Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
10/18/2013 6:20:09 AM EDT
Two days ago I woke up with a sore neck and left shoulder. When I say sore, pain was a throbbing 4-5. The day after, I woke up feeling better and pain was a 2 or sometimes a 3 if I turned my head too far to the left or down.

Today, I am laid up in bed. My wife had to help me out of bed this morning so I could take a shower. Now I'm back in bed but can not really function. No number for the pain, only that I'm miserable. Can't move, turn, or lift my head. I've gotta get this taken care of but not sure if it's serious enough to see an orthopedic doctor. I need to do something about it NOW but every chiro I have called wants to do x rays and tests today, then start me on a weekly full body and mind healthcare regimen or some shit. I feel like what I need is an angry Vietnamese lady to go all ape shit on my back with her elbows. My wife, however, thinks I have a problem more serious than a masseuse can fix.

How do you all deal with debilitating neck and back pain?
10/18/2013 6:20:32 AM EDT
[#1]
get both.

ETA: that's not just a witty ARFCOM answer, either.  It helps to combine chiropractic adjustments and massage/physical therapy.  Obviously you've done something wrong to your body (whether it be a sudden occurance, or a lifetime of bad habits) and you need therapy to correct it.
10/18/2013 6:21:49 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Quoted:
get both.
View Quote


This is the correct answer, Chiropractic to realign you and massage to loosen the muscles
10/18/2013 6:23:02 AM EDT
[#3]
Get the massage.........better chance for a happy ending
10/18/2013 6:23:11 AM EDT
[#4]
I suffered from this exact thing a few weeks ago. It was pinching a nerve and shooting numbness down my arm. After putting it off for weeks thinking it would work its way out, I went to my chiropractor. BAM, 2 visits, no more pain. Ha has a massage therapist but she is on maternity leave but I would have seen her and him at the same time if she was there.
 



ETA: This was 2 weeks AFTER I went to my primary Dr. and got a steroid pack and muscle relaxers.
10/18/2013 6:23:29 AM EDT
[#5]
I don't think chiropractors give happy endings.  Just something to consider.
10/18/2013 6:25:33 AM EDT
[#6]
As others have said, get both. My chiropractor has a massage therapist in office. One co-pay and I get both. The chiropractor has fixed it when I literally couldn't stand up straight.
10/18/2013 6:26:50 AM EDT
[#7]
Both. A good Chiropractor will have a massage therapist in house. Pending on your insurance, it may even be covered.
10/18/2013 6:29:55 AM EDT
[#8]
I have a chiro appointment at 4:15 I just hope that I get some sort of adjustment. Got a three hour drive ahead of me this evening. Guess I shouldn't have waited so long to make an appointment. Also, laying back down was the worst thing I could have done. After much grunting and howling, I managed to roll myself off the bed and onto the floor. I gotta keep moving around or I'm gonna freeze up. Never had anything like this happen and I'm not even old.
10/18/2013 6:31:30 AM EDT
[#9]




You might have just pulled a muscle. A lot of people will say the chiro, but don't do it. I made that mistake once. Getting your neck snapped won't fix anything and will probably make it worse. A chiro is okay for something like SI joint problems but no way will I ever get my neck adjusted again. If you have a herniated disc no amount of snapping will fix it. Mine healed on its own after a few months. An xray won't even show it. You need an MRI to see disc problems.
10/18/2013 6:33:22 AM EDT
[#10]
I love my Chiropractor. As others have said, he also have a message therapist.

IBTCAQC (In Before The Chiropractors Are Quacks Crowd)
10/18/2013 6:35:02 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
I love my Chiropractor. As others have said, he also have a message therapist.

IBTCAQC (In Before The Chiropractors Are Quacks Crowd)
View Quote


I just find it amazing that everyone who goes to one has to go back again and again and again for "adju$tment$".
10/18/2013 6:37:26 AM EDT
[#12]


Quote History
Quoted:



I love my Chiropractor. As others have said, he also have a message therapist.





IBTCAQC (In Before The Chiropractors Are Quacks Crowd)
View Quote






Some of them are quacks. I got fucked up pretty bad by one. I went in with lower back problems and told her not to touch my neck. She did anyway and I couldn't turn my head for a couple months.





She pushed everything on this warning list. Looking back, I should have known better and walked out.



http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/chirochoose.html
 
10/18/2013 6:40:03 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:


I just find it amazing that everyone who goes to one has to go back again and again and again for "adju$tment$".
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I love my Chiropractor. As others have said, he also have a message therapist.

