Health Chats
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Thursday Apr 09, 2009, 03:00PM - 04:00PM (EST)
Approximately 6-12% of the population utilize chiropractic care, but 83% of those who use it report that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their care. Chiropractic care emphasizes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the spine and musculoskeletal system. Chiropracters believe that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system and they take a holistic, conservative, homeostatic, and patient-centered philosophy towards treatment.<br><br>
Join Adam Tanase, D.C. as he discusses the benefits of chiropractic care. In this hour-long chat, ask Dr. Tanase your questions about the advantages and disadvantages of chiropractic care and learn about the philosophies that underlie this approach to medicine. Learn firsthand what you should expect when visiting a chiropractor and determine whether this approach is right for you.
goatgirl:
I just read your response regarding chiropractic care and its benefits for the immune system. Does (can) chiropractic care also help with adult chronic rhinitis?
Dr. Adam Tanase:
I have helped several patients with this problem exclusively... but first I made sure they weren't exposing themselves to the things that most commonly cause it... mold, bacteria, etc..
Dr. Adam Tanase:
It's common for patients with stuffy noses and congestion to experience noticeable improvements after their chiropractic visits. But chiropractic is not a magical or "silver bullet" that ends any and all health problems. If you're allergic to pet dander, and you work for an animal shelter, there's not much chiropractic will do for you.
Sherrystyles4u:
What would your treatment be for thoracic outlet? And is there a way to adjust a cervical rib?
Dr. Adam Tanase:
Sorry about that, I got cut off. I'm back.
Dr. Adam Tanase:
TOS is a condition that can be helped by physical therapy and/or chiropractic care. Some chiropractors address the first cervical rib, but I've not found that necessary 100% of the time. Often times, restoring proper biomechanics to the neck is all a doctor needs to do to eliminate the problem.
Jibs1:
My doctor is a D.O. ... do you find D.O's are more open to Chiropractic care than MD's? Just in general, of course you cannot speak for all.
Dr. Adam Tanase:
At one point I would have said yes... but I've encountered enough of both over the years that now I'm less inclined to agree. I've met some MDs who love what we do and some DOs who think they're God's gift to the world and that ever chiropractor is wrong by default. I think it's all about personal experience and knowledge.
Dr. Adam Tanase:
But I also don't think that you need either one's "approval" to receive chiropractic care. We're a separate and distinct science, and if your MD/DO is cool with it -- great.. but if not, that shouldn't deter you from visiting a DC.
melissw:
I've had lower back pain on my left side since I was a teenager. It's located extremely low (tailbone) but doesn't really extend to my leg. I used to describe it as a "settling" feeling when laying down flat on my back on a hard surface (as in the bones were settling to the floor). In the past, it only bothered me when lying on the floor or another hard surface, so it was pretty easily avoidable. However recently, it sporadically bothers me while standing or walking... I've found a couple of stretches which seem to help and wonder if you could recommend any more. I've been sleeping on my side more often and wonder if that may be making the symptoms worse?
Dr. Adam Tanase:
Sleeping on your side is fine, assuming you're only using one pillow (not more) and that your bed doesn't dip or slope. I cannot recommend any generic exercises for you, but there may some physical therapy resources online that you can investigate for this type of complaint.
goatgirl:
Thank you for your response Dr. Tanase. I have been to several allergists over the years and have had many tests done only to find I am not allergic to anything in particular. I exhibit all the symptoms of allergies without any known triggers. I have even had surgery to help correct this problem, but with little success. I never even considered chiropractic care before. How many sessions would it typically take find relief from my chronic rhinitis?
Dr. Adam Tanase:
Unfortunately I can't give you a cookie-cutter number because no two people are the same. Visit frequency depends on a number of different factors. I will say, however, that with allergies and sinus trouble, it's not something that takes much time to notice improvements. Typically within the first few weeks you should notice some type of change, and that's a good sign.
ea_poe:
Hi...I have a constant sore lower back. I enjoy some very active sports like racquetball and this is aggravated by that, as well as hinders my ability to play...are there any stretches or routines that you suggest that would either strengthen my lower back or stretch it out some so it's not so sore and tight after?
Dr. Adam Tanase:
I can tell you there are all sorts of stretches and exercises out there, but it's quite difficult to explain these recommendations over email. It's something that's better left demonstrated by a professional in-person. You might look for a sports-injury type of chiropractic center in your area, or even a physical therapist. They'll be able to demonstrate these for you and help you keep enjoying racquetball.
melissw:
I've been seeing an acupuncturist for the treatment of ulcerative colitis for the past few months. Is there any benefit that chiropractic care could offer compared to acupuncture in the treatment of a chronic condition such as this?
Dr. Adam Tanase:
I love helping patients with ulcerative colitis. Most of them were never told that Upper Cervical Care can help boost their quality of life. Take a look at this website: www.UpCspine.com and find a doc in your area.
Dr. Adam Tanase:
In some cases, chiropractic care has been life changing for people with colitis, Crohn's and IBS.
melissw:
Can chiropractic care help with the symptoms associated with carpel tunnel?
Sherrystyles4u:
Thank you for sharing your expertise with us ,My chiropractic experience has opened my eyes to how well educated Chiro's are and a lot of the population do not know enough about Chiropractic care and this is a good way to educate people. Thank you for answering my questions and hope you continue to do this chat.
PlateletGal:
What can chiropractic care do for patients who have fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ?
Dr. Adam Tanase:
It seems that my answer to the question about carpal tunnel did not go through.
Dr. Adam Tanase:
Here it is again... Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a funny condition in that most often people think it's a wrist problem, but actually its a neck problem! It starts in the lower cervical spine at the brachial plexus, which is a network of nerves that control the arm and hand.
MedHelp:
We're out of time...PlateletGal's question will be the last question for the day.
MedHelp:
Thank you everyone for attending today's chat and a big thank you to Dr. Tanase for answering everyone's questions.
