GP, Osteopath or Chiropractor?

[Stickchick]

I have buggered up my neck and wake up most mornings with a stiff neck, which normally just goes away with stretches etc. However yesterday I could barely move it.

I have had this problem for a few months now and when I was in Hastings I was going to an Oestopath. He cracked my neck and back and massaged my muscles which I would walk away feeling awesome. This would last for a couple of days and then the pain would be back. Not as sever but still enough to be annoying. Asked what is causing it or how can I stop it from happening and he just didn't know.

What is the best way to approach this to be able to have a normal life again? Do I see another Oestopath? Do I go to a GP and see what they say (did this in Hastings and they would not touch me in anyway, gave me drugs so I could move again in three days but didn't refer me to anyone or give me any explanation as to why this is happening or what I could do to cure it) Or should I just go and see a chiropractor?

The background of this is I got whiplash in a car accident about 10 years ago and my neck has been pretty weak since. Not sure what triggers it off to leave me inmobile or in so much pain or even if the two are related, I'm just assuming they are. I just want to be able to get rid of this pain so any advice would be much appreciated.

[Pussy]

Perhaps a GOOD physio may be able to help?

[Devil]

Chiropractor. They'll work on it till it's fixed.

Dr Kirk Stevens (he's such a babe)
Chiropractic First
Sandringham (and occasionally Balmoral) Worth the trip whereever you are.
09 845 4640

[Stickchick]

Perhaps a GOOD physio may be able to help?

There lies the problem....know a GOOD physio in Auckland?

[cowpoos]

I had a issuse similar to this for years...and in the end after all the carry on and phsyo...blah blah blah... it turned out to be very simply pillows!! I needed a certain width when a pillow is compressed...the gap between shoulder and neck/head...and also...I was slouching on pillows also..not using the pillow to support my neck while on my side..once..I pissed around and found the right pillow combination...[while laying on bed on side..spine was straight from upper back..right through to middle of top of my head...and I got a orphopedic pillow [shaped to support neck better] and a firm normal pillow which when together they compressed right...and bingo...only a few days and what seemed like a life time problem dissapeared!! and I was sleeping ALOT better aswell!!

[Stickchick]

Chiropractor. They'll work on it till it's fixed.

Dr Kirk Stevens (he's such a babe)
Chiropractic First
Sandringham (and occasionally Balmoral) Worth the trip whereever you are.
09 845 4640

Cheers, might have to give him a call, at least if he can't help me he would be good to look at:2thumbsup

[Ralph]

I would go with the osteopath myself as they can do everything the chiro can
and also help with physio.
I found them much better than the rest for my back and neck problems.
There will be somthing bringing it on (maybe left over from the accident) but might take a few visits to find.
Try different osteopaths too as they tend to do things different I went
through three before finding one that worked.

[Stickchick]

I had a issuse similar to this for years...and in the end after all the carry on and phsyo...blah blah blah... it turned out to be very simply pillows!! I needed a certain width when a pillow is compressed...the gap between shoulder and neck/head...and also...I was slouching on pillows also..not using the pillow to support my neck while on my side..once..I pissed around and found the right pillow combination...[while laying on bed on side..spine was straight from upper back..right through to middle of top of my head...and I got a orphopedic pillow [shaped to support neck better] and a firm normal pillow which when together they compressed right...and bingo...only a few days and what seemed like a life time problem dissapeared!! and I was sleeping ALOT better aswell!!

Mmmm sounds like a cheaper option to try. Thanks poos, seems you are actually helpful occasionally:dodge:

[Devil]

I would go with the osteopath myself as they can do everything the chiro can.

Just dont forget that Osteo's have two years LESS training than a Chiro...

I know who i'd rather have playing with my spine.

[Pussy]

There lies the problem....know a GOOD physio in Auckland?

Sorry, can't help there! Went to a good physio in NP a few years ago, identified a pinched nerve between the bottom of my neck and the top of my back, and sorted the problem for me, as well as giving advice to avoid the problem. I do hear what you're saying, a GOOD physio is hard to find

[Ralph]

Just dont forget that Osteo's have two years LESS training than a Chiro...

I know who i'd rather have playing with my spine.

That said I'd still go with Osteo after all it worked within 3 months after years
of a chiro every month.
Boils down to what works for the individual I guess.

[Bass]

I just want to be able to get rid of this pain so any advice would be much appreciated.

It's the Northern version of Shagger's Back.
Sorry but you are going to have to move into the spare room.

[YellowDog]

There lies the problem....know a GOOD physio in Auckland?
I hear there's a really good one in Torbay. I will PM you his name if/when I find it.