IBTCAQC (In Before The Chiropractors Are Quacks Crowd)


I just find it amazing that everyone who goes to one has to go back again and again and again for "adju$tment$".


Same thing about gyms. Totally quackery having to go back again and again and again for "result$"
10/18/2013 6:40:10 AM EDT
[#14]

Quote History
Quoted:
I just find it amazing that everyone who goes to one has to go back again and again and again for "adju$tment$".
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:

I love my Chiropractor. As others have said, he also have a message therapist.



IBTCAQC (In Before The Chiropractors Are Quacks Crowd)




I just find it amazing that everyone who goes to one has to go back again and again and again for "adju$tment$".




 



Every time I go to the Dr. I have to go back for checkup$ and maybe to his friend the $pecislist and whatever they say I "need" because I have good insurance (for now) I pay $40 to the Chiro maybe 1 or 2 times a year when I get jammed up, I have a physical job and I am a true beleiver. YMMV
10/18/2013 6:40:15 AM EDT
[#15]
Chiropractors are voodoo doctors.

Go see a therapeutic masseuse.  seriously,  they will work and relax the muscles and help you with a stretch/workout routine that will help your body realign itself.
10/18/2013 6:41:01 AM EDT
[#16]
Both. A good chiro and massage therapist are gold!
10/18/2013 6:43:29 AM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Two days ago I woke up with a sore neck and left shoulder. When I say sore, pain was a throbbing 4-5. The day after, I woke up feeling better and pain was a 2 or sometimes a 3 if I turned my head too far to the left or down.

Today, I am laid up in bed. My wife had to help me out of bed this morning so I could take a shower. Now I'm back in bed but can not really function. No number for the pain, only that I'm miserable. Can't move, turn, or lift my head. I've gotta get this taken care of but not sure if it's serious enough to see an orthopedic doctor. I need to do something about it NOW but every chiro I have called wants to do x rays and tests today, then start me on a weekly full body and mind healthcare regimen or some shit. I feel like what I need is an angry Vietnamese lady to go all ape shit on my back with her elbows. My wife, however, thinks I have a problem more serious than a masseuse can fix.

How do you all deal with debilitating neck and back pain?
View Quote


None of the above.

500mg Naproxen (Allieve) Q12hrs for 48 hours.  If that doesn't get you up and going, see your primary care Dr.  Steroids and maybe a muscle relaxant (stay far, far away from Soma IMO) for 1 week.  If that fails, MRI.

Don't have anybody popping your joints until you know that there's not a mechanical issue that wont be worsened by manipulation.

If I'd taken the "see a chiropractor" advice in 2008 I'd probably not have use of my left arm today according to a neurosurgeon.
10/18/2013 6:46:43 AM EDT
[#18]
First, DO go to a Chiropractor who will do exam and x-rays before treating you.  However, tell them that you understand the entire treatment plan but you are skeptical and want to see how the treatment goes before you will commit.  You should see a difference fairly quickly (not necessarily complete relief because it depends on what the diagnosis is, of course).

I do recommend a treatment plan to correct the cause of the problem versus just pain relief (it WILL come back if you don't).  But, it is your body so they should explain both options and give you the choice.

Where in TX are you located?
10/18/2013 6:50:12 AM EDT
[#19]
"Don't have anybody popping your joints until you know that there's not a mechanical issue that wont be worsened by manipulation.

If I'd taken the "see a chiropractor" advice in 2008 I'd probably not have use of my left arm today according to a neurosurgeon."

That is why you want to go to one that is competent and does a thorough exam before any treatment :)

The flip side of that is there are plenty of people who went that route and got talked in to surgery or a lifetime of pills when it was not needed.  There are good and bad docs in all specialties.

For any doc, the "this is the worst case I have ever seen, we need to do x right away" is usually a red flag.
10/18/2013 6:56:10 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:


Same thing about gyms. Totally quackery having to go back again and again and again for "result$"
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I love my Chiropractor. As others have said, he also have a message therapist.

IBTCAQC (In Before The Chiropractors Are Quacks Crowd)


I just find it amazing that everyone who goes to one has to go back again and again and again for "adju$tment$".


