Manual therapy for spine issues

So, I see this being advertised everywhere, but I haven't quite worked up the nerve to actually try it yet.

Does anyone here have any actual experience with this? Like, is it any better or worse than your typical Chiropractor?

Best,
Chris Ruiz10

Casey Palmer5 said:I wouldn't even dream of seeing a chiropractor. Honestly, there are way too many complications you could run into, and around here, the whole field feels like the Wild West—zero regulation, anyone can just claim they do it and start practicing.

No way! That's just not true!
Even in a place like Cleveland, which most people think is the middle of nowhere, you can actually find some top-tier chiropractors. I'm talking MDs who finished their full specialization—mostly over in the States—to become chiropractors!

If you’re heading to see a guy like Mustafa—who spent 20 years working construction before deciding to become a Chiropractor—well, you better be prepared for anything!

By the way, what even is manual therapy? Never heard of it... 🙄

Look, we need to clear something up: an MD and a Doctor of Chiropractic are not the same thing! Chiropractic isn't just a medical specialty; it’s an entirely different type of college program you study here in the USA, which usually takes about four years. Now, it's true they cover a lot of ground in classic medicine—and I honestly have nothing against chiropractors who do that—but I don't know how many people actually finish those programs, let alone what kind of students they were in the first place...

If you're really looking to dive deep into manual medicine, there's a great book called K. Lewit - Manipulative Therapy in Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System. If anyone is actually interested in reading up on it...

Here's a little bit of info regarding manual medicine:
http://www.peharec.com/html/poliklinika2.html

I just want to tell you all one thing: please, be extremely careful about who you let "cracking" and poking at your spine. It is definitely not harmless, and the complications can be absolutely devastating.

Casey Palmer5 said:I just want to say, please be extremely careful about who you let messing around with your lower spine. It isn't safe at all, and the complications can be pretty horrific.

I agree, which is why I'm trying to do my own research this way. I actually saw an ad for that manual technique at some alternative wellness center here in New York City and on some channel hosted by A. allegedly. They claim these Russian "specialists" are coming in, but honestly, the whole thing seems sketchy to me.

best,
Chris Ruiz10

Ugh, don't let people like that get to you. I didn't catch the actual ad, but my gut feeling tells me it's not a good look at all.
You really need someone who actually knows what they're doing. I have nothing against alternative medicine, honestly, but leave the manipulative stuff to the doctors and physical therapists. Unfortunately, I don't have a specific person I can point you toward right now, but maybe someone else on this forum can chime in with some solid recommendations...

Does anyone here actually have any first-hand experience with chiropractors in New York City? I happened to read an article about some American specialist in The New York Times, but I haven't been able to track down where they are located.

Nicholas Jackson90 said:Does anyone have any leads on good chiropractors in New York City? I read about some American guy in The New York Times, but I can't figure out where he's located.

American Chiropractic, tel. 4612 530 (near the intersection of Broadway and 5th near the ExxonMobil plant)

Hannah Murphy10, you’re an absolute saint. 👍 🙂

No worries... just let me know how it goes...

I have to admit, I’m feeling pretty skeptical about this whole chiropractic adjustment thing... I don't know, maybe it's just my old-school way of thinking.

Has anyone actually had a good experience with it...?

I definitely wouldn't recommend that chiropractor Pavlovic. 😉

Joseph Jones85 said:Gotta admit, I’m a bit skeptical about all that adjusting stuff... maybe just old-school thinking on my part.

Anyone actually had good luck with it?

As for that chiropractor Pavlovic, I wouldn't recommend him. 😉

I went once... honestly don't know what I was thinking letting someone talk me into such nonsense. It was at some place in a suburban town near a major city.. (a few people told me they felt great after) but that wizard in that suburb definitely wasn't a real chiropractor. I felt even worse afterward😠
I think modern chiropractors are actually alright though... a colleague mentioned it worked for her 🙂

Here you go, Jamie Clark74, I'm starting this thread for you since we were just debating all this at the chiropractor's office. There's also another one over on page 4 if you want to check it out.

Casey Palmer5 said:Don't let people like that get to you. I haven't seen the ad myself, but my gut feeling is that it looks bad.
Stick with a true professional. I have respect for alternative practitioners, but leave the manipulation to doctors and physical therapists. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone specific to recommend, though someone on this forum might have had good experiences.

I’ve lived in Australia for about 25 years now, where "alternative medicine" has been part of the culture forever. You see everything from a Chiropractor and Naturopath to Chinese massage, Sietsu, Bowin, Acupuncture, and who knows what else.

Like anything else, if you have a minor issue, these things might help. Just remember that the body usually needs about 4 to 6 weeks to heal itself
if the injury is small enough to fix on its own.

As a 32-year chronic patient who had a Laminectomy at L5/S1 over 31 years ago, I can tell you personally that I've wasted a mountain of money on nothing. I tried all those "specialists,"
along with all the gadgets—massagers, ultrasound, TENS units, magnetism, Copper, and even asking God for help.

Now I'm 62 and facing another surgery on the L4 / L5,
a Laminectomy, but the neurologist won't operate... I can't walk properly anymore, so it looks like something has to be done.

Because of that, I wouldn't recommend any kind of
manipulation to anyone dealing with serious injuries. Just make sure you stay mobile and try to 3.1 miles walk around daily; it's the simplest exercise and the healthiest thing you can do.

Keeping your muscles healthy and active is vital, especially as you hit middle age, let alone when you're older.

Sadly, with how we live today, we move less and less while eating worse and becoming increasingly unhealthy and overweight.

🙂 😉 😎

Jamie Clark74 said:Having dealt with chronic issues for 32 years—including a Laminectomy at L5/S1 back in the day—I can tell you from experience that I've thrown a ton of money down the drain trying everything "specialists" suggested.
It’s just like so many other gadgets out there... massages, ultrasound, TENS units, magnets, Copper, even praying to God... you name it, I've tried it.

Look, massage isn't going to fix a disc issue, magnets have pretty questionable therapeutic effects at best, and TENS is really just for managing acute pain—meaning it basically just masks what you're feeling. Ultrasound won't heal your spine either.

Here are a few basic exercises for the lumbar spine:
- Lie on your stomach with your arms and legs extended, then slowly lift the opposite arm and leg off the floor alternately.
- Do the same thing but start on all fours, lifting the opposite arm and leg; you should really feel those back muscles engaging.
- Just your standard back extensions—and honestly, the slower you go, the better!
There are plenty more out there, but these are the fundamentals that anyone can do...

Also, you really need to make sure your core strength and lower back strength are balanced. Don't overwork one while totally neglecting the other.

One huge thing, though—whenever you're lifting something, don't bend over at the waist to grab it. Always lift from a squat!

To: Lahore,

I’m already well aware of how this works. I only mentioned it to show others that it isn't a solution—don't waste your money on it.
You have to endure thirty-three years of pain first.
I've dealt with Narcotics and I've tried everything under the sun; there really isn't much left to attempt in certain cases.
It's incredibly rare for surgery to actually be successful in the long run.

Thanks for the advice on exercising. I've worked three different jobs while dealing with this pain,
so I know exactly what you can do and how much a person can actually take.
I was in a position where I had to work, or I simply wouldn't have any money.

I agree with you—like I said, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential for everyone.

Best regards,
🙂 😉 😎