I am from the UK and would never use a Chiropracter, after heraing bad stories and experiences. I had an excellent osteopath. I had an injury a few months back and have used an excellent chiropractor caled Brett Dunningham in Mt.Eden on the Manukau road. He cracks my kneck like hell, which NOW allows me to look for cars again before pulling out. He has all the latest computer gismos and I have been very happy with the results. I think this kind of stuff is down to individuals and how you get on with them.

Good luck.

[Stickchick]

I hear there's a really good one in Torbay. I will PM you his name if/when I find it.

I am from the UK and would never use a Chiropracter, after heraing bad stories and experiences. I had an excellent osteopath. I had an injury a few months back and have used an excellent chiropractor caled Brett Dunningham in Mt.Eden on the Manukau road. He cracks my kneck like hell, which allows me to look for cars before pulling out. He has all the latest gismos and I have bene very happy with him. I think this kind of stuff is down to individuals and how you get on with them.

Good luck.

Thanks I really appreciate all the help I can get as I'm getting pretty dam frustrated with having to put up with the pain

[Stickchick]

It's the Northern version of Shagger's Back.
Sorry but you are going to have to move into the spare room.

Oh well lucky I have my toys to keep me happy then:devil2:

[Devil]

That said I'd still go with Osteo after all it worked within 3 months after years
of a chiro every month.
Boils down to what works for the individual I guess.

Point. With all the above information, depending on your problem only certain things can fix it. This has lead to people saying X type of method sucks because it didn't work on them.
If it doesnt work, then try something else.

[Stickchick]

Point. With all the above information, depending on your problem only certain things can fix it. This has lead to people saying X type of method sucks because it didn't work on them.
If it doesnt work, then try something else.

Im just looking for suggestions as I am completely lost for what to do so going by other people suggestions are helping as to who to see. or new things to try that hadn't even crossed my mind.

[rainman]

I hear there's a really good one in Torbay. I will PM you his name if/when I find it.

Not thinking of Waiake Osteopathic, Chris Fetto? I went to him for my lower back problems a while ago and he was pretty good. Couldn't solve the problem in the end (slipped disc) but did help with interim relief, and he suggested I should have an MRI to establish the full cause - unlike the physio I went to before, who just kept bashing away at the problem with no result. This I see as a major recommendation: hubris is not a valuable attribute in a medical professional. Intelligence, dedication and honesty are - which Chris has in large amounts.

[scracha]

Point. With all the above information, depending on your problem only certain things can fix it. This has lead to people saying X type of method sucks because it didn't work on them.
If it doesnt work, then try something else.

Valid point. Do whatever works for you.

After years of pain that I didn't really realise I had, I got forced to visit a chiropractor in the UK. Amazing is the only phrase I could say as the pain went away after the first couple of sessions. They worked in conjunction with a damned good physio. Came to New Zealand and saw another chiropractor. Same diagnosis (which is always nice). After going on a weekly basis for a couple of months to get "straightened out" I now only have to go a few times a year (probably my own fault because I don't always do the exercises).

Whoever you see, they should work towards "curing" you. Give you exercises to strengthen whatever part(s) of the body isn't doing its job, etc or refer you to someone who specialises in that area (podiatrist, osteopath or whatever). One thing my UK physio did mention is that NZ is one of the world leaders in this sort of area.

Stay away from quacks with no qualifications or arseholes who rub crystals down your back. Paralysis is no laughing matter.

[Mental Trousers]

Osteopath
Jeremy King
09-638-7831
8 King Edward Ave
Epsom

I travel up from Hamilton regularly to see him. Problems that have been bugging me for years are gone now.

[Trudes]

I love my osteopath, tried physio and chiropractor, but the osteo is the one who keeps me fairly straight (oh and my new magnetic underlay :love:).

[Mental Trousers]

Even my GP said to see an Osteo rather than a Chiropractor. Apparently what Chiropractors do is a subset of Osteopathy, but their (Chiropractors) techniques are more traumatic for the body.

The practice that Jeremy is part of also do a Saturday clinic - anyone who turns up gets treated - no appointment necessary.

[Okey Dokey]

I would definitely opt for a chiropractor. When I had back troubles I saw an osteo who (painfully) fixed my back, only to have the problem recur in a week or so. Tried several visits before going to my current chiro.

First thing he did after the initial exam is xray the area, which revealed the underlying cause of my problem. His subsequent treatments have never been painful, unlike the thumping the osteo gave me. I still see him about four times a year for routine maintenance. In 15 years the problem has never recurred, despite my bones being the same mess.

