CHIROPRACTOR CAN BE VERY HELPFUL - UP TO A POINT.

Byline: Ann Landers 

Dear Ann Landers A while back, you printed a letter from the wife of a veterinarian. She said she and her husband were often asked why he didn't become a "real" doctor.

I am currently in a relationship with a man who is a chiropractor, and he, too, has been asked the same question many times. That question irritates him and sends me right up the wall.

I have been to many so-called "real" doctors who prescribed medication that cost a fortune and did more harm than good. I also have taken several days off of work and spent a lot of money on a variety of tests only to be told, "There is nothing wrong with you" or "Nothing can be done to help your type of problem." Between the high-tech equipment and the insurance company gobbledygook, a person can go crazy.

Two years ago, I became a chiropractic patient, and since that time, I have not had to use any prescription medication whatsoever. Also, I have never felt better in my life. A chiropractor did for me in six months what "real" doctors could not do in several years.

For all those people who are under the impression that chiropractors are not "real" doctors, by definition, a doctor is a person whose profession is to take care of sick people. It isn't written anywhere that in order to be a doctor you must prescribe medicine.

- Carol in Brooklyn

Dear Carol: Chiropractic medicine does have value. Many people who have had chiropractic treatments swear by them. But, my dear, please be aware that a chiropractor is not a viable substitute for an M.D.

If you have a stiff neck or a backache, a chiropractor can be extremely helpful. But for persistent coughing or stomach problems, skin eruptions or a lump in the breast, I would urge you to see an M.D.

Dear Ann Landers Ever since our youngest son went off to college last September, my husband has spent almost all his time around the house stark naked. "Hank" will sit for hours without a stitch of clothing on, reading or looking at TV in the family room. The garage is attached to our house, and when Hank is working on his car, he is naked as a jaybird. Our back yard has an 8-foot fence, and the only thing Hank wears when he mows the grass is a pair of tennis shoes and socks. I have told him several times that this could be dangerous, but he says, "I know it, but I enjoy the freedom."

Hank swims and sunbathes in the nude, which is OK with me, and he does dress for meals because I insist on it. He has told me several times that he'd love to dine unclothed, but I refuse to allow it.

Do other husbands do this? Do I need counseling? Does Hank? Should I be content that I have a husband who loves me and takes good care of me? I am

- Truly Perplexed

in Lafayette, Ind.

Dear Truly: I don't believe Hank needs a head doctor, but he does need to have limits set. The man's judgment in this area is less than sound.