Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

[Amy R]

I had a couple days of ergonomic hell; hunched over a laptop working on a time intensive project in a horrible chair at a public library, followed by falling asleep at 3am on my couch with my head in a very awkward position. Woke up and felt like my neck was going to 'give' ... showered carefully, then when I turned my head as I was toweling my hair it 'gave' ... not sure how to describe this except that it hurt like bloody hell. Sharp, intense pain radiating from the base of my skull down my shoulder blade that took my breath away. Could barely move my head, had to use my hands to cradle my head as I laid down and spent the next 48 hours in agony, popping ibuprofen and Tylenol. This has happened before - it's usually some innocuous movement following a period of stress/anxiety/bad ergonomics, but this time was really, really bad. Any idea what this might be? Muscle/bone/nerve? I tend to think it's some type of internal muscle cramping

Several years ago I went to a chiropractor for a back issue. He adjusted me and also spent a good deal of time massaging out hard muscle lumps from my neck. I felt like a new man after him - but shortly after he fixed me up he retired. I went to a couple chiros since then and they were a joke compared to what I was used to by 'my guy'. None offered any type of massage and their adjustments were laughable compared to the way 'my guy' twisted me into pretzels.

I'm no longer in pain but I have stiffness in my neck and shoulders that is exacerbated by my job (IT industry). I felt such amazing relief by 'my guy' so I've been looking around for a chiro. But then I thought, maybe it was his massaging that really helped me the most, so maybe I should see a MT... I figure, this being a MT forum the answer will likely be obvious, but I was wondering if the issue I described above could be alleviated by an adjustment vs. massaging.

Separate from this issue, I'd like to get a good massage once or twice a month. I'm from the Buffalo area - any advice on how I could find a good MT in my area? Must a MT be licensed? What about a MT student? Not sure I can muster up $70+tip for an hour, which is what the local salons charge, and I figure students or the unlicensed may be a little more affordable.

I've perused Craigslist but it seems like those offerings specialize in a little more than I'm interested in ...

First post, please be gentle..

 

[parodoxx]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

Oddly, I won't say MT as a first choice. From what it sounds like you are saying, you need to find someone (chiro or MT) who specializes in neck work. I think if you just pick an MT out of the book, so to speak, you may end up with the same results you have had with your last chiros.

The price you pay may be well worth it if you can get some relief from this issue. You can always look for someone less expensive for more general work (not to say someone with special training may not be less expensive- just throwing it out there.)

I would start by asking around for referrals. When you find a couple MTs or chiros, call them and ask what kind of specialized training or continuing education they have had. Ask them if they have an area of expertise or focus.

Best of luck.

 

[pixiemeup82]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

[edited to add that i agree with palpable...must have barely missed the posting time-wise ]

to find massage therapists in your area (and by modality):
http://massagetherapy.com/home/index.php
http://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/locator.aspx

as MTs we cannot diagnose. that being said, i'm a huge advocate for regular chiro AND massage. i go monthly for chiro, but would prefer at least bi-weekly. i see a chiro that also does light-touch therapy and has taken a course or two on trigger points; though i don't get a 'massage' of any sort from him, he utilizes the muscles in the adjustments to a greater extent than a more standard rack-em-crack-em chiro (though they serve a great purpose as well). chiro's are like MTs in that they each have their own touch and any one individual chiro's touch is not suited to EVERY person. perhaps one way to thin out whose table you try out is to call a variety of chiro offices (or send letters/email) to ask what continuing ed they have done; how long they've been in practice, etc.

as for MT...i'm wet behind the ears in regards to working knowledge of a large portion of modalities, but cranio-sacral, trigger point, even plain swedish may all be helpful for this situation. energy work may also have great benefit in assisting you in the relief of this issue. i myself am slowly working on getting on the table of every MT in my area so i have an idea of who's out there and what they're doing so i know who to recommend my own clients to when they're in need of something that i've not studied fully yet. in addition to my advocacy of regular chiro and massage, i also advocate having more than one massage therapist--goes back to that idea of varying touches and varying knowledge bases.


and while there are many people who have a real talent for massage that are not licensed, your safest bet would be to stay with licensed MTs as there are some contraindications to massage. i have no clue as to the requirements for buffalo or NY, but a google search would likely turn up some useful info.

good luck in your quest!