Reading this thread it does seem that everyone has had a different experience. Finding a good professional may be the key. I wish you all the best. I still remember how the back/neck pain ruined so many days, and lost me work, before I got it sorted.

[the mouse]

My 2c
From experience GP's are a waste of time. I struck a good physio who suggested to get an XRay before going on with any treatments with out knowing the cause. My neck was a twisted knot of pain from muscles tensing up with the neck bones out of whack.The stiffness sneak up on me and got so bad, my wife had to push me out of bed to go to work (what has changed).

Turns out i have a munted C5 and C6, technically called cervical spondylosis, the result of a fall in my youth ,see crashes thread. After 25 years it has come back to haunt me. The bones have degenerated and they estimate them to be in a condition of about 10 years older than they should be.
I was prescribed powerful muscle relaxants and anti inflammatries. I decided to try a herbal approach instead. What worked for me miraculously was Bee Venom and gluccosamine capsules, available from bpollen@ts.co.nz.
As previously stated find a good pillow is a must, i have one that dips in the middle supporting the neck when lying down, they are advertised on T.V sometimes.
Added to that i got a N.Z book called Treat your own neck by Robin McKenzie (Whitcoulls), and did the simple exercises within.
Ergonomically i had to rearrange my drum kit, i was struggling to get through gigs, and begrudgingly put the rear sets and low bars off the bike onto the shelf substituting for a more upright riding position with 12" apes. To reduce wind pressure off my neck which was a problem for some time i fitted an ugly windshield, but it means at least i can ride again. No pain and i can turn my neck as normal for riding safety.
Reluctant to ride in strong wind and shy of camping on hard rally ground, but i'll do it if the occassion is going to be worthwhile.Avoid any jerking motions, heavy lifting ....generally become a lazy bugger.
Best thing i do to keep me right for each day is have to have a hot shower doing the neck exercises every morning. Haven't seen a physio or doctor since (5 years now).

[SixPackBack]

Neck pain?

Fuck I know all about that shite. Motorcycle accident in 95' combined with age, years of Karate and over exuberant gym activities resulted in a sudden chronic pain onset in 2005. Within three days my right bicep shrunk to the size of my wrist, I was hospitalized and can honestly say pain was completely redefined.

6 months later a 'peek' cage was inserted in my neck, an operation that involves cutting through the front of your neck removing cartilage between vertebrae and the consequent insertion of the cage. The net effect being two vertebrae fuse and become one. Anyway it hurt, is mostly okay now and surgery provided an immediate relief.

What you need to know:

Chiropractor=Bad. Had I used one at the height of my issues a strong chance exists that I would no longer walk.
Muscoskleton specialists=The pinnacle. The best person to see, no question. You will need a referal.
Pain relief=Paradex,Anti inflamms,Trammol,Paratriptelene [inhibits sexual function!].....They all help but if you need them all the time you need change.
Other things to try= A host of different gurus and treatments exist from acupuncture to reiki. Some work really well and may effect a cure, just avoid rough 'neck cracking', this can be dangerous.
Exercise=Neck strengthening through gentle exercise and all over fitness combined with regular water consumption can also have a dramatic effect. This got me off 40 pain killers a week, and keeps me off.
Cause=As Mr Poos pointed out your sleeping arrangement can cause issues as can posture and mostly commonly these days computer use. People tend to stay very still when using the comp and cran their head forward. Have your workstation verified by a registered professional, contact your OSH rep, explain the predicament and push for change.Don't suffer Stickchick. Push for change and trust your own judgement.

Good luck.

[the mouse]

Quote "People tend to stay very still when using the comp and cran their head forward."

All the more reason to drink stubbies while at the P.C. Good to have one at a time as the walk to the fridge for another gives the eyes a rest.

Quote" Neck strengthening through gentle exercise and all over fitness combined with regular water consumption can also have a dramatic effect. This got me off 40 pain killers a week, and keeps me off. "

Like i said, seek out the book i mentioned, the easy exercises work.

[Conquiztador]

Start with an X-ray. Then whoever you go and see take it with you. A must!

Good luck.

[irishlad]

Have had neck, shoulder, back & knee problems. Turns out that all caused by trapped nerve in back which resulted in muscles on one side compressing & other side stretching.

Have been treated by GP, Chriopractor, Physio & massage therapy.
GP was useless
Chrio sorted acute pain. But had to keep going back.
Physio did the exact same as chiro. He said my back needs manipulation.
Massage is good to loosen up muscles.

