The most recent study of the relative merits of the various forms of therapy. It involves more than 1,600 patients—conducted that among patients with acute low-back pain, the outcomes are similar whether they receive care for primary-care doctors, chiropractors, or orthopedic surgeons. Moreover, this study found that “primary-care practitioners provide the least-expensive care for low-back pain. Nevertheless, patients expressed the greatest satisfaction with the treatment provided by chiropractors, even though the long-term outcome was no different. Patients found the chiropractors examinations more thorough and their explanations more reassuring.
There may be a role for chiropractic in areas other than treating low-back pain, according to a sampling of published scientific reports. These studies suggest that chiropractic may be helpful for treating bed-wetting in childhood, duodenal ulcers, facial muscles affected by Bell’s palsy, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches, among other conditions.
But you should also be aware that there have been instances of life threatening dissection (tearing) of major arteries to the brain during spinal manipulation. If you have any blood vessel problems, check with your doctor before seeing a chiropractor for such manipulation. Manipulation can also lead to complications in the lower spine such as bladder and rectal disturbances, leg weakness, and loss of sensation in the genital area.
THE BOTTOM LINE. I sometimes refer my patients with back pain to a chiropractor, though not a straight or mixer. I emphasize to the patient that there is no credible evidence that chiropractic does anything for AIDS, a heart attack, pneumonia or other diseases. If you are referred to a chiropractor, take sure he or she is licensed, and ask you doctor to discuss you case with the chiropractor before your visit.
No comments:
Post a Comment