Same thing about gyms. Totally quackery having to go back again and again and again for "result$"


Exercise is actually backed up by science.
10/18/2013 6:58:56 AM EDT
[#21]
I'm in the same boat as the OP.  Neck has been hurting but manageable for a few weeks.  This morning I can't even turn it.  Going to see the chiro in a couple hours.
10/18/2013 7:02:16 AM EDT
[#22]
Everyone I know who loves chiropractors has regular appointments with them.  You'd think if they were great, they'd fix the problem, and you wouldn't need to keep seeing them.
10/18/2013 7:06:10 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Quoted:


You might have just pulled a muscle. A lot of people will say the chiro, but don't do it. I made that mistake once. Getting your neck snapped won't fix anything and will probably make it worse. A chiro is okay for something like SI joint problems but no way will I ever get my neck adjusted again. If you have a herniated disc no amount of snapping will fix it. Mine healed on its own after a few months. An xray won't even show it. You need an MRI to see disc problems.
View Quote


That's my dilemma. It's left muscle on the left side that runs from the base of my skull down across my shoulder blade. That's what makes me wonder if a chiro is necessary.
10/18/2013 7:07:49 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Quoted:


None of the above.

500mg Naproxen (Allieve) Q12hrs for 48 hours.  If that doesn't get you up and going, see your primary care Dr.  Steroids and maybe a muscle relaxant (stay far, far away from Soma IMO) for 1 week.  If that fails, MRI.

Don't have anybody popping your joints until you know that there's not a mechanical issue that wont be worsened by manipulation.

If I'd taken the "see a chiropractor" advice in 2008 I'd probably not have use of my left arm today according to a neurosurgeon.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Two days ago I woke up with a sore neck and left shoulder. When I say sore, pain was a throbbing 4-5. The day after, I woke up feeling better and pain was a 2 or sometimes a 3 if I turned my head too far to the left or down.

Today, I am laid up in bed. My wife had to help me out of bed this morning so I could take a shower. Now I'm back in bed but can not really function. No number for the pain, only that I'm miserable. Can't move, turn, or lift my head. I've gotta get this taken care of but not sure if it's serious enough to see an orthopedic doctor. I need to do something about it NOW but every chiro I have called wants to do x rays and tests today, then start me on a weekly full body and mind healthcare regimen or some shit. I feel like what I need is an angry Vietnamese lady to go all ape shit on my back with her elbows. My wife, however, thinks I have a problem more serious than a masseuse can fix.

How do you all deal with debilitating neck and back pain?


None of the above.

500mg Naproxen (Allieve) Q12hrs for 48 hours.  If that doesn't get you up and going, see your primary care Dr.  Steroids and maybe a muscle relaxant (stay far, far away from Soma IMO) for 1 week.  If that fails, MRI.

Don't have anybody popping your joints until you know that there's not a mechanical issue that wont be worsened by manipulation.

If I'd taken the "see a chiropractor" advice in 2008 I'd probably not have use of my left arm today according to a neurosurgeon.


An ortho crossed my mind briefly. I'm in the "fill it full of cortisone" camp at the moment.
10/18/2013 7:08:17 AM EDT
[#25]
Chiro!!!!!!!!!
10/18/2013 7:10:34 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Quoted:


That's my dilemma. It's left muscle on the left side that runs from the base of my skull down across my shoulder blade. That's what makes me wonder if a chiro is necessary.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


You might have just pulled a muscle. A lot of people will say the chiro, but don't do it. I made that mistake once. Getting your neck snapped won't fix anything and will probably make it worse. A chiro is okay for something like SI joint problems but no way will I ever get my neck adjusted again. If you have a herniated disc no amount of snapping will fix it. Mine healed on its own after a few months. An xray won't even show it. You need an MRI to see disc problems.


That's my dilemma. It's left muscle on the left side that runs from the base of my skull down across my shoulder blade. That's what makes me wonder if a chiro is necessary.

In all likelihood you do need a Chiro doc.  I'm not one, but I'd bet the base of your first rib is "out."  It's an easy fix if that's it.  VERY painful if that's it too.  
10/18/2013 7:12:20 AM EDT
[#27]
I find it "amazing" that I have to go exercise again and again.

I find it "amazing" I have to get my teeth cleaned twice a year (and brush them daily).

I find it "amazing" that I have to change my oil again and again.

I find it "amazing" that I have to eat and drink everyday....

OP is looking for help so let's try actually helping him (even though this is GD ).

BTW, exercise is a great way to fix and prevent problems.  No magic bullet exists, so it usually takes a combination of things to correct most problems.

