gentle one. They can really mess you up mentally when you take them. But a gentle one can be your life saver. Take it easy with ibuprophen, it can hurt your tummy. (I am borderline ulcer from all I have taken). Aviod dry heating pads (a very nice thing my Chiro told me), moist heat is the best for neck and low back pain. A very nice cheap way to make moist heat is steal a guy athletic tube sock from your hunny bunny or male friends. Fill it with rice (yes rice) and tie it off or stich up the top. Stick it in the mirco for about a 1 min 20 secs and voila! Should be nice and warm for your bad spots. Icy-Hot cream works well if you arent allergic to it. Above all.....Massage is your best friend! Beg rubs off anyone you know. :)

I hope you find a small bit of comfort hun. I know the pain all to well. Much love and hugs,

~babybunny~

[Fairy-Bird]

Mom's right I don't feel the discomfort as often as I had right after the accident. I just have to remember to do my neck exercises. I was discharged from the Physical Therapist's because I've regained my full range of motion in my neck. (ie I can turn my head almost all the way I used to be able to with very little if any discomfort.) Although every dog has its day, I still find myself rubbing my neck from time to time. After a long shift at work, or after a night of homework, or in the car driving around alot.... etc. Thanks everyone who posted!

babybunny-Dry heat pads? I have an electric heating pad... don't use it often though because it doesn't wrap around my neck like the one at the P.T.'s place... Might try that sock idea, sounds yummy...< ONLY with a new set of socks.> ;-) I don't take the pain killers very often... I try to avoid them if possible. Thanks again for the sock idea!