Chiropractors/How many visits are needed

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Expert: - 9/23/2010


Question
The chiropractor I just started to see says I have Level III
deterioration. Wants me to see him 4 times a week for 6 weeks
is this reasonable?

Answer
Hi Carl,

I'm glad you asked...  This chiropractor is a way off base. He has no justification for making such an obscene treatment recommendation.  Hopefully you didn't let him x-ray you to death.  Joint degenerative changes are almost always inherited.  They are not going to change whether you go once to chiropractor or fifty times.   Also, there is no justification for providing treatment to "correct misalignments."   It simply doesn't happen.  Joint manipulation doesn't work like that.   So the real question is this: what are you being treated for?   Neck pain?  Back pain?  You might find that this goes away in three to six treatment sessions, not twenty-four.   Also, it is reasonable to reevaluate a patient within the first two or three weeks and to measure progress based on physical examination findings (e.g. you can now touch your toes), or pain scores (e.g. you had 6/10 constant pain on a 1-10 scale and now only have 2/10 and intermittent pain), or on Outcome Assessment Questionnaires (e.g. the Oswestry Back Questionnaire; go and google it).    Frankly, I think you're in the wrong chiropractor's office.  Find someone that uses current, evidence-based guidelines to aid in their decision making.  Avoind anyone that wants to x-ray you all over unless there is damn good reason (like they're looking for a fracture or tumor).  My website has info on how to find a good chirorpactor (www.drgillman.com).   If your "BS Detector" went off with this guy, then likely there's good reason.

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr. G

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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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Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians

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