I know a lot of people claim wonders about the benefits of going to a chiropractor, and I have done some research, but I know there is a large rift between medical doctors on whether or not it deserves credit as being considered legitimate medical practice. I'm thinking about heading to a chiropractor tomorrow because my back has been really messed up for about a month and it doesn't seem like it is getting any better. I'm a bit worried some idiot chiropractor won't help me at all or might even make my back worse with his quackery but I'm also thinking it's worth a shot if there's any chance at all it will help since I'm in terrible pain all day. Just looking for some input from someone with a little more knowledge/experience on the subject.

It can provide temporary relief. If you've been having significant pain for a month, it almost certainly won't be a permanent solution. Have you been to a doctor?

Go to a chiropractor who has ART certification at the biomechanics level. Chriro who are very experienced at ART >>>> regular Chiros. Basically everyone has a bunch of muscle/soft tissue issues that also screw up alignment and cause big problems. Especially if you're lifting, just getting realignments and regular Chiro work will be too temporary and not help you as much long-term.

This link makes it really easy to find someone near you: http://www.activerelease.com/providerSearch.asp.

Cha59 has avoided surgery through ART + SMR (kind of like self-ART a bit). He (and I) go to the MN Viking's Chiro and even he initially thought Cha would need surgery at some point recently but it really can make huge differences in the short-term and long-term if you keep improving everything.

No way to know this imo. I'd say it's *likely* that with the right Chiro it could be a permanent solution.

Also, a good Chiro will be able to recommend a good specialist if surgery or additional opinions/MRIs/etc are needed.

Chiropractic treatment of disease i.e. sublaxation theory is pure nonsense, quackery and pseudoscience. There's a fascinating history, evolution, and division (straights vs mixers) you can read about.

The cliffsnotes is that 99% of chiropractic is worthless pseudoscience- the exception being some positive evidence in randomized controlled trials with mechanical lower back pain (and as I understand it, even that is not much better than conventional treatment.)

Here's an introduction:http://www.skepdic.com/chiro.html
Here's a great 3-part podcast series on the history and review of the evidence:
http://media.libsyn.com/media/sgu5x5...2010-07-13.mp3
http://media.libsyn.com/media/sgu5x5...2010-07-28.mp3
http://media.libsyn.com/media/sgu5x5...2010-08-13.mp3

Outside of actual sublaxation-chiropractic, some chiropracters perform other therapies like ART which may be helpful. However, that is not technically "chiropractic."

How can you know this?

I rarely disagree with anything you post, but I strongly disagree with the bolded part. I've been to several chiropractors - not all are the same, but to say 99% of it is worthless ignores a lot of stuff imo. The adjustments do provide relief when done properly. fwiw, I've experienced more positive results in my neck and upper back than in my lower back from adjustments.

OP - What Yugo says nails it imo.

Find one who is certified at the biomechanic level of ART and you'll likely find a very good chiropractor. If that person also does Graston, that's a bonus - Graston can also be useful.

It's what I've been told by a good specialist in orthopedics and orthopedic surgery who also does chiro.

Background: Back pain is a common condition for which chiropractic treatment is often recommended.

Aim: To evaluate critically the evidence for or against the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation for back pain.

Data sources: Five independent literature searches were carried out and bibliographies were searched.

Study selection: Only randomised clinical trials of chiropractic spinal manipulation with patients suffering from back pain were included.

Data extraction: The authors extracted data on trial design, methodological quality, sample size, patient characteristics, nature of intervention, outcome measures, follow-up and results.

Main results: Twelve studies could be included. They related to all forms of back pain. Many trials had significant methodological shortcomings. Some degree of superiority of chiropractic spinal manipulation over control interventions was noted in 5 studies. More recent trials and those with adequate follow-up periods tended to be negative.

Conclusions: The effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation is not supported by compelling evidence from the majority of randomised clinical trials.

Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation Treatment for Back Pain? A Systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials
Authors: Ernst, Edzard; Canter, Peter
Source: Physical Therapy Reviews, Volume 8, Number 2, June 2003 , pp. 85-91(7)
Publisher: Maney Publishing

cha,

I was referring specifically to "chiropractic" not "chiropractors." Chiropractors may follow evidence-based modalities outside of chiropractic that don't fall under the umbrella of pseudoscience. This might seem like mere semantics, but it's a meaningful distinction.

tcc1,

Yup, even the back pain evidence is mixed. Edzard Ernst has a pretty interesting history with CAM and started out as practitioner of several CAM therapies before becoming a researcher/professor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edzard_Ernst

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...ubmed_RVDocSum
For a more thorough review:
Part I (Overview):
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/...erview-part-i/
Part II (More details on back pain and related conditions):
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/...rview-part-ii/

Like 5-7 years ago, it had been a long time since I had done any sort of exercise and I was pretty fat/sloppy. So I went for a jog, and no more than five steps into starting to jog, I don't know what happened but my back like totally seized up. It was extremely painful to walk or do essentially anything as soon as that happened. So I stopped running and called my Dad who is a doctor (though not any kind that could help with my back) and he told me to go see this chiropractor friend of his right away.

