I am 21 years old and I have a bad back. I have pulled
my back a few times in the past few years. I did an initial
session with a chiropractor to see if there was actually
anything wrong with my back and he basically told me that
my lower back is screwed up.

My question is: What is better..physical therapy or getting
help from a chiropractor?

I'd appreciate input.

Hi Dodedoo,

First off, want to say sorry you are having issues with your back, but you are in the right place for advice and questions.

I would suggest that you see a spine specialist, an orthopedic doctor. Chiropractors do not have the additional schooling and training that an Orothpedic spine specialist has. In some cases a chiropractor can make your problems worse with thier techniques and manipulation of the spine.

After seeing a specialist, they will decide the best course of treatment for you, and that may PT or something else.

I saw a non-specialist for 5 years, before I saw spine specialist, this in turn made my problems worse. I ended up having to have 2 lvl fusion. It is possible if workers comp referred me to correct type of doctor, I might not have to had surgery.

Wish you luck with your back issues, I know they are not fun.

~hugs Niki

I went to a Chirporactor when I first injured my back. Big mistake! If I were you, I would go to a real doctor and have them do an MRI before I had any additional manipulation. They can do some real damage and they rarely rely on medical facts. If you have a herniated disk, they can make it worse. Be careful!

Ditto to what the others have said to you. You say you have a screwed up back.. and I am not sure what that really means, and a Chiro is not a doctor.

If you are hurting that much and it's been bothering you consistently over time, it is in your best interest to be seen by a proper medical doctor to and get a proper diagnosis for what is actually occurring with your back.

Improper diagnosis and treatment can lead you to a lifetime of problems that might be avoided by seeking proper treatment to begin with.

You have your whole life ahead of you guy.. it's worth being properly diagnosed and treated. I recommend you see your regular MD, and possibly be referred to a orthopaedic surgeon.. for diagnosis and treatment. Then, it nothing serious is going on, you might be given some meds, exercises to do on your own, or sent to PT for some sessions, and even possibly a chiro. But let a doctor refer you there.

Take it seriously, get looked at, get proper treatment, and get out and live your life. :)

Dodeedo,

Emmmmmmm, Your lower back is messed up!, God bless his/her x-ray vision.
Did they promise to have you sorted after a number of sessions ?????

My advice is go to your doctor, get a letter of referral for ortho or neuro surgeon, get your x-rays, MRI etc., done, your surgeon will look at them and advise you what is wrong, the majority of surgeons do not want to operate unless they feel they can help the situation. You are young and please do not mess with your back. Your surgeon might find nothing, but recomend a physio to you for just plan muscle strenghtening.

Do not neglect it.
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