 

[a-z]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

I agree with Palpable about looking for someone who specializes in neck work.

Since you're wanting relief from neck pain/spasm, how about calling MTs and simply ask if they can relieve neck pain. Hopefully this will be met with questions from the MT and maybe explanations of what she or he can do for you or what type of training she or he has had.

 

[erideni]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

To aid in your search for a massage therapist, you might also try the "Find" functions on the websites for Association of Bodyworkers and Massage Therapists [ABMP] and/or the American Massage Therapy Association [AMTA]

Best wishes for your speedy recovery. :massage:

 

[Blue]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

I'm from the Buffalo area...

Just as a side note, I think NYCC (New York Chiro College) has a satellite clinic in Buffalo, but I could be mistaken... just going off the top of my head here and don't have time to check up on that. You may actually get a little better chiropractic care at a college clinic (differently than at an MT school clinic, because of the nature of the knowledge and work). Let's see how can I explain... new MT, sometimes doesn't have enough knowledge behind them to do a fantastic massage (not always, but you get the idea) --- whereas a new DC is still working under a clinician, has a good amount of fresh knowledge and hasn't gotten stuck in their ways as a doctor yet. Now, thier adjusting skills still have the potential of not being next to phenominal yet, but they have already been through about 4 years of upper level school up to this point (note most DC schools are on a tri-mester basis and the student is taking about 20+ hours per semester).

Although there are a lot of good DC's out there, sometimes, like good MT's, they are hard to find (as you noted) due to their working in volume. Again, not all who work in volume are poor... I have a friend who has a high volume clinic, but does an excellent adjustment. And, many times, in my experience, much of this also comes from the specific instructors in the school (for example, in my opinion, one chiropractic college in Texas had a string of years where the ability of doctors coming out to adjust was sorely lacking).

I guess what I am saying, is with chiro, like everything else, there is a factor of ability you have to discern for yourself, but you may find someone in a student clinic who is actually just what you are looking for.

Hope that made sense.

 

[britttaanybaby<3]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

finding a good chiro is like finding a good physician, lawyer, plumber, or any other professional. Your best bet is to get a referral. Also, if you have an injury, a student clinic is not the best place. Don't take a chance with your neck!

 

[yasmin]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

Also, if you have an injury, a student clinic is not the best place.

Although I appreciate your perception of a chiropractic student clinic, I would invite you to become a little more familiar with the process. The student clinic of a Chiropractic College is very unlike the student clinic of a Massage Therapy School or even a Medical School.

An intern in a chiropractic college, as in acupuncture college is monitored and supervised by licensed, experienced clinic doctor. Typically each shift (there will be about 3 -4 shifts in a given day) will have at least 5-8 clinicians on hand who are in a supervisory and mentorship position to the approximately 5-10 interns underneath each of them during that particular shift. It is the supervisors job to not only advise on the intake history, but to also manage the case with the intern discussing and suggesting their own input along the way. The intern is not just doing whatever they want, they do have to take everything to their supervisor.

One may find the following in a typical Chiropractic College clinic: Treatment for patients who have experienced sports, auto accident, home and work related injuries; headaches or back pain, arthritic knees or carpal tunnel. Diagnostic radiology, physiotherapy, rehabilitation exercises, laboratory services, and a variety of chiropractic adjusting techniques are generally provided in state of the art facilities.

• Physical Examination
• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Radiology Services
• Laboratory Services
• Low tech Rehabilitation
• Physiotherapy
• Axial Decompression Therapy
• Osteoporosis Evaluation (Densitometer)
• Therapeutic Supplies: Pillows, Vitamins, Supports, etc.
• Gait/Orthotic Analysis

Here is a first visit example: "the patient will be asked to complete a health history form. Under the supervision of a licensed clinic doctor, the intern will consult with the patient and schedule a complete physical exam, X-rays, and/or lab tests to determine the correct treatment program, and/or whether the patient should be referred to another type of health care provider or specialist. After a thorough evaluation of this data by the clinic doctor and intern, the intern will present the patient with a Report of Findings to help the patient understand their condition and the prescribed treatment."

