In Reply to: Chiropractor? posted by Mike on December 19, 2000 at 22:39:10:
Hi Mike, I was wondering if you've had any tests done on your back, and if you have seen any other doctors for it?
A year is too long.
If you havent already, you need to see your PC so that he can either send you for tests (MRI), or refer you to an ortho or neuro. Back pain that has been going on for more than 6 mos. indicates a problem, and you need to get it checked out.
I have nothing against chiro's. Unfortunetly they do not have a great reputation, especially in the board. I think a good chiro would have told you a long time ago that this is not working for you, and that it's time to try a different treatement.
I've had 2 laminectomies on l4-l5 this year (mind you I am in more pain now than I was before, but that's another story). I don't regret making the decision to have the surgery, I just regret not having done enough research before. Anyways, my point is that like you I did every thing I could to avoid surgery. I went to a chiropractor for about 3mos, I had accupuncture (who by the way after 4-5 treatements told me not to waiste my money this was not working for me), I did physical therapy.
My chiropractor believed that he could "fix" me too. He didn't know how long it was going to take, but he was certain I would be all better with a few cracks here and there. I gave him 3 mos of my time and money. After that I gave up. I was not seeing any improvements, and I was getting progressively worse.
I think you gave your chiro plenty of time to "fix" you, now it's time to move on.
Who knows, maybe my chiro would have been able to "fix" me in a year or two, or maybe your chiro is right, you'll be all better in a year. I don't know about you, but I don't have a year to waiste in pain. Those 12 mos feel like 12 years when you are in pain.
I'm sorry for going on and on. I had no intention to write a book, and all I wanted to say, bottom line, a year is too long, you should see a specialist and have some tests done to find out exactly what your problem is.
Good Luck Mike, and I pray that you find some help soon.
Best wishes
Maria