Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 1/21/2011

Question
I recently went to a chiropractor for the first time with severe neck pain involving the left side of my neck from the shoulder up into my C1 or C2  
The first visit consisted of paperwork, x rays, Static Emg Scan and Thermal Scan of my whole spine.  In spite of telling the doctor I was in severe pain, he did no manipulation or other treatments to attempt to relieve my pain.
On the second visit, he had me lie on my side and had the support under my head move up and down(with much clanking) This lasted 30 seconds and did nothing to alleviate my pain.
The third(and my last)visit involved him touching my neck lightly, almost a caress.  After which he presented me with a contract for visits over 6 months totaling approx. $1,2000 with the caveat that I would have to pay even if I stopped treatment.

I have asked several friends who have visited Chiropractors and they typically said, "you have to be careful..it took me trying 3 to find one who could treat me"  
I have since gone to a physical therapist who used massage, moist heat around my neck, ultrasound and gave me exercises to do at home.  She also discussed exactly what she thought was causing my pain.  Her visits involved 45min of hands-on treatment of my neck/upper back. She finished treatment in 3 visits,no contracts!
My question:  is this typical Chiropractic treatment?  The "doctor" I visited practices out of an Upper Cervical Health Centers of America offic.

Answer
Susan,

Your first chiropractic experience, which sounded like nothing short of a disaster, is not at all consistent with what is taught about patient care and management in accredited chiropractic schools.

It is, however, an unfortunately not-too-uncommon practice amongst chiropractors who are not patient-centered or evidence-based. It represents a profit-driven philosophy which is espoused in various marketing seminars taught by unscrupulous chiropractors and attended and employed by their followers. The pre-paid "contract" pushed on you by this practitioner is actually illegal in many states, and I would encourage you to report your experience to the chiropractic board in your state (which should be easily found by doing an Internet search). This is the sort of thing which reflects negatively upon the entire profession, and I am sorry that you had to experience this.

I am glad that you were finally able to find relief with a physical therapist. For your future reference, you can find evidence-based, musculoskeletal-based chiropractors at:

http://www.westhartfordgroup.com/

I hope that this helps to answer your question.