Health Tips
October 2008
Soap box:
Chiropractic first, drugs second, and surgery last. That’s the logical order of proper healthcare when you really think about it. Chiropractic doctors are well trained and uniquely qualified to help restore the human body to normal function.
We do this by relieving interference to the nervous system through spinal adjustments, nutritional modification, and lifestyle enhancement. Drugs and surgery may be necessary, but should be reserved for disease and life-limiting disabilities.
November 2008
The body and mind are inseparable:
The body and mind are inseparable, at least from a neurological standpoint. What you think about tends to manifest physically.
That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending upon your perspective. Stress can make you physically ill while meditation, a positive mental attitude, prayer, and a focus on serving others can contribute to wellness.
December 2008
Check your own children for scoliosis:
Check your own children for scoliosis twice a year. Think about it when you set your clocks backward or forward for the time change, or just mark your calendar. It’s easier than you may think.
Stand behind the child and look to see if the ears are level. Then check the shoulders, then the hips. Then stand to the side of the child and look to see if the ear, shoulder, hip, and ankle are in a vertical line. Then go behind the child again and have him or her bend forward. Look for any humps of the ribcage. If you see anything that looks off line, have the child checked by a chiropractor.
January 2009
More on Scoliosis:
Scoliosis may be preventable, or at least minimized, if detected early. “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” Although the human body is more complicated than that, the concept is basically the same.
In orthopedic textbooks, Wolfe’s Law essentially states that bone structure is always altered according to pressure placed upon it. If there is more pressure on one side of the spine than the other, because of postural distortion patterns, the problem will soon become structural and permanent. However, if we can detect the muscle imbalance early enough, chiropractic treatment may prevent structural deformity.
February 2009
Osteoporosis in Men
Osteoporosis isn’t just a woman’s disease. Men can get it too. In fact, 1.5 million men suffer from osteoporosis, and another 3.5 million men have a high risk of developing the disease, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
The problem is that only about half of them have any risk factors (conditions that contribute to bone loss). The other half has idiopathic (we don’t know what causes it) osteoporosis, and can get it at any stage of life, including childhood or adolescence. Here’s the scary part: Compared to women, men are twice as likely to die within one or two years after a hip fracture.
Point: Everybody needs to be tested, and we do the test at the Bronson Clinic. Please see Chiropractic Services, Diagnostics, Bone Density Test
March 2009
Osteoporosis in Men, More News
Take charge of your health and research important issues, because you’re not likely to get all the health information you need at a medical clinic. For instance, the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that fewer than 2% of men have been told by their doctors that they may be at risk of osteoporosis. Yet 1.5 million men suffer from osteoporosis and another 3.5 million have a high risk of developing the disease.
Even men who are at a high risk don’t know that the disease can affect males. The problem is that men are twice as likely to die (compared to women) within two years after a hip fracture.
Point: Women aren’t the only ones who need to be tested….men too!
Good news: We have a bone density scanner in our clinic and can do it for less than half the cost of a radiology center.
April 2009
Don’t Ever See a Chiropractor
Have you ever been told by your medical doctor not to see a chiropractor? My guess is that many of you have. Some medical doctors routinely refer patients to chiropractors, but some still discriminate against the chiropractic profession based upon preconceived notions or from medical school misinformation.
If you are already a chiropractic patient, then perhaps you have done your own research and trust your own judgment. If your medical doctor tells you not to seek chiropractic care when you feel this is what you need, invite him or her accompany you to the Bronson Clinic to find out first-hand what we have to offer. We will welcome them and help them to understand the current scientific basis of chiropractic. The fact is that some local medical doctors are themselves chiropractic patients in this clinic; and many physicians and surgeons send their patients and family members to us for chiropractic care.
May 2009
Informed Consent
Whenever you meet with your doctor, whether it’s your medicine prescriber or your chiropractor, ask a lot of questions. Ask “why?” over and over again until satisfied that your questions are answered. You should always obtain enough information so that you feel totally informed.
That’s called “Informed Consent.” It is the doctor’s responsibility to make sure that each patient is fully aware of the risks of the recommended treatment, and any alternatives that may be available with less risk. While no treatment is without risk, research has proven that there is less risk with receiving a chiropractic adjustment than with taking most medicines, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter. Documentation is available in the clinic or on the ACA website. See Links.
June 2009
Vertebral Subluxation
Is it possible that a spinal bone misalignment (sometimes called “vertebral subluxation”) can be causing your pain or ailment? Is it possible that getting it fixed can relieve your pain or cure your ailment? The only person qualified to tell you is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic.