10/18/2013 7:13:07 AM EDT
[#28]
Chiropractic service will include a very nice long massage
10/18/2013 7:14:20 AM EDT
[#29]
Acupuncture

/Thread
10/18/2013 7:15:02 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:
Chiropractors are voodoo doctors.

Go see a therapeutic masseuse.  seriously,  they will work and relax the muscles and help you with a stretch/workout routine that will help your body realign itself.
View Quote


Some maybe. The one I've gone to has helped quite a bit.
10/18/2013 7:22:01 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote History
Quoted:


Exercise is actually backed up by science.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I love my Chiropractor. As others have said, he also have a message therapist.

IBTCAQC (In Before The Chiropractors Are Quacks Crowd)


I just find it amazing that everyone who goes to one has to go back again and again and again for "adju$tment$".


Same thing about gyms. Totally quackery having to go back again and again and again for "result$"


Exercise is actually backed up by science.


So is Chiropractic care. And before you go off and say studies have proven it ineffective. I can you show you studies that say the same thing about exercise. My point is, for every medical treatment out there, There will ALWAYS be conflicting studies and scientific claims.


See "Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report"
10/18/2013 8:03:53 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Quoted:
Chiropractic service will include a very nice long massage
View Quote



Because some one has to undo the damage caused by the "Doctors" adjustment
10/18/2013 9:01:16 AM EDT
[#33]
I've gone to both for years for my neck problems, my lower back started giving me problems like sciatica about three summers ago, I've been to PT, Chiro, massage and the Ortho doc for epidurals, non have helped this problem, I know from MRI's that the last three disk are bulging. Two weeks ago I started ( TPN ) Trigger Point Needling, The doctor uses a small needle and sticks each muscle that are the triggers for the pain that I have, removing the spasm. For the first time in a long time I've been pain free and off all Meds.
10/18/2013 10:29:38 AM EDT
[#34]
First post thingy again


Get a massage and loosened up and then cracked
10/18/2013 10:34:47 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Quoted:


I just find it amazing that everyone who goes to one has to go back again and again and again for "adju$tment$".
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I love my Chiropractor. As others have said, he also have a message therapist.

IBTCAQC (In Before The Chiropractors Are Quacks Crowd)


I just find it amazing that everyone who goes to one has to go back again and again and again for "adju$tment$".

You don't have to go back, but why put up with pain when comfort is a snap and a pop away?

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
10/18/2013 4:41:56 PM EDT
[#36]


Quote History
Quoted:
Because some one has to undo the damage caused by the "Doctors" adjustment
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:

Chiropractic service will include a very nice long massage






Because some one has to undo the damage caused by the "Doctors" adjustment


no, the massage is first.



I have been to a Chiropractor and he was the only one that was able to relieve the sciatic pain I was having. I had my doubts about the chiropractor before going, but now I know they can help.



mine fixed my alignment and had me build muscles to keep that area strong and improve my posture.
10/18/2013 4:42:54 PM EDT
[#37]
Chiropractors are scammers.

Go visit an actual physician.
10/18/2013 5:21:56 PM EDT
[#38]
If you're in the Houston area I can recommend a great Chiropractor and a massage therapist that knows what he's doing when it comes to injuries.
10/19/2013 7:28:44 AM EDT
[#39]
Update: Went to the chiro yesterday. She did a good job getting the pain away temporarily. She didn't do any cranking or popping, just electro therapy and kinesio tape. Helped with the pain for a few hours, but I woke up this morning as bad as I did yesterday.

I'm now at an urgent care clinic  I figure on getting a scrip for pain and possibly an oral steroid along with a referral to an ortho. At this point in pretty sure it's not a pulled muscle. I'm happy that the chiro didn't go all adjustment crazy. I thought he took the best route with the pain management.
10/19/2013 7:30:52 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote History
Quoted:
I've gone to both for years for my neck problems, my lower back started giving me problems like sciatica about three summers ago, I've been to PT, Chiro, massage and the Ortho doc for epidurals, non have helped this problem, I know from MRI's that the last three disk are bulging. Two weeks ago I started ( TPN ) Trigger Point Needling, The doctor uses a small needle and sticks each muscle that are the triggers for the pain that I have, removing the spasm. For the first time in a long time I've been pain free and off all Meds.
View Quote


If this doesn't start healing, then I will look into that. I would go see a voodoo guy if it meant making the pain go away.