It's not like one of those TENS units, is it? I know Jerry Lewis swore by his...

What's a TENS unit?

a battery powered device sending a very low electrical current sent through wires to 'pads' applied to you body. Don't put them directly over a bone,, but on either side. they can be used for more than just treating the spine. The current can be increased slightly until you get the amount you feel comfortable with. Usually use for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. TENS, by definition, covers the complete range of transcutaneously applied currents used for nerve excitation although the term is often used with a more restrictive intent, namely to describe the kind of pulses produced by portable stimulators used to treat pain.[1] The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse width, frequency and intensity. Generally TENS is applied at high frequency (>50 Hz) with an intensity below motor contraction (sensory intensity) or low frequency (<10 Hz) with an intensity that produces motor contraction.[2] The benefit of TENS for pain management is controversial.[3]

those muscles loosen up and diminish pain greatly. I get a lot of knots. I also need some traction so I do go to the chiropractor for that.
I went to the NYU center, and they checked my spine for defects and they saw them in the MRI, but said they were inoperable and dismissed me. They recommended I sign up for the pain clinic (a three week wait for appointments) and do nothing - no physical therapy, exercise or chiropractors. They said they would shoot me up with an occasion shot of god knows what, but apparently wanted me to do nothing about the problem- not even stretches. I have heard this is because of liability issues- but it is just plain stupid advice.

Jerry Lewis said the same thing--that they really helped him.

My chiropractor is a great guy, but it got to the point where he couldn't help me at all. I've had three back surgeries now.

Best of luck to you.

Have an appointment with a surgeon in 2 weeks. If I have not had significant relief by then, I will probably proceed with surgery.

There are several people I know who have been successfully treated with the Activator method. My insurance, BCBS, pays for it, so I know it is not quackery. But, my recent MRI showed my spine to be in pretty bad shape.

With great success. It really fixed my lower back issues.I went from debilitating pain to much better within a couple of weeks. It's the only thing that works for me. I've heard it doesn't work for everyone though.
Thankfully now I don't need treatment any more but if ever I did,I would have no hesitation in trying it again.

Hoping I will have the same results!

I really hope it works for you. Occasionally when I feel my spine is misaligned I go back and have a couple of treatments and it puts me straight.
Especially with sciatica it can take a while because the tendons need to get stretched out.
Before I found a treatment that worked my doctors were saying surgery may be the only option. That was over ten years ago and I have still managed to avoid it.
I wish you the best of luck!

if the mri looks bad, a chiropractor isnt gonna fix that. the longer you wait, the higher your chances of permanent nerve damage. i waited too long to get my disks fused and ended up with damage all down my arm.

I'm going to consult with the surgeon regardless. If he thinks surgery is still needed I will go that route. I've just had so many surgeries over the last 3 years, I dread going under again.

I've had lower back pain since I was a teenager and the chiropractor has helped. I have a very high pain threshold but I recently had lower back pain so severe that I couldn't stand it. The orthopedist examined me, looked at X-rays and gave me a cortisone injection. The pain disappeared. That was four months ago. For the first time in more than 40 years I'm pain free.

Hopefully it will last but if I need an injection every 6 months so be it.

P.S. I've also used a portable TENS unit. It works only while it's on.

Best of luck.

They only work, somewhat, a couple of weeks for me.

I had the same experience with wrist pain (de Quervain's Syndrome). Two shots only brought temporary relief so I'll need surgery. Too much work for the next few months to take time off so I'll have to endure the pain until next Spring at the earliest.

Hopefully your chiropractor will be able to provide more lasting relief.

Sending positive thoughts your way.

and best wishes on your upcoming surgery. It's so hard to endure the pain.

Manipulation for me. I had surgery and I regret waiting too long. Chiropractors and physical therapists are
convinced they can help everyone, but unfortunately that is not the case. Sometimes you just need surgery.

Think about it... no drugs and LIGHT does the healing. I haven't tried it yet but it looks promising, my vet suggested it for my old dog's arthritic pain. I started reading up about it for myself.

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-management/cold-laser-therapy-pain-management-treatment

has one, and uses it along with other manipulations; it depends on location and situation.

It's not a magic bullet all by itself, but a tool among many.

If a chiropractor tells you he/she can see that one leg is longer, he/she is a scam artist.

Usually one session is all it takes to alleviate the discomfort. Bear in mind everyone is different, but this is a gentle technique as opposed to the more aggressive manipulation generally used, and I prefer it.

the official name of "activator", but unfortunately got no relief.

I can't have a regular manipulation. I have had treatments with an activator. Some chiropractors are better with it than others.

When they are tapping along your spine it doesn't feel like they could actually be doing anything. I wouldn't rule out some placebo effect.

I have to admit it is better than nothing when you have pinched nerves and muscle spasms.

Before my first fusion, I spent years going to get my neck 'crunched'. I had old injuries that used to freeze up my cervical spine every few months.

effect, not really clear as to whether or not it actually does anything long lasting.

Make sure you get massage because a big part of sciatica involves muscle spasms and that is what LMTs help with.

Good luck and hoping the pain in the butt lessens soon.