Chiropractic & Atheism

[Jackalope]

The thing of it is - yeah, I'm not addicted, and I'm grateful for that. I still have the pain though, and it's likely to be for the rest of my life. Which I worse? I don't know.

Tough question, and I guess if you were certain the pain would be with you for the rest of your life, and that you would have a doctor to supply you that whole time, the addiction might be worth it. I guess it basically comes down to choice between a giant douche and a turd sandwich. Neither is a preferred option.

Yep. I couldn't really function on opiates either, so that would have been the end of my career, with a string of consequences that were unacceptable to me. As I'm not a fan of turd sandwiches, I'm exploring other options, including some that carry a large woo-woo component.

Medicinal marijuana helps, though I can only really use it at the end of the day for reasons that are probably obvious.

[John V]

The woo lies in the theories on which they base their practices.

What specific theories?

I googled "chiropractic curriculum" to get an idea of what they're taught. Here's the first hit:
http://www.nwhealth.edu/college-of-chiro...-overview/
Excerpt:

Curriculum organization

The doctor of chiropractic curriculum is comprised of 84 course offerings, organized by eight academic and clinical departments. The sequence provides a strong basic science basis upon which the chiropractic and clinical sciences are built.

Basic sciences

Courses include biochemistry, anatomy, embryology, histology, immunology and microbiology, neuroscience, pathology and physiology. These courses provide a firm foundation for developing the clinical skills and knowledge needed to progress through the chiropractic school curriculum.

Chiropractic studies

Courses in chiropractic principles and philosophy provide students with the history of the chiropractic profession and the nature of the chiropractic healthcare model. You take chiropractic methods courses, including lectures and labs, physiological therapeutics, exercise and rehabilitation.

Diagnostic and clinical sciences

A full six trimesters are devoted to the skills of making a diagnosis. Courses include:
Clinical skills which prepare students to obtain a medical history and perform a physical exam
Clinical pathology
The diagnosis and management of a variety of health and chiropractic problems
Lectures, small groups, labs, self-directed study and online learning
.....

Maybe woo is hidden in there somewhere. Maybe not. This overview seems reasonable to me.

[Fidel_Castronaut]

There is no universal programe of training for CPs.

That's one major issue right there.

[frankiej]

Medicinal marijuana helps, though I can only really use it at the end of the day for reasons that are probably obvious.

You mean you don't work high? Hmm... I don't work if I'm not high. It would be boring otherwise.

[The Grand Nudger]

You're telling me. Pulling weeds is tedious business, unless you're high as a kite - and then it's badass. Got the munchies? Reach up and grab a tomato.

[Creed of Heresy]

I generally have to smoke up every Monday and Friday evening since those are the days I volunteer consistently at the RCC. Some pain ain't physical.

John: There's some claims that some chiropractic alignment has something to do with things like "spiritual energy," and that the spine is a "center of spiritual alignment," and that regularly undergoing chiropractice is essential to good health. In truth, constantly re-aligning your spine is actually NOT a good idea at all, and can actually cause serious problems, including nerve damage and osteoporosis of the spinal column, which is REALLY not something you want to have.

[KichigaiNeko]

I generally have to smoke up every Monday and Friday evening since those are the days I volunteer consistently at the RCC. Some pain ain't physical.

No CoH, some pain isn't physical.

John: There's some claims that some chiropractic alignment has something to do with things like "spiritual energy," and that the spine is a "centre of spiritual alignment," and that regularly undergoing chiropractics is essential to good health.

This sounds more like Hatha Yoga. Which CAN assist in rectifying a spinal issue IF you exclude the "spiritual" woo business.

In truth, constantly re-aligning your spine is actually NOT a good idea at all, and can actually cause serious problems, including nerve damage and osteoporosis of the spinal column, which is REALLY not something you want to have.

Exactly right CoH! Constant "alignment" is detrimental to the spinal column, it's inter-vertebral discs and the associated nerve endings. The chiropractors got one bit right...ALL your nerves run down your spine.

I DO know of anecdotal evidence that a suitable "Aqua Aerobics class" on a regular basis (once a week) can and does help the spine repair and eliminate the majority of pain, then again so does Yoga (if that is what you can do) ...All statements to the effect that exercise, posture and activity are essential post alignment therapy.