As
published in the Berkshire Record...
CHIROPRACTIC AND PAIN MANAGEMENT
August, 2004
Pain management means different things to
different people. For many, the term pain management
(PM) means stopping or alleviating pain. Yet
for others with chronic conditions that have
been resistant to treatment, PM means keeping
the pain to a minimum and learning to live
with it. Chiropractic care can offer much in
regard to pain relief and the sad fact is,
for people who have not tried chiropractic
care, they may be loosing an opportunity for
greater pain relief and quality of life.
The result of many surveys over the years
show that chiropractic is underutilized by
the public due to lack of understanding and
a lack of referrals from other health care
practitioners. One idea often discussed in
chiropractic circles is the notion that chiropractic
and conservative management first, medications
second and surgery last. Obviously this is
an over simplification but it brings out a
good point. Why should more invasive procedures
be used before more conservative approaches
like chiropractic care?
With the addition of chiropractic services
in the military and VA hospitals, time will
tell how valuable chiropractic will be as an
initial health care approach for pain and conservative
management of various pain conditions. A number
of years ago Blue Cross/ Blue Shield did a
study that utilized chiropractors as primary
care physicians and found that there was no
greater degree of misdiagnosis as compared
to their medical counterparts. And the less
invasive procedures and medication saved thousands
of dollars.
In regards to pain management, chiropractic
care can offer a tremendous amount of pain
relief and increased health and wellness. In
addition, chiropractic training includes adjustments
(spinal and extremity manipulation), soft tissue
procedures, dietary management, nutritional
consultation, exercise physiology, and other
natural and non-invasive approaches. Chiropractic
education and training also enables the chiropractor
to diagnose, order diagnostic tests and make
appropriate referrals for medical consultations
and care when needed. Hospitals and other medical
facilities have included chiropractic departments
due to the growing demand and increased awareness
by medical doctors and staff for chiropractic
services.
For those of you suffering with acute and
chronic pain conditions, chiropractic care
can address your healthcare needs and be a
vital part of your health and wellbeing. Find
out more about chiropractic care. The choices
you make today can result in a better tomorrow.
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