off topic...chiropractors

tlz769 · 02-13-2006, 06:05 PM

hey everybody. I have a general question for you all.

I always crack my back, about 4-6 times a day, just by stickin my chest out and bringing my arms closer, behind my back. this usually works, but it didn't a few weeks ago. There has been a very consistant pain/pressure, primarily in the right upper back (right where the bra goes). This was on tues, 1/31, that I couldn't crack it adequately. It got so intense, that fri 2/3 I went to a chiropractor for the first time. I've since seen him wed, 2/8, from 2/10 and today (mon 2/13). Each time, he's able to crack something, but not the key part. He encourages cracking & stretching and feels I have a rib that is not moving properly. He also thinks that there are some calcifications preventing these bones from moving properly and that we just need to keep moving things as much as possible, by visiting him all the time. however, he now wants films taken, to confirm that it is a rib causing the problem. I asked him what that will change, in the treatmetn plan, as far as just proving what is currently only a theory and he said it won't change anything, just to prove that there is nothing else wrong. He's been having me do stretches, ice & anti-inflammatory meds, and the pain has gone from bout a 9 down to a 5, but it's stuck at a stand still.

Now, if anybody has read my post from bout a month ago, you'll know I owe a very large chunk of change to hospitals for medical bills, due to my insurance deciding that my doctor was no longer in-network; long story short, money is VERY tight (with gas, driving to school 2-5 times a week, tuition, etc.) and I'm paying the hospital $25 a month, til I get a decent job.

I know my insurance will not cover these films, until I reach my deductible for 2006. That said, does anybody have any background that would clue them in, so that you could give me a rough estimate of what "chest films" and a "KUB" would cost me?!?! Or, does it seem like he's jerking me around and just wants my $20 copay every visit?!?! (I originally had tried to cancel with him after the first visit, stating that my insurance wouldn't cover it...turns out he has a contract, that the most out-of-pocket for patients is 20, cuz he advertized with my ins. company and that if my insurance won't cover it, he won't get paid anything more than my $20/visit and he said even those might be reimbursed) So, the fact that he wants me back there so much sorta goes againt thinking he simply wants money. Any ideas?!?! thanks so much, even just for reading this far!!

LvoeRuby · 02-17-2006, 09:18 PM

HI! I work in a managed care field, my job is trying contain medical costs for treatment. And I'm familliar with Chiropractors treatment methods. HONESTLY speaking, I'm not the biggest fan of chiropractors, but I have known a some really good ones.
You asked your chiro exactly the right question. If he doesn't have a answer for what would change in your treatment, then there is NO reason for you to have a chest xray. That's something alot of doctors do when they don't know what to do next or say to you. Also, I've never heard of "calcifications" preventing things from moving around. I think your suspicions are correct.
The price for a chest xray for it is different in every state, but it'll be generally be about $200. He should be able to give you a quote.
Also, if he has you going in 3 times a week or more and not listening to you when you say that he's not getting the right spot, you should find another Chiro.
That's my opinion, whatever it's worth.... GOOD LUCK!! Trust your instincts.