I actually do work with a few select chiropractors in the community. When I get patients who ask for a referral or can't tolerate physical therapy in any form, I will refer to them. I have actually gone to their offices, met with them, and picked their minds about their treatment philosophy to make sure they are "conservative"(no latest and greatest gadgets to sell) and know their limits and when to stop. They also don't claim to cure diabetes or cancer
There are many quacks in chiropractic as well as in medicine. Vulnerable patients in pain get taken advantage of by many practitioners including chiros, doctors, naturopaths, snake oil salesmen, etc. When patients tell me they were in the "one year chiropractic program" or they paid "$2000 for the 'spinal decompression' treatment", I get upset. I have also seen complications of chiropractic treatment (stroke, compression fracture, etc.). But I also get upset when they tell me they went through a series of 3 epidurals, facet blocks, RFA, stimulator trial, back to back while only seeing a NP or a PA in clinic. (doctor sits in procedure suite all day every day) Obviously, none of the above worked because they are in my office to see me for their pain. The number of times I have diagnosed SI joint pain in someone who has gone through the series of 3 and blocks/RFA is astounding.
I teach my patients the difference between "passive" and "active" treatment. most passive treatments give temporary relief including traction, TENS unit, massage, chiro, and even injections. When patients take a more active role in healing themselves by going to PT, losing weight, getting more active, they tend to do better.