All doctors have read (or should have read) textbooks such as Gray’s Anatomy, Guyton’s Physiology, and Turek’s Orthopedics. The science of Chiropractic is based upon the knowledge base contained in books such as these. But the only way for you to know for sure is to find out for yourself by having a chiropractic examination.
July 2009
Duty to Diagnose
Did you know that all but a small fraction of licensed chiropractors are trained in diagnosing illnesses? Some chiropractors see their only job as to correct the subluxations (misalignments) in a person’s spine. But most DC’s consider all medical possibilities before reaching a diagnosis, so that nothing is overlooked.
If the chiropractor’s examination indicates that a medical condition might be present, then an appropriate referral will be made. If the condition is within the scope of chiropractic, then treatment is initiated for the purpose of correcting the subluxation or misalignment. Even though the vast majority of “aches and pains” that walk in our door are from muscle, nerve, and joint dysfunction, we thoroughly screen our patients to make sure we’re not missing anything that is outside our scope of practice.
August 2009
Cause of Your Back Pain
What’s the real cause of your back pain? Well, you’re likely to get a variety of opinions from family, friends, and coworkers, without even asking. Right? It seems that everyone knows somebody that had “exactly the same thing” and they are quick to offer advice.
The fact is that back pain can be caused by over a dozen different conditions. Proper treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis; and the best way to get and accurate diagnosis is to see a specialist such as a chiropractic orthopedist. That is why many medical doctors refer patients to us for diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Bronson always explains the problem in common terms that most people can understand, using model spines and charts. Then he always sends a report to the referring doctor to keep him or her informed.
September 2009
Athletes and Chiropractic
Athletic injuries are commonly treated by chiropractors across the nation and around the world. Many of the U.S. Olympic athletes rely on chiropractors because of the rules against drugs, including prescription medicines. They need to stay well and recuperate from injuries quickly without taking any banned substances. They believe in chiropractic not only for rehabilitation purposes, but also because they feel it gives them an edge in their competitions. Likewise, many of our patients feel that chiropractic adjustments give them an edge in their daily life.
October 2009
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are sold everywhere nowadays. The trouble is figuring out what you need, what you don’t need, and what you should avoid. Before we discuss these issues with a patient, we do a complete health assessment. Some of the products we recommend can be purchased here in the clinic, and some are available at the local health food store.
We often recommend products that contain all of the enzymes and nutrients that are naturally present in selected fruits and vegetables. If you rarely eat fruits and vegetables, you will really tell a difference in how you feel. Even if you already eat fruits and veggies, more is better in order to combat diseases caused by oxidation, such as arthritis and some forms of cancer.
November 2009
Healthcare Reform
Currently there is much debate regarding the cost of healthcare and the concept of “government option” universal healthcare coverage. Should the government take over healthcare? Should we leave it to capitalism and the insurance companies? Are all citizens entitled to quality healthcare, or just those who have money to pay?
The answer to these questions isn’t an easy one. We must consider the impact on our economy, our society, the quality of healthcare, as well as ethical dilemmas. Our current system is based on capitalism. Capitalism is the nucleus of our American economic engine, fosters creativity, and generates excellence. But does this work in healthcare. Personally, I would like to think that excellence in healthcare could be achieved simply from doctors’ passionate desire to provide for others.
No matter the structure of our system, most would agree that individuals must have freedom to choose their provider. People choose chiropractic healthcare for a variety of reasons, mainly because it works. Also, chiropractic healthcare is cost-effective, and this has been proven many times over. Chiropractic must be included, and patients must have full access to chiropractic care. Please get involved by visiting www.chirovoice.org. There are some very simple things you can do to ensure freedom of choice in healthcare.
December 2009
How to Choose a Doctor
For a variety of reasons, patients sometimes need to look for a new doctor. Perhaps they have relocated to another town, or require a specialist to address specific health concerns. My advice is to ask friends for a recommendation, and ask your doctor for a referral. Doctors keep track of their colleagues and can look through various directories to find someone in your area.
The best doctors are usually active members in their specialty organization, and can be found in these directories. When we refer a patient for specialty or primary care, we usually provide them with several names and phone numbers of qualified doctors. We recommend that our patients call the doctor to set up an interview, or arrange for e-mail correspondence so they can ask questions prior to scheduling an examination visit. This gives the patient information before making a commitment of time and money. I always invite my patients to call me directly at the clinic, or e-mail me directly at drmark@bronsonclinic.com.
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