I can also offer the NYCC Health Center links: http://www.nycc.edu/CommunityHealth_Centers.htm and http://www.nycchealthcenters.com/

 

[Pompal 09.]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

Also, if you have an injury, a student clinic is not the best place.

Although I appreciate your perception of a chiropractic student clinic, I would invite you to become a little more familiar with the process. The student clinic of a Chiropractic College is very unlike the student clinic of a Massage Therapy School or even a Medical School.

Well StrainedNeck sounds like he wants a really experienced chiro so a student clinic wouldn't be really appropriate.

If it were me, I wouldn't let some student adjust my cervical spine.

 

[Katrina]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

I agree with pueppi, the NYCC clinic is amazing. Fully staffed and highly skilled. If you are not comfortable with "students" adjusting you, definitely contact them for some reputable referrals in your area. I myself practice in a MT/DC environment and would highly reccommend that you seek that as a treatment option. We have great results when they are used together. Don't put it off though! The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to "straighten" you out!

 

[Jade S]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

I would like to mention, since I did not previously, that I also agree with palpable on finding a therapist specializing in neck work as another good possible help, for the original poster.

Well StrainedNeck sounds like he wants a really experienced chiro so a student clinic wouldn't be really appropriate.

If it were me, I wouldn't let some student adjust my cervical spine.

Since the original poster mentioned that he/she had a previous chiropractor who spent enough time with him/her to work the musculature along with the adjustment, this is what led me to offer up the suggestion of the intern clinic in the first place. A clinic like this should be a place where the intern has more, rather than less, time to spend with the patient, and therefore may be a bit more to the OP's liking. Plus the OP would have the opportunity to ask for an intern who would be open to providing muscle work along with the chiropractic, which sounded like what the OP was interested in (at least to me).

I can understand that if it were you, you may not be interested in this option - and that's ok. However, I would like to address your comment and mention that a strained neck would be an appropriate condition to seek care for an a Chiropractic College clinic. Also, making note that an Intern is not "some student".

I will try to provide you with a better synopsis of what occurs on the way to and during Chiropractic College, since you obviously have not had the opportunity to be educated on this information up to this point.

Please note that the pre-requisites to attending chiropractic college are a minimum of 48 semester hours of the following:

SCIENCES 24 Semester hours

• Inorganic (General)Chemistry I and II (with labs) 6 hours
• Organic Chemistry I and II (with labs)
  Requirement can also be met by taking Organic Chemistry and/or Biochemistry 6 hours
• Biology I and II (with labs)
  (Biology includes General Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Cell Biology, Zoology, and Microbiology) 6
• Physics I and II (with labs)
  (The Physics II requirement can also be met by taking Statistics, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology) 6 hours

SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES 24 Semester hours

• English or English Communication Skills 6 hours
• Psychology 3 hours
• Social Sciences and Humanities
  (anthropology, criminal justice, English, geography, literature, psychology, classics, economics, fine arts (performance & theory/history), government, philosophy, religion, communication, education, foreign languages, history, political science, sociology) 15 hours

Most students enrolling in chiropractic college, in my experience, have already undergone their Bachelors Degree, and not just the minimum trequirements.


Duration of the Doctoral Program
The Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree requires a minimum of ten 15-week trimesters (three years and four months, total) of full-time resident study, including a clinical internship.

