Re: RC: RE: Chiropractors

[DESERTRYDR1@aol.com]

Oh, jeez! You WOULD start on Chiropractic "medicine"!  I have to agree with 
ti, most of them do a hocus pocus thing.  And they don't actually heal you, 
you have to keep going back--three times weekly for the first month, then two 
times weekly for the next month then weekly for a year, then as needed, but 
preferably at least weekly--the chiropractor needs to build a new 
house/barn/buy a boat.  

It was explained to me by a medical doctor I trust that adjustments 
temporarily stretch the ligaments in order to get the bones "back in 
alignment"  Ligaments don't have a lot of bounce-back in them, and eventually 
they are permanently stretched where they will no longer hold the bones in 
alignment.  That doctor suggested that strengthening the muscles that support 
a problem joint is a more effective way of permanently solving the problem.

Lest you think I speak from a lack of experience, I had a real problem with 
my neck that would come and go.  I went to a chiropractor off and on.  It 
would get a little better for a while, with "treatment", I'd stop going.  It 
would be okay for a few months, then get worse.  Finally it got REALLY bad.  
Chiropractor adjusted it without X-rays because I'd had the same type of 
symptoms before.  It got WORSE.  I ended up having two surgeries for 
herniated cervical discs (never trust a Doc who thinks he knows your body 
better than you)  I learned a few simple stretching exercises, and now when 
my neck gives me problems (I ride therefore it does) I do stretching, watch 
my neck alignment when I sleep, ice it for more immediate relief and use an 
NSAID that does not upset my stomach.  I also have inflammatory arthritis, so 
the NSAID helps a lot.  I stay more active, in part because I feel better, in 
part because I am in charge of how I feel, not some "doctor."  And I try 
really hard NOT to fall off horses. jeri