Best thing I did was start Pilates. Was like very slow torture for about the first 6-9mths. Its kept me pretty lined up. Give Classical Pilates in Browns Bay a shot. They are expensive, $65 for 5 sessions, but classes tend to be small.

Also get good pillows
Good luck

[warewolf]

Graeme Hayhow @ Institute of Sports Physiotherapy (http://www.instituteofsport.co.nz/), Khyber Pass. Used him for several injuries plus pre-hab and re-hab for corrective surgery. Real nice chap, knows his stuff, really pleased with his work.

Re: chiro/osteo; I've always used chiros, but they tend to use osteo techniques on me (maybe, I could be wrong). They all have different techniques, some are more brutal than others, some can do 'tight' adjustments, others can't. They also specialise in different areas. My chap at Parnell Chiropractic was into wrists so he was great for my excessive keyboard/handlebar work. So shop around, and/or ask them for referrals for a specialist at dealing with your injury.

[Usarka]

Olympic Physio seem ok at the newmarket pools. Madelene Horan is one of the phsyio's (not sure if she runs the show) and used to do the silver ferns and olympic teams. focus more on alignment, core strength, eg the root cause.

i hate chiropractors with a passion. unless you treat the cause then any spinal manipulations will just come undone again.



Graeme Hayhow @ Institute of Sports Physiotherapy, Khyber Pass. Used him for several injuries plus pre-hab and re-hab for corrective surgery. Real nice chap, knows his stuff, really pleased with his work.
Couple of guys at work rate him aswell.....

[warewolf]

unless you treat the cause then any spinal manipulations will just come undone again. Yes but the only real way to correct the spine (and other joints) is through manipulation. Misalignment is often the trigger to many other issues. If the spine isn't right then all the other efforts will just be masking the problem and/or providing short-term relief.

Additionally, just like an exercise program is needed to gradually build strength, for serious misalignments repeated manipulations will be required as the muscles re-adjust. I often hear people say, "I went once, but it didn't stay fixed so I didn't go back, lousy chiros..." Combination of chiro, massage and physio can be needed. Indeed my current practitioner has brought in a masseuse in-house for combined treatment.

[Riff Raff]

For once in my life I agree with Poos. I've had ongoing neck problems for years. The best thing to start with is to get yourself a proper orthopaedic pillow (you'll be amazed at the difference). You also need to look at the mattress you're sleeping on - if it's too soft then it'll compound the problem.

Also, as has already been said, get your doctor to refer you to a muskuloskeletal specialist. I went to one who did wonders with my neck with some gentle manipulation (similar to osteopath, but gentler) and gave me appropriate exercises to do. Improving your upper body strength also helps.

[Stickchick]

Improving your upper body strength also helps.

I'm trying to do that at the gym but I have a funny feeling that may have caused the stiffness I ended up with on friday. I will however talk to my personal trainer and see if they can't give me something a little more gentler on the neck or even look at my posture as I'm doing the exercises.

Thanks everyone for your advice. Its been awesome to have such a good and wide variety of responses that I will endeavour to take into account.

[SPman]

I used to go to a great Osteo, out in Ranui. Glenn Williams. Works from a surgery at his home. Was recommended by a fellow builder, who he saved from surgery, and I found him excellent. Straightened by neck and back up, a treat.

[warewolf]

or 'pullows' as my mate calls them, should be replaced every 12 months. He's a salesman for one of the big NZ manufacturers.

[howitis]

I have had a similiar situation to what you've described.
You'll be happy to know i found the solution with a Chiropractor. I went to Barry Allen after being recomended by a friend.
He's upfront, and knows what he's doing. He works along side GP's which made me feel really comfortable about seeing him. Would recomend him to anyone.
Check the website out for more info, im sure you'll find it interesting.
www.chiromedgroup.co.nz
Good luck with whatever you do.

[Skyryder]

I have buggered up my neck and wake up most mornings with a stiff neck, which normally just goes away with stretches etc. However yesterday I could barely move it.


I don't have any answers to a chiro or osteopath but waking up with a bad neck seems to be a sleep posture thing.
Try and do away with a pillow and place your head down on the mattess of the bed. Might take a bit to get used to. I stopped using pillows years back.


Skyryder

[Little Brother]

Hi. I know this is an old post but Osteo's DON'T have less training. Osteos study for 5 years in NZ and Chiro's do a split course of 4 years. The difference is Chiro's do many more visits...as the do less per visit than an Osteo. Don't get a crap lazy Osteo that doesn't do any massage get one that works properly. Most problems come from muscle tension. You can muck around with pillows and crap like that when really you should just stretch more. Simple. Use it or lose it. The flexibility you had as a teenager doesn't magically disappear...it's lost....like bike riding skills....!