• This is the equivalent of five academic years

Summary of Course Hours for Doctor of Chiropractic

• Anatomy 585 hours
• Biochemistry 75 hours
• Physiopathology 345 hours
• Microbiology and Public Health 120 hours
• Diagnosis 525 hours
• Diagnostic Imaging 270 hours
• Clinical Laboratory 75 hours
• Associated Studies 165 hours
• Chiropractic Philosophy 135 hours
• Chiropractic Technique 615 hours
• Ancillary Therapeutic Procedures 90 hours
• Clinical Practice Issues 75 hours
• Clinical Experience and Outpatient Services 1,320 hours
  Total Core hours 4,380 hours
  
• Elective Courses 225 hours
  
  Total 4,620 hours

Unless things have changed, before being allowed to enter the Internship, the chiropractic student has also completed the following NBCE testing: (I may be wrong about Part III, as that may be done middle of or right after clinic, but jyoti would be able to correct me on that, as she is a little more up to date with the exam schedule currently). Suffice to say, one must ALSO pass a clinic entrance exam before becoming an intern as well.

• Part I
  Includes subject examinations in each of six basic science areas: general anatomy, spinal anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, and microbiology and public health. Each subject examination contains 110 standard multiple-choice questions and is allotted 90 minutes of testing time.
  
  Part II
  Includes subject examinations in each of six clinical science areas: general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, principles of chiropractic, chiropractic practice and associated clinical sciences. Five of the subject examinations( general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, principles of chiropractic, and associated clinical sciences) consist of110 standard multiple-choice questions. One subject, chiropractic practice, consists of 100 standard multiple-choice questions. All Part II subjects are allotted 90 minutes of testing time.
  
  Part III
  Addresses nine clinical areas: case history, physical examination, neuromusculoskeletal examination, roentgenologic examination, clinical laboratory and special studies examination, diagnosis or clinical impression, chiropractic techniques, supportive techniques, and case management. The Part III Examination consists of two books, with a total of 110 standard multiple-choice questions and 10 case vignettes, broken down as follows:
  
  •Each book has 55 standard multiple-choice questions, plus five case vignettes
  •Each of the five case vignettes contains three extended multiple-choice questions
  •Each of these three questions requires three answers
• Each book is allotted two hours of testing time.
  
  
  Many schools also utilize the Physiotherapy Exam:
  
  An elective examination that consists of 92 standard multiple-choice questions and two case vignettes. Each case vignette includes three extended multiple-choice questions requiring three answers. The Physiotherapy Examination is allotted 90 minutes of testing time.

So, as you can see, it really is a little more than "just" a student, and I hope it gives you some insight into the process and why I suggested this as an option.

 

[Jun]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

[entire freakin' syllabus from chiro school deleted]

So, as you can see, it really is a little more than "just" a student, and I hope it gives you some insight into the process and why I suggested this as an option.

A student's a student. I stand by what I said.

When do you graduate? :

 

[Lozza]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

pueppi wrote:
[entire freakin' syllabus from chiro school deleted]

So, as you can see, it really is a little more than "just" a student, and I hope it gives you some insight into the process and why I suggested this as an option.



A student's a student. I stand by what I said.

When do you graduate? :

Wow. That's just disrespectful.

I appreciate you, Pueppi, for setting the record straight. I know you have a chiropractic background. I live with a new chiropractic grad (just last month!), and have seen first hand the evolvement from one who is a "student" to an intern to a full fledged doctor of chiropractic. By the time they are able to treat patients in the clinic setting, they do indeed have to prove their stuff. And frankly, they are supervised quite closely in the clinic, and there is indeed more attention to THOROUGH case taking for a patient in this environment. Also, more time is spent in treating soft tissue in my experience than I have seen by most DCs I've known in private practice (time limitations, perhaps) who don't have a MT on staff. There are no shortcuts taken in the school clinic atmosphere.

Note also that a med student and an intern are separate distinctions, same with a chiropractic student and a chiropractic intern.

Now, also understand that in the school clinic there are many times the adjustments are performed by the supervising docs. This is something the patient can request.

And the services at the schools are quite affordable for those without a lot of money or insurance.

To the OP, good luck and heal soon!

 

[Bill Kaulitz lover 4ever!]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

pueppi,

I am located about halfway in between the two NYCC campuses, though I did not know about the Buffalo campus. I'd say your suggestion is a sound one.

