Question
Hello, I went to a Chiropractor for the first time ever last week, I have been suffering with severe back pain. I went in for my X-rays and consultation, after viewing my X-rays my back did not look as bad as I thought. Then I got adjusted 3 times in 5 days, I feel worse now than before I went in. Then I got set up on a "health plan" which consisted of 3 visits a week for 3 months, then I had to attend these "special" classes and "special techniques, plus be in traction for my neck, which has messed up some of my teeth now as well. I got set up on a "affordable" payment plan, which was through the roof. Is 3-4 times a week really necessary, or is it doing more harm than good?

Answer
Cory,

No. Absolutely way off of current, evidence-guided, patient-centered, treatment guidelines.    First, unless you are elderly and the doctor is looking for tumors or fractures, there is no need to take x-rays.  I've written a lot on this topic so feel free to peruse through previous Q/A's on this site regarding x-ray.   Also, the 3x/week for three months is ridiculous.   What if you feel better in three visits - or in your case, worse?   "Special Classes" means "a special way to lure you into bringing your friends to sign them up for examinations... or a special way to brainwash you into believing you need 3x/week treatment for three months when all you have is back pain.    It's crap.  The Chiropractic Clinical Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) document is available for all DC's to read.   Find a good chiropractor, and run like heck from this jerk.  There are lots of resources:    www.acbsp.com   www.westhartfordgroup.com   www.faktr.com       I am embarrassed that I have to share the same degree with clowns like this.    Feel free to respond with any other questions you might have.  

Dr. G'