[Little Brother]

Just covering all bases for people as there is a lot of mis-information out there - Glenn Williams used to be good. He's got a little complacent and runs a shortended list. Almost as short as many Chiro's. Basicially the difference between a Chiro and an Osteo is they focus GENERALLY but not always on the spine. Osteo's treat the whole body and ALL of the tissues. Not just cracking things like Chiro's GENERALLY. Exceptions to rules, etc. Glenn doesn't do enough massage lie he used to. Many patients of old who see him state this. Chiro - shorter visits = need more of them. Osteo - longer visits and more tissues worked on = fewer visits for similar but generally better long term results. Do what suits you. If you only value your health at a few cracks for 10 mins then go to a Chiro. If not, then see an Osteo....

[Big Dave]

I won't let a chiropractor work on my neck ever again. I got spinal damage from one doing a manipulation after I crashed a bike.
Cruel irony hey - mild injury made worse by the treatment.

[Little Brother]

Rubbish....90% of the time muscle tension leads to a vertebral subluxation or the spine being 'out' if you sort the muscles AT THE SAME TIME then the spine will need less manipulation..... Chiro's only look at accessing the body via a few of the tissues rather than treating the many facets of the problem...ha ha no puns intended!

[chasio]

I've had physio and osteo for upper back and neck issues and then I tried Bowen therapy. It is very gentle (I really can't see it doing any damage) and has been remarkably effective for me. I have used Sally Barrett (Albany) and Allan Vickers (Beachaven) and both are top notch. Allan does some Amatsu (which is also quite gentle) as well. They both have the objective of fixing the problem so they don;t have to see you again, unlike some physios I have seen (ch-ching).

For the skeptics I say this: I was one of you and now I am not because it worked for me. YMMV.

[kave]

Chiropractors are witchdocters. If you are a fan of other alternative therapies such as cupping, ear candling and urine therapy then please go and see a chiropractor, but if you want your medical advice from someone whose treatment is grounded in firm science a chiropractor is not the person to see.

[YellowDog]

Chiropractors are witchdocters. If you are a fan of other alternative therapies such as cupping, ear candling and urine therapy then please go and see a chiropractor, but if you want your medical advice from someone whose treatment is grounded in firm science a chiropractor is not the person to see.

Clearly you have had some bad experience.

My advice is to find out what works for you (maybe by trying all of the alternatives) and then stick with what works.


My chiropractor, over my osteopath and physio found the root cause of my 30+ year issues. My right leg is 2cm shorter than my left leg. I go once a month for a 5 minute maintenance type manipulation of the back and neck and I now have no problems at all. If I miss a month I'm still OK, but if I miss 2 months, then I am screwed.

Find out what works for you.

[Bounce001]

I have found Jonathan Kuttner (Papkura) to be excellent.

http://www.kuttner.co.nz/

Fixed my neck, lower back and shoulder injuries using a range of treatment options. He is covered by ACC and you can also self-refer.

[CookMySock]

Chiropractors are witchdocters. [....]I wouldn't disagree with you, but I wouldn't have worded it so strongly.

Both my wife and I have a number of injuries that we have seen a chiropractor and Osteopath for. After a quick back and neck crunchin' and a clickin' we always come out feeling better. So what did we do? We learned to do it ourselves. :lol:

I'm already well-known on this forum for my innovative (read dangerous and foolhardy) approaches to things, but seriously a back crunch is not a difficult thing to do. Neck crunches are a little more intimidating, and as a rule I won't do them. Lots and lots of people click their knuckles, and that's kinda the same thing. DON'T DO IT if you haven't had any guidance, you will hurt them and they will not let you do it again, and if you are unlucky you will injure a rib cartilage.

So next time you are at the chiropractor, take someone you trust and watch very carefully and ask questions. After that you are on your own - I'll offer no advice, except to take charge of your own situation and do what you think is best. But for us, it has provided lots of relief and we have never come close to injuring ourselves doing it.

The other thing that works, is a goooooood long stretch in the morning as you are waking up. It only works before your muscles start to firm up, so stretch as long as you can (watch the cat doing it) while you are waking up, and you will get a click or two outa it for sure - feels soooooo gooooood! Rinse and repeat for your neck.

Disclaimer: DON'T just try anything you read on the internet. Only qualified professionals know anything about your body, and thinking like I do is dangerous. :yes:


Steve