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chiro scam??

(3 discussions)

Need everyone’s help here.Background: I am a career firefighter, and recently (2 weeks ago) a chiropractor located a town over volunteered his time to come to our headquarters to do “proper lifting” training and all that.
He came down for each shift, and had a whole powerpoint presentation and all that.
He said he is doing it on his own time and for free because he lives in the town that I work in and wants everyone to be performing at optimal if anything happens to him or his family. At the end of his presentation he offered a free “nerve scan”.
So I went that evening after work.
It showed “hot” on both sides of my neck, and also left side of my lumbar region.
He had me get x-rays done, and I just got back from my second visit with him, and here is what happened:He showed me the x-rays and told me that I have a subluxation in my cervical region.
My neck is curved slightly in the opposite way that it is supposed to, and is causing nerves to be compressed, etc.
He said that the course of action is to see him at first 3x/week and after a month 2x/week, then 1x/week, then once a month for “maintenance” after that.
He then talked to me about payment options.
This is where I got a little wary of his intentions. He outlined 48 adjustments, 4 progress exams, cervical pillow, etc.
I had the option to pay fully upfront ($776) or monthly with a credit card. In my opinion, it is a scam. But I want all your opinions. 1.
Is this just a muscle imbalance issue that I should go to a good physical therapist for? 2.
If anyone has knowledge in chiropractic medicine, is it safe to get readjustments 3x/week?3. Are the nerve scans really accurate? One was heat and the other one measured I believe electrical activity (I could be wrong on the 2nd).4. Does this sound like a scam?Also, I am 22 years old, good physical shape, exercise religiously, and excellent nutrtion, pretty much obsessed with fitness. Thanks for any help!!

Best Answers

doc4bax

doc4bax

Sometimes this thing limits posts. First, did you have any pain to begin with? The machine he used is nothing more than a gimmick and really has no diagnostic value to it. I can push on your neck, hook you to the machine and those areas I pushed on will show up as hot as I just caused some activity in the muscle by pressing on it. So the test is completely unreliable. The chiropractors fees however are rather low (that is if he isnt also billing your insurance). The chiropractors treatment program is rather lengthy at 48 visits, especially for someone of your age. Starting out at 3X weekly for 4-6 weeks is typically normal. Is this a scam? Well, that depends on whether you actually have a legitimate problem. That is why I asked if your neck hurt to begin with. Chiropractic is not a scam at all; I think this guys approach is a scam. Chiropractic treatment is safe (yes, 3X week for 3-6 weeks is safe). Chiropractic treatment addresses a lot more than just the muscles so its more effective than just getting physical therapy. The nerve scans are not accurate as previous stated. What is this doctors definition of a subluxation? If it were me, I would seek the opinion of another chiropractor and see if it jives with what this guy is telling you.

doc4bax

doc4bax

Ill give my two cents. I will tell you straight up that the doctor isnt showing up at the local fire house on his own time because he wants everyone to be performing at optimal, if anything happens to him or his family That is a total load of you know what. He is there for one reason and one reason only and that is getting new patients. Now this approach to me is a little sleazy. Listen, there is nothing wrong with someone promoting what they do but if it were me, I would have been forward with everyone. I would tell them I am showing up because I know you guys do a lot of lifting; I'm going to show you how to do it properly. Afterwards, for those interested, I will be happy to discuss any problems you have with your back or neck. I know with lifting and or being a fire fighter, it can cause some premature wear and tear. If I feel I can help, I give you a complimentary visit to come over and see me to find what is wrong and show we can fix it.


3 comments

    doc4bax

    9 10

    Ill give my two cents. I will tell you straight up that the doctor isnt showing up at the local fire house on his own time because he wants everyone to be performing at optimal, if anything happens to him or his family That is a total load of you know what. He is there for one reason and one reason only and that is getting new patients. Now this approach to me is a little sleazy. Listen, there is nothing wrong with someone promoting what they do but if it were me, I would have been forward with everyone. I would tell them I am showing up because I know you guys do a lot of lifting; I’m going to show you how to do it properly. Afterwards, for those interested, I will be happy to discuss any problems you have with your back or neck. I know with lifting and or being a fire fighter, it can cause some premature wear and tear. If I feel I can help, I give you a complimentary visit to come over and see me to find what is wrong and show we can fix it.

    doc4bax

    9 10

    Sometimes this thing limits posts. First, did you have any pain to begin with? The machine he used is nothing more than a gimmick and really has no diagnostic value to it. I can push on your neck, hook you to the machine and those areas I pushed on will show up as hot as I just caused some activity in the muscle by pressing on it. So the test is completely unreliable. The chiropractors fees however are rather low (that is if he isnt also billing your insurance). The chiropractors treatment program is rather lengthy at 48 visits, especially for someone of your age. Starting out at 3X weekly for 4-6 weeks is typically normal. Is this a scam? Well, that depends on whether you actually have a legitimate problem. That is why I asked if your neck hurt to begin with. Chiropractic is not a scam at all; I think this guys approach is a scam. Chiropractic treatment is safe (yes, 3X week for 3-6 weeks is safe). Chiropractic treatment addresses a lot more than just the muscles so its more effective than just getting physical therapy. The nerve scans are not accurate as previous stated. What is this doctors definition of a subluxation? If it were me, I would seek the opinion of another chiropractor and see if it jives with what this guy is telling you.

    Avatar

    9 10

    I am not a Chiro. I am in my mid 20’s and went in after an accident and found out my neck lost its curve. After 48 adjustments and $$ my curve is still not there. I don’t know if the accident caused it or my life style. After research I discovered the theory to restore curves are Chiropractic combined with physical therapy/exercises. I went to a chiro this week who offered 3X a week, 6 months of adjustments and physical therapy for $2,600. He could not guarantee my neck curve or that it would stay. I found another office that offered physical therapy and an adjustment with a discount or maximum monthly charge. I would not be bothered except after a year my muscle pains came back. Bottom line the price sounds good and if he does physical therapy and adjustments go for it. Ask him if he has had success stories of restoring curves. Ask to see x-rays that prove this. I have heard that restoring them is time consuming and not guaranteed. However, if left untreated it can cause early degeneration and arthritis leading to possible surgery or immobility not to mention the pain.

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