So I went to a chiropractor for the first time yesterday. I've been having some hip pain and infrequent leg numbness for about two years or so. So, they did some muscle stimulation and took some xrays yesterday, for my first appointment. Clearly, my alignment is very jacked up on the xray. My left hip is way higher than my right, resulting in my left leg being shorter than my right. My spine is a bit twisted, too. Got some muscle stimulation. $90. Today, they tell me to come back. They reviewed my images, did more muscle stim, then did some manipulating and decompression on me. Paid $70 today. Then, he lays out my treatment plan: three times a week, at $70 a pop for the same treatment I had today, for four weeks. Then, once a week for four to six weeks. Grand total comes out to around $1160. Supposedly, my insurance doesn't pay anything. I'm calling to cancel tomorrow. I feel like I'm getting screwed. On top of that, everyone at this place is either really dumb or feels the need to talk to me like I'm really dumb. I just can't tell yet. I just kind of feel like I'm not being talked to at an appropriate level, almost like an Idiocracy-type thing. For instance, my blood pressure is slightly high. I don't take anything for it. I told them this. I know I need to see my family doctor for this, and we are working on something that works for me, still haven't found anything. So, after taking my blood pressure, the girl tells me, "yeah...umm...your blood pressure is high. That's not good. You should really see your doctor about this. That's what we recommend. Because...umm...you don't want to have a heart attack or anything like that. That's bad." Am I getting boned by the chiropractor?
Muscle stimulation huh? LOL Do some research on it yourself... But yeah, I find chiropractic care to be a con most the time. You can buy a similar "stimulator" yourself for a small amount of money. Also it is good to know your chiropractor is qualified to read film and could tell so much from low resolution film.
Go Somewhere else. First of all, front office has no legal say or any knowledge to tell you anything regarding your status. Big red flag.
Sounds like you're questioning the method of treatment not the diagnosis, right? I would get a movement assessment from a PT to get some specifics on your problem.From there you can probably better determine what to do. You'll likely need a combination of myofascial release and rehab to balance out your musculature. Check out vinnierehab on IG. Something may click for you looking at his posts.http://instagram.com/p/xYantFp8Xr/
I've never met a chiropractor who wasn't a scam artist or one not holding the belt loop of an ambulance chasing lawyer. Through my experience the ones I went to were complete scum. There's a reason why real doctors laugh at them and their "PhD degrees. They're the Porsche Boxer of "Doctors".
You have to take care of yourself. This waiting for the right medicine isn't going to cut it. I know some crook docs that will turn you into an addict and soon you'll be in there ring circus ending at a hospice.
Here is a fun little test... Go to a chiropractor and claim your back hurts after sleeping on it oddly... They will want to see you 3-4 times a week.. Pay for each session at time of service. Next go to a chiropractor and say you hurt your back in a car accident.. Magically they will "bill you" or "work it out"... They will issue a lien, run your bills up and take a cut of whatever lawsuit money you get. Yeah I am a lawyer.. And have friends that have become rich off sending clients for unnecessary chiro care.
Yeah or a pair of customized orthotics to address the discretion in leg length... But sure, beets and ponies will work too.
Chiropractors fall under the realm of homeopathic medicine and naturopathic doctors. Each a slightly different shade of quack medicine. Go see an orthopedic specialist or preferably an D.O as he/she is trained with OMM.
OMM is also fishy. You can't manipulate musculoskeletal elements to treat ashtma, meningitis, pancreatitis..etc. Some of my friends that go to D.O school hate the fact that they have to learn it, as nobody really believes it or ever uses it afterwards.
I was referring the OMM for the hip pain and leg numbness. Leg numbness is often a nerve issue that can be treated with OMM. I don't think even the hardcore DO's believe OMM can treat the medicine wards.
