OT opinion on chiropractors: legit or quacks?

My cousin developed a horrible neck pain that eventually made his life miserable. Went to various doctors and they ultimately recommended a surgery on his neck. Then he went to a chiropractor and the guy cracked his neck a few times and he walked out a new man and never had pain again. Saved himself from having a pretty bad surgery at a relatively young age.

But that story is probably an exception to the rule.

It works for some but I wouldn’t trust the most sensitive part of the human body to a non medical doctor

A good one is a godsend for me at least. I drive 120miles one way to see mine when I get jacked up. Went the medical route, could get no relief. Does take a number of visits to reverse what a long period of time has got you out of adjustment. The sudden nerve pain is a common issue, mine would result in feelin like a knife stab in my arm, or lower back

“ Upper back pain that can radiate down to the arm,even make my hand tingle”
That sounds like neck,specifically C3-C4. My wife went through an episode of same symptoms,actually worse.Her L arm and hand were very weak besides tingling.Had severe upper back pain,trapezius muscle.
What caused her problems was working in a cath lab,wearing a 40 lb lead apron and neck bent looking down on pts. lying on the table for hours .She saw a neurosurgeon,he told her no more cath lab and hopefully her problem would resolve.It got better fairly quickly after she quit,regained strength in her hand and arm.At it’s worst she couldn’t hold 5 lbs.

I personally think chiropractors are a waste of time and money.

I sure as hell wouldn’t let one “crack” my neck,can cause a vertebral artery dissection.

Well, you've come to the experts-about everything, not just medicine, but trust me they'll get you right!

I’ve gotten pain relief from visiting them, but they never cured an actual medical condition.

As to the pain in your back and hand tingling, I had something similar. Thought it was a simple shoulder injury. Found out I have cervical spine damage and sever spinal cord compression at C2 -C6. Had to give up some hobbies so I don’t end up like Christopher Reeves.

You Might want to see an orthopedist if it doesn’t get better. In case it’s more than just pain.

I have had them actually help on rare occasions. Funny thing is, when your insurance no longer covers their bill, you are magically cured!

Acupuncture

Try it. It's way better and it works.

I had a lower back issue about 15 years ago. This guy did an adjustment and I was a new person.

Here we are now…different issue of course. I guess this is what happens when you get to be 40.