I went directly over there, and he looked at me put me up against a wall and like fixed my posture and said "You must get a lot of headaches due to your posture" and I told him "I almost never get headaches", so that had me relatively skeptical immediately, but whatever, my back was still killing me. So he laid me down on a table and went to work (not sexually). He popped my back in all sorts of weird spots which was interesting and cool because I really enjoy a good back cracking and this one was light years beyond any I had ever received before. After it was done, I got back up and I still felt some pain, but nowhere near as bad as it was before. At this point it was more discomfort than severe pain, and it was even better the next day, and pretty much gone the day after that. So, in my very very limited experience, it was helpful for me. In fact, I'm thinking about going again to see if it helps the chest/back issue I've been having recently. Another weird thing about it, after it was over, it felt like my blood was running differently. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but it was like my blood was flowing differently to different places in my body, or just my blood flowing everywhere was more noticeable afterward. I know that sounds weird/stupid, I'm embarrassed just writing it here, but it was tangible and I still remember it.

I've been having problems with my lower back after playing sports (golf and hockey mostly) sometimes it would get so bad I could hardly get out of bed in the morning. I saw a deal for a chiropractor on a deal website. It was $19 for a assessment, Xrays and 2 adjustments (~$150 value). I had the assessment and Xrays yesterday, this morning I went into his office and he showed me the xrays. My back definitely wasn't straight in a few places. He did cracked my back in a few places and that immediately made my back better. He then goes on to tell me that I would need 12 adjustments over a 6 week period to fix my back and if I didn't get at least a few it wouldn't do anything for my back in the long term.

Is this just a cash grab or what?

You'll get a lot more value out of your money going to a chiro who is certified at the biomechanics level with ART - a skill it doesn't sound like the chiro you saw has. You can look for one here: http://www.activerelease.com/providerSearch.asp.

Tbh I'm not sure the readjustments/realignments help too much long-term unless you fix muscle imbalances, get rid of muscle adhesions, etc. that caused the issue in the first place. But, my guess is that it helps you during the process to get to that point. But ART actually helps fix the muscle tissue causing many problems.

If it's not possible to find a good ART chiro (or even if you do) you should be doing daily SMR work if your back is as messed up as you say it is. However, you probably shouldn't do SMR directly to your lower back (at least until you're more experienced and even then maybe not) but to your glutes, hamstrings, and quads (and upper back):


What is SMR?

SMR stands for Self-myofascial release and allows you to help your muscles be more pliable. While stretching helps the overall length of your muscle, SMR will help you with the tone of your muscle - key to preventing injuries and allowing for optimal stretching and mobility. SMR should help you remove knots from your muscles however, if you have significant injuries or muscle issues, ART may be necessary to truly rehab your muscles. ART is outside of the scope of this but it's recommended to find a specialist who has biomechanical certification in your area for best results: [link to online ART directory].

What equipment is needed for SMR?

Roller: A foam roller or PVC pipe that you can roll on to hit large muscle groups and break up soft tissue adhesions.

Rollers come in many different densities (white = less dense, black = most dense). And you can always "graduate" to a PVC pipe (wrap in athletic tape for grip) or rumble roller (dense foam roller with knobs) once you're not getting as much out of your less dense rollers.

Ball: A small ball of some sort that you can lay or lean on to apply pressure to large and small muscle groups to break up soft tissue adhesions.

A lacrosse ball is generally ideal however, beginners can use a tennis ball if there are too many surface adhesions to work with the harder lacrosse ball. Also note that any small round object would work and some people may prefer a baseball or even softball.

Stick: TheStick can be really useful for hitting areas like the hamstrings or calves that are difficult to hit with a roller when trying to balance on the muscle group and relax into the pain of the adhesion.

I tried rolling once and it was painful – how hard should I go?

When you start rolling, it can be quite painful if you try using a dense roller or lacrosse ball so take your time working up – you’ll likely want to start with a white foam roller. However, SMR work should be painful! It is a sign that you’ve found a tight area with adhesions that should be broken up. Get used to relaxing your muscle into the pain for the best results. Also, try to stay relaxed in general – if you’re gritting your teeth and tensing your face, chances are your muscle isn’t as relaxed as it could be. Don’t be afraid to take it slowly with a painful spot and not put as much pressure/weight on the roller or ball as you being to loosen it up.

Is there a written primer for SMR from an expert?

