Question
-  I have been experiencing pain in my lower back and down my leg which I am guessing is sciatica or related.  As of the past 4 weeks or so, my right arm has been going numb w/ a tingling sensation many times throughout the day and night.  I sit at a computer for 10-12 hours a day using several different chairs and desk layouts that I'm sure are nowhere near ergonomically correct.  I believe from what I've researched that a chiropractor may be my best option.  I have only been to one once and it was very unpleasant.  First time I'd been to this doctor and he laid me down and started cracking.  No Xray, no suggestions of an MRI, no explanation as to what he was doing.
- I would like to know what a "good" chiropractor will generally suggest for a new client w/ symptoms such as myself on a first visit.  I know that much damage can be done from a chiropractor that isn't especially 'tuned' to the patients needs can do.
-  Can my lower back and numbness in my right arm be related?
-  Is a chiropractor what I need at this point?
-  How do I find a legitimate one who knows what he's doing?

Answer
Dear Candi,

I'm very sorry you had a bad experience with your first chiropractic encounter.  Sadly, yours was not an uncommon experience and many people have been turned away from their best healthcare option by a practitioner that fails to adequately deliver care.   A chiropractor is a licensed doctor, and as such (here in the USA, at least), is dutifully bound to diagnose.  Good, quality care consists of a thorough history, physical examination, and a report of findings.  Any flags that would indicate the need for advanced imaging or consultation by other specialists  should be addressed.  As for your symptoms, while it is not likely that your neck is causing your lower back symptoms, it cannot be 100% ruled out until someone examines you. Here are some basic guidelines for finding a good chiropractor:

?  Does the doctor use a "diversified" technique?? This is the basic 揾ands-on?style that is mainstream in chiropractic.  Avoid DC抯 that use only one proprietary technique to treat everyone, e.g. an Activator, Pettibon, Upper Cervical, Gonstead, non-force only, B.E.S.T.,  揘etwork,?AK, SOT, just to name a few.

?  Does the doctor do any hands-on muscle techniques, e.g. Graston Technique, Myofascial Release techniques, Massage, stretching?

?  Are additional physio-therapy procedures employed, like ultrasound or exercise?

?  Is there a mandatory x-ray policy? If so, then find another DC.  Only get x-rays if there's a good reason to do so.

?  How long is the typical contact time with the DC?  If it's any less than five minutes, then odds are you are not going to get hands-on techniques beyond a quick spine adjustment.  While sometimes you may only need a 2 minute tune up, many people need more than just a few bones adjusted.

?  Most people without severe conditions or traumas show improvement in their conditions within a few visits or a few weeks.  Some people need a 3/week program for as long as a month when they are bad-off, and then work toward tapering off their treatment, all the while employing exercises, home-care strategies, ergonomic improvements, etc.

I would suggest you ask around and make some calls.  Discuss your concerns over the phone.  Start with the chiropractic staff or office manager.  They can be helpful, and if you get a good feeling about the office, make an appointment for consultation with the DC. Run the above bullet points by the staff on the phone.  If you get the feeling you're not going to get a thorough examination and good treatment, then call on someone else. It is quite fair to book an appointment just for consultation, and then, if you're confident rebook for examination.  Most chiropractors don't charge for consultation.  

Candi, I hope this is helpful. Good luck, and feel free to privately email me if you have any difficulties.

Dr. G
www.drgillman.com