Chiropractors/bone spur in spine

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Question
I am in no pain but went to a chiropractor just for curiosity as I have osteoporosis. I was told I have a "significant" bone spur with spinal degeneration. I was also told I would need a year of treatment at a considerable expense. Is this reasonable and do I need treatment if I'm in no pain?

Answer
Susan,

Report this immediately to your state's licensing board!!!  This is akin to going to the dentist and being told you need to have all your teeth pulled out and replaced because they are not all white.  
There is nothing that a chiropractor is going to do for your bone loss with manual joint manipulation.    There are few reasons to go to the chiropractor if you have no pain.  Spinal degeneration is mostly inherited, and the chiropractor is not going to change how it looks.  If you don't report this to your state licensing board, charlatans like this will continue to take advantage of the unknowing public.   If you want an evidence-based, patient-centered chiropractor, I would suggest contacting someone on this list: www.westhartfordgroup.com

Good luck,

Dr. G  

Chiropractors

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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP

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21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.

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