Jholachhap Spine Treatments – Know the Telltale Signs of Unsafe Spine Clinics
In India, the term Jholachhap is often used for unqualified or fake practitioners who provide medical treatments without proper training, license, or scientific basis. Unfortunately, many people suffering from back pain or spinal issues end up in such clinics, hoping for quick relief, only to find themselves in more pain or even permanently injured.
This blog discusses the dangers of unregulated, unscientific and potentially harmful spine treatments like traction, oil massages, panchakarma, sudden forceful spinal manipulation, etc. and how you can protect yourself.
What Is a Jholachhap Clinic?
Jholachhap clinics are usually small, unregistered setups offering the so-called desi or traditional treatments or even self-proclaimed modern chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments for spine and joint pain. These often include
- Non-medical professionals without a formal medical degree
- Untrained/ uncertified physiotherapists/ chiropractors
- Practitioners of alternative medicines prescribing allopathic treatments
- Treatments like:
- Random spinal traction (pulling the spine forcefully)
- Oil massages claiming to reverse the slipped disc
- Crude physical manipulation of the spine and neck
- Detox, herbal pastes or unscientific medications
- Cupping and needling for sciatica
They often promise 100% pain relief in one or multiple sessions, but these claims are neither evidence-based nor safe.
Why Are These Treatments Dangerous?
1. Unregulated Spinal Traction
Forceful/ unregulated spinal traction, done by pulling or hanging your body, can cause serious harm with long-term consequences.
- Worsening of a herniated disc
- Acute compression of the spinal cord and nerves
- Neurological deficits, including quadriplegia/ paraplegia/ cauda equina syndrome
- Injury to muscles and ligaments
- Spinal fractures and instability
2. Spinal Manipulations or Adjustments
Forceful cracking or rotating of the spine, especially the neck, is a major red flag. In the hands of untrained persons, this can
- Can lead to paralysis (quadriplegia/ paraplegia/ cauda equina syndrome)
- Severe injury to muscles and ligaments
- Trigger a stroke (especially with neck manipulations)
- Cause vertebral fractures/ instability
- Worsen nerve compression
3. Deep Oil Massages/ Cupping/ Needling/ Panchkarma therapy
Oil massages can feel soothing at first, but these unscientific treatment modalities do not address the pathology of the disease and hence, are unlikely to provide any significant benefit, but expose you to significant risks
- Delay in proper diagnosis and treatment
- Give false relief by masking symptoms
- Skin and other deep tissue infections
- Nutritional and electrolyte imbalances
- Worsening of neural compressive symptoms
- Distrust in scientific and modern medical treatment
Red Flags to Watch Out For
You may be at risk if the clinic
- Has no qualified doctor or physiotherapist with formal medical training
- Universal treatment plans without considering radiological or clinical evidence to guide appropriate care
- Promises instant relief from chronic pain
- Does not explain your spine condition clearly
- Creates distrust regarding modern and scientific medicine
- Is unwilling to refer you to a specialist when symptoms worsen
Why People Still Go to Jholachhap Clinics?
- Lack of awareness
- Fear of surgery
- Financial concerns
- Peer recommendations
- Desperation for pain relief
- Fancy social media posts and advertisements
- False, and unproven claims of relief and cure
But the cost of a wrong treatment is far greater than the cost of a proper diagnosis.
What You Should Do Instead
If you’re suffering from back or neck pain or any spine or joint-related complaints, follow these steps.
- Consult a qualified Spine Specialist or an Orthopaedic/ Neurosurgeon.
- Get the right evaluation and investigations, like X-rays/ MRI as needed.
- Follow a structured plan with evidence-based treatment, which may include
- Pain medications (temporarily)
- Structured and guided Physiotherapy
- Posture correction and lifestyle modifications
- Core and back, strengthening and stabilisation exercises
- Therapeutic and diagnostic interventions
- Surgical management
“Most cases of back pain do not need surgery. In situations where it is necessary, the decision should come from a formally trained and certified spine expert—not from someone offering unproven or ‘miracle’ solutions.”
Choose Safety. Choose Science.
Back pain is common, but unsafe treatment is not the answer. Remember
One wrong pull or twist can damage your spine for life.
“Letting fear guide your decisions can make you vulnerable to harmful and unproven treatments. Don’t allow fear to be used against you—seek care that truly helps, not harms.”
Be informed. Be safe. Don’t fall for promises of quick fixes. Seek real care from real doctors.
🔗 Visit Dr. Archit Goyal for expert, evidence-based treatment for all spine-related problems.