 

[Baconfat]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

Wow. That's just disrespectful.

Wow, that's just overreacting. Maybe you could explain why a student is the best treatment option for someone with neck problems. I would have thought a more experienced practitioner would be preferable, but clearly I'm in the dark on this one.

 

[Alex Vienneau]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

Hey, I didn't say best, that was your interpretation. I am presenting, in agreement with pueppi, why a chiropractic college clinic is a viable option. And the explanation is clearly laid out in posts written both by myself and pueppi, if you choose to read with an open mind. Maybe sorta hard in the dark, eh?

 

[Petter]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

Just a consideration - once you've found your new practitioner & he or she has done some evaluation work - as well as working on your upper body, neck & shoulders (most good practitioners are going to want to work the whole area to really help free up the problem) - you may find that there is a need for some strength training & stretching work to be carried out on your part.

From what you stated in your post - it is entirely possible that from the time of the initial injury or the "beginning" of the problem - however it first began -
that there is a weakness on one side which may also have been aggravated from the type of work you do. Other stronger muscles will take the load for awhile & eventually become overworked or affected by postural imbalances. So, don't expect to have this issue clear out in just one or two sessions, or by just having the neck alone worked on, & that will be it.

Ask for any suggestions your practitioner may have to offer, as far as exercises, stretching & or strength training, as that is more likely to ensure that you don't have to go down the same road again in the future!

Good luck & I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Irish Bear]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

Hey, I didn't say best, that was your interpretation. I am presenting, in agreement with pueppi, why a chiropractic college clinic is a viable option. And the explanation is clearly laid out in posts written both by myself and pueppi, if you choose to read with an open mind. Maybe sorta hard in the dark, eh?

OK so what you and pueppi propose as a viable treatment option is a student chiro clinic. You don't mean it's the best treatment option. You just mean it exists. And yet anyone who suggests it's NOT the best, you'll accuse of not having an open mind. Or "choosing to read with an open mind" as you put it. Even though the op obviously doesn't want a student. Feh!

 

[mbrcatz]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

Hey, I didn't say best, that was your interpretation. I am presenting, in agreement with pueppi, why a chiropractic college clinic is a viable option. And the explanation is clearly laid out in posts written both by myself and pueppi, if you choose to read with an open mind. Maybe sorta hard in the dark, eh?

OK so what you and pueppi propose as a viable treatment option is a student chiro clinic. You don't mean it's the best treatment option. You just mean it exists. And yet anyone who suggests it's NOT the best, you'll accuse of not having an open mind. Or "choosing to read with an open mind" as you put it. Even though the op obviously doesn't want a student. Feh!

Actually the OP specifically said he was interested in student practitioners, because they would be more affordable. Pueppi expressed that a student chiropractic intern would be a good choice. You shot her down (numerous times), even though she gave clear reasons why treatment there could be both safe & effective. Others agreed with her, and you repeatedly disagreed, even though you have zero experience attending such a clinic yourself. That's why you're accused of having a closed mind. Anyway, this thread isn't about you.

StrainedNeck, you've gotten a lot of great advice on this thread. Please keep us posted on your healing progress!

 

[VPSY]

Confessions of an ergonomic klutz. Do I need a MT or chiro?

Hey, I didn't say best, that was your interpretation. I am presenting, in agreement with pueppi, why a chiropractic college clinic is a viable option. And the explanation is clearly laid out in posts written both by myself and pueppi, if you choose to read with an open mind. Maybe sorta hard in the dark, eh?

OK so what you and pueppi propose as a viable treatment option is a student chiro clinic. You don't mean it's the best treatment option. You just mean it exists. And yet anyone who suggests it's NOT the best, you'll accuse of not having an open mind. Or "choosing to read with an open mind" as you put it. Even though the op obviously doesn't want a student. Feh!

What has been clearly pointed out to you is that an intern is NOT A STUDENT. Your insistence that these posters - who have knowledge and understanding of the chiropractic college clinic - are wrong *does* come off sounding incredibly disrespectful.