Sure, Eric Cressey and Mike Robertson have a nice primer on T-Nation you can read to get started:
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_...44261362.hydra. This should be good for beginners but to really zero in on problem areas and unlock your muscles optimally, you'll want to start using more advanced techniques.

How do I do the SMR techniques people often mention? It's helpful to know I should "roll my pecs" but what does that entail?

Check out various SMR techniques below organized by general muscle area. Note that while you may be experiencing pain in one area of your body, the muscles that could be causing it could be elsewhere. E.g. front shoulder pain often has to do with rotator cuff or back muscles, while knee pain can involve any muscle or soft tissue area in your lower body.


Glutes

Roller:

Ball on floor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8caF1Keg2XU#t=02m45s

This can also be done lying down on your back with your body fully extended and crossing the leg of the glute you are SMRing to your other leg - so basically what this guy is doing but lying down. It will help get to deeper adhesions and also, it's extremely tough to relax into the ball using the technique shown in the video as it may hurt a ton (e.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3dSu...eature=related) in which case, definitely try the lying down on your back method for a few days or weeks until it’s not as painful.

Hip flexors

Theracane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMTCd...eature=related

You can do this with a ball instead (which is what I do).


Quads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8caF1Keg2XU
TFL
IT band
Outside http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8caF1Keg2XU#t=00m40s
Inside http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8caF1Keg2XU#t=00m40s

Hamstrings

I have not compiled anything for hamstrings but what will almost certainly go here is sitting on a bench and putting a ball underneath you upper hamstring - then folding forward at the hips while relaxing your hamstring. Then as you work your way to the lower hamstrings, lift your leg instead of folding forward at the hips to work on that muscle.

Thanks for the info.

Im in New Zealand so having a bit of difficulty googling an ART chiro.

I think I'll get the 2nd adjustment on monday and then do this SMR you speak of.

Just a side note. I usually need 8+ hours of sleep to function but only had 5.5 last night because of my appointment this morning. After having my back cracked I feel like I've had 3 cups of coffee.

Lol, that may just be variance. Not sure chiropractic actually results in caffeine-like effects.

Sometimes when I don't sleep as much but I'm pumped for the day mentally I am quite alert/awake/speedy that day and then it all comes crashing down the next day imo.

I'm (obv) a big fan of SMR. I like to say it's everything stretching is supposed to be (based on what ppl said when I was younger and still do about stretching). I always got very poor (or no) results from the 30+ minute stretch sessions in gym class or w/e. But 30 minutes of SMR, especially if something is tight. Oh baby, that's the stuff!

has anyone had this type of back pain. I was deadlifting for the first time and I think I had terrible form and I injured my back. It was a sharp pain in my upper back but pretty mild for pain. Only thing is I still have pain 4 weeks later. It goes mostly away if I don't lift for a few days but if I do something like Bicep curls it seems to start up again. Again pretty mild. SHould I be concerned or just keep working out doing bench/squats and hope it goes away. I think it's my traps...it feels really tight most of the time though, no pain...

Pepper -

Do you do any soft tissue work? You probably have tight adhesions that aren't ever really going away and flare up when things get tighter. I'd SMR the hell out of my back, rotator cuffs, pecs, and then everything else b/c it's good for you.

only go back if you're still in pain.

very few backs are perfectly straight.

Continued adjustments won't make them straight.

Some chiropractors that are certified in sports and physical therapy type stuff involving muscle treatment are probably useful, but prolonged chiropractic adjustments are basically a way of making money.

Muscular treatments are going to provide more value to you.

Yugo has got to be the most obvious Cha gimmick account in 2p2 history.

I'm rolling every night on the sore areas with a tennis ball. Probably going to buy a foam roller sometime this week. Should I stop working out until it's 100% better. Thing is it's tight more then sore so it doesn't hinder bench press/squat leg press or any upper body machines. Just seems to hurt when I do curls and obv deadlift. Really frustrating because I'm loving working out and I don't want to stop but I guess I should. Just wondering if anyone has had any longish term back tightness and what they did to get rid of it beside rest...or if I just should rest for a week...
what do you mean never go away? you mean if I keep stretching the muscle? or permanently..it's pretty mild. If im not working out I barely notice it...

Osteopaths >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Physiotherapists>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>Chiropractors.

I know 2 people who have canceled scheduled surgery after seeing an osteopath. I wish there was one near where I live now.

You are a moron.

For the general population most musculoskeletal problems should be approached first from the muscles/fascia, then from the tendons/ligaments, and finally from the bones. There are plenty of chiropractors that follow this approach that are just as expert at manipulating soft tissues as an osteopath should be. Like the ones that are licensed in ART. Like the ones being recommended.

igetjokes,

more like iamajoke amirite LOL

You're probably right, .

lol

it helps but yoga is far better for back pain

That's kind of a blanket statement IMO. I'm not saying it's wrong, but combining yoga noobs and back pain could be a bad combination.