GP, Osteopath or Chiropractor?

[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.