There are two types of mesotheliomas: pleural and peritoneal. A pleural mesothelioma is a neoplasm that involves pleura. When inhaled, asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pleura, causing lesions and scarring. Most people who suffer from mesothelioma or asbestosis have been exposed to asbestos on a daily basis over a long time. Asbestos is used in many tiles, brake pads, and insulation products because of its ability to add strength and fire resistance. However, those who work with products containing asbestos, or factories that produce asbestos products, are most at risk. (See www.mesotheliomafyi.com for more information.)
There are attorneys specializing in the laws pertaining to occupational diseases; there is also an International Classification of Radiographs of the Pneumoconioses, and many radiologists specialize in just the field of study related to this reference set. My point here is not to give information regarding asbestos exposure, but to impress upon you the importance of taking appropriate thoracic views. If your intention is to perform a thoracic spine study, use collimation to view the spine better. If your intention is to take a chest view, then use the proper technique for chest views.
As you can see, these are very different views, and the techniques are very different. Many of us do not have our x-ray rooms set up to perform chest views. Our rare earth screens are not intended to be used for performing P-A chest views. It is too easy to miss lesions, even on very good studies of the chest. If you are interested in improving your technique, there are many references available; some written by chiropractors, and some that may be accessed through chiropractic colleges. If you are having any problems with your x-ray unit or processing, contact your local supplier to help you. If you are still having problems, call your nearest DACBR or the radiology department at a chiropractic college; any one of them will help you with your technique problems. Many times, it is just a matter of chemistry or changing your kVp.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
Some pundits say that the upcoming presidential and congressional races, and many local races, might be the most consequential in our country’s history. We do not have the choice of sitting on the sidelines and hoping our patients will carry our water. Unlike other medical professions such as physical therapists, podiatrists, nurses, etc., the health care class (AMA) will not protect us. We must be in the game.
The most common condition affecting the shoulder is rotator-cuff disease. From acute tears to chronic tendinopathy, it’s common and needs a thorough workup. In fact, even asymptomatic shoulders can have full-thickness rotator-cuff rears in up to 40% of instances. Let’s look at additional conditions that can present to the office with weakness, loss of motion and pain in the shoulder beyond rotator-cuff tears.
