"... forge every sentence in the teeth of irreducible and stubborn facts."
- William James
The cadre of spine professionals includes anesthesiologists; orthopedists; neurologists; neurosurgeons; radiologists; physiatrists; physical therapists; psychologists; and if they consent to inclusion - chiropractors. My hypothesis is that exposure to cutting-edge (pun intended) medical procedures of the spine informs better chiropractic patient care.
At the December 2002 meeting of the research group, discussion quickly turned to war and orders for smallpox vaccinations for all health care workers. Dr. Carragee asked if anyone had seen a local chiropractor's advertisement claiming to be able to prevent the need for vaccinations. As mentioned in previous articles,1 the anti-vaccination stance is a deal-breaker with medicine. The chiropractic position is not without some merit, and can be articulated with some credibility, however.2,3 I wondered how such a dramatic claim would not draw the ire of the FBI, FTC, FDA, or even Homeland Security.
The surgical controversy over spinal "mets" is about how to provide comfort in terminal disease - or reconstruct after a successful cancer cure. The facts of incidence were most interesting. Consider this a quick review of your worst-case back pain scenarios:
Sharing an understanding of spine pathology is a bridge-builder. Medicine and chiropractic agree that altered biomechanical relationships have long-term consequences to the spine. In integrated spine care, the chiropractor can represent and encourage a healthy spine. The subluxation may be presented as a pre-clinical or pre-medical lesion, as suggested by Korr. Chiropractors could conceivably catch problems before they "go surgical." Although chiropractors are more than spine and musculoskeletal specialists, those who choose careers in spine care have a perspective and approach that addresses one of the Western world's greatest health problems - through self-care, prevention, compliance and conservative care.J. Michael Menke, MA, DC
Palo Alto, California
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
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?
