GP, Osteopath or Chiropractor?

[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 ).

[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, 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.....