Chiropractors have grown in number and popularity with the upswing of alternative medicine. They are often qualified to treat back and neck pain. Many offer spinal decompression and even physical therapy. Some are qualified to write pain prescriptions, muscle relaxing drugs and anti-inflammatory prescriptions; this authority varies by state. Yet chiropractors have become the primary care doctor for some and a near equal to the family doctor for far too many patients.
When should you not use a chiropractor? When is a chiropractor hurting your finances - and even your health?
Instructions
1. If they offer "energy alignment".
This is a repackaged version of Buddhism and Taoism without the religion.
2. If they offer to cure colic, ADD, or other cures for your child's mood and mental state.
Any neurological disorder should be diagnosed by a medical doctor. Any medical condition in a child should be diagnosed and treated by a pediatrician. A chiropractor is neither qualified to make these diagnoses in children, and they are even less qualified to treat a child. If a chiropractor ever says, "Your baby has colic, we can do an adjustment for that", leave with your child and neither of you should ever go back.
3. If they offer "alignment" or "adjustment" as treatment for scoliosis in a growing child.
Scoliosis is a bone development disorder that distorts the curvature of the spine. Growth gone wrong can result in nerve damage and require surgery to correct. Any child with scoliosis should be managed by a pediatrician if not a pediatric orthopedist. A child or teenager with scoliosis should not even have their back cracked by a chiropractor without a neurologist or orthopedist giving permission to do so. Anything less risks not only the professional treatment but risks permanent damage to the spine.
4. If they state that one must have "alignment" every season or month to maintain the benefits.
A medical professional should treat the underlying cause such that it goes away. If someone requires ongoing "maintenance", suspect that you will suffer the infliction the rest of your life - or until you see someone who can actually cure what ails you.
5. If they offer massage is an equal offering to their limited physical diagnostics and therapy.
Massage may provide stress relief and it often feels good, but it is not a medical procedure. Anyone who states otherwise is of questionable medical value.
6. If vitamins and supplements are pushed at every visit.
Vitamins are occasionally medically necessary. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin are useful treatments for arthritis. However, high priced supplements and vitamins can have a high profit margin. A chiropractor (as well as some other unscrupulous medical professionals) will promote these supplements as a valid medical treatment or preventative, despite actual physical benefit and to the financial detriment of their patients.
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