Has anyone had experience using this method of relieving back pain. I have a disc problem, and two pinched nerves in my neck. Went to a new chiropractor on advice of a friend. (Never been to one before) He uses the Activtor Method and SWEARS it will relieve my pain and is highly effective. I just don't understand how it would work! Just sounds wierd. (He's very popular and has a huge practice.) Need some friendly advice, PLEASE!!! (The Activator is a "thumper" type instrument ) oooh, what to do????
If it is what my chiropractor uses it is great. It is a small machine that does real quick pulses to reach down deep. He uses it to relax my muscles so he can adjust better. Regardless, I would try him before you try surgery. What they will try to do is heal the inflamed area around the disc to allow it to heal. If you can afford it, I would even check on acupuncture. I used that at one time for back pain and it worked great. Just can't afford it anymore. As it is, I struggle to spend money to go to the chiropractor. I need to as my neck is really out which is shooting pain clear down my left leg and it causes my left eye to switch. The only way to stop my eye from switching is to turn my head a certain way to take pressure off the nerve.
It is fascinating how our bodies work. Too bad chiropractic or acupuncture can't heal AD. ;-(
The gadget is really very small...and feels like a big finger thump when triggered. I was afraid it was a scam or something.... He does have a regular practice, but I've seen TV specials about people who practice "silly" medicine that will never work. Guess I'm so used to popping pills and hospital medicine, I am just leary of something that seems so simple to help my pinched nerves in my neck.
Nancy, I have found the Activator Method to be helpful. I think that the fact that your chiropractor has a huge practice would say that others have found it helpful too.
I was particularly interested in your question since we did business a number of years ago with Dr. Fuhr who developed the method. Before he moved to Phoenix, we did all his promotional materials for him. Looking around on the internet I found that the Activator Method is used by 45,000 chiropractors world-wide. The NIH has provided a $400,000 grant to study the use of Activator in the treatment of tmj.
Lori, do you live on the West Coast. Dr. was telling me he went to Chirop. College in Oregon, I think... and that's where he first learned of this technique.
Years ago, I had a physical therapy situation where a chiropractor was using that machine. After several weeks of going there a couple times a week I got asked how my medical doctor felt about the therapy. I told him that he was very happy BECAUSE I was no longer screaming for prescription pain meds. In fact I was off them totally.
I've had other machines used on my back as well, including versions of inferred machines. In addition I've been given stretches to do by physical therapists. They work on the pain too.
All of these things work. The stretches are especially good once the pain is under control because you can do them yourself at the first hint of pain in addition to doing some every day and never get to the "go to Emergency" stage.
OK, here's my update. Thinking I may die of backpain. He said that initially, I will hurt more, but then feel better. I have lots of involvement in my lower back...and what was constant dull pain is now more like muscle spasms in my buttocks. Also said that is not unusual. Easy for HIM to say! After two days of "thumping" my neck is a little less tight. If I was a High Priestess, I'd have someone rubbing my neck, shoulders and lower back on call 24/7. Can you imagine such luxury. I'm remembering my DH used to rub my shoulders when I was tired and achy. He tried, but all he does now is more like gentle petting, not deep tissue rubbing with the thumb loosening up the muscles. but..."I Will Survive".... our theme song!
Glad to hear you are feeling a small result. Give it time and I believe you will get better.
One thing I believe in = there is room for all type of help: medical, chiropractic,naturopath, etc. They can all compliment each other if you can get doctors that agree - both medical and holistic.