John Skipper clearly defines a common problem for those of retirement age. The government doesn't know what to do with you if you are healthy. On the other hand, they will gladly treat you into the grave. Congratulations to Nora Bigger for fighting against the system, for staying healthy in spite of her government!
The government can't seem to figure out that if a person is healthy and NOT receiving costly life-saving procedures and medications, they actually cost a lot less! In one of my recent posts, for example, I talked about the cost of spinal surgery for back pain verses chiropractic care. One surgical procedure on the lower back will cost the taxpayers $30,000-$100,000! On the other hand, a person could see a chiropractor for back pain and in a lifetime would not spend that much money! (not to mention that many people have serious complications related to surgery, such as death, disability, etc, which costs the system hundreds of thousands of dollars per incident.
We are all going to age. The goal is to age in as healthy a manor as possible. We should aspire to a high QUALITY of life, for as long as possible, with a peaceful exit at the end. Who wants to be alive and miserable? NOT ME! Too often, however, modern medicine struggles to keep us alive and miserable for as long as possible. The result is a prolonged life but with a poor quality of life.
Our health care system should be focusing more time, effort and resources on improving the quality of life through PROMOTING a healthy lifestyle and Wellness practices like acupuncture, nutrition, chiropractic, etc. Less should be spent in the struggle to prolong the misery of a chemically supported life.
To some, this will sound harsh. To me, this point of view sounds very humanitarian. Even the most harsh critic, if he would look deep inside of himself, has probably said at least once, when a loved one has passed, "It was their time, they were so miserable, they have gone to a better place."
Life is precious, but there is more to life than just living.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Back Pain Options
There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to dealing with lower back pain. That is a good thing! Some people will respond to one form of treatment, and others will respond to something altogether different. The prudent practitioner expands his/her capabilities so that more people can be helped.
I recently read an article that talked about options for lower back pain. In it, the author talked about alternative treatment methods for dealing with lower back pain. She listed massage, medications, and chiropractic as potentially helpful. She should have included acupuncture as well. They also talked about implanting electrodes along the spinal chord in order to numb the area with electrical stimulation.
This is a viable option, but understand that often the electrodes don't even have to be surgically placed. Many people respond to simple TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit is a simple battery powered device that is worn on the belt, with electrical wires that run to pads that are stuck to the skin over the area of pain. For about $100.00, many find this very helpful. With a TENS unit, you don't run the risk associated with surgeries, such as infection, allergic reactions, rejections, stroke, CV events, etc. EVERY SURGERY IS RISKY! And in spite of what you might think, surgery doesn't cure or correct your spinal condition, it simply helps to manage it. Lower back pain is usually caused by malfunctioning joints in the lower back, muscle tightness or spasm, and nerve irritation, possibly due to disk degeneration or bulging. No electrical current will cure these problems, though it might help to ease the pain associated with them.
Before you try ANY surgery, try everything else. Surgery is irreversible and risky, and should be your last resort for treatment of back pain.
I recently read an article that talked about options for lower back pain. In it, the author talked about alternative treatment methods for dealing with lower back pain. She listed massage, medications, and chiropractic as potentially helpful. She should have included acupuncture as well. They also talked about implanting electrodes along the spinal chord in order to numb the area with electrical stimulation.
This is a viable option, but understand that often the electrodes don't even have to be surgically placed. Many people respond to simple TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit is a simple battery powered device that is worn on the belt, with electrical wires that run to pads that are stuck to the skin over the area of pain. For about $100.00, many find this very helpful. With a TENS unit, you don't run the risk associated with surgeries, such as infection, allergic reactions, rejections, stroke, CV events, etc. EVERY SURGERY IS RISKY! And in spite of what you might think, surgery doesn't cure or correct your spinal condition, it simply helps to manage it. Lower back pain is usually caused by malfunctioning joints in the lower back, muscle tightness or spasm, and nerve irritation, possibly due to disk degeneration or bulging. No electrical current will cure these problems, though it might help to ease the pain associated with them.
Before you try ANY surgery, try everything else. Surgery is irreversible and risky, and should be your last resort for treatment of back pain.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Surgeons Ordering More Expensive and More Risky Spinal Surgeries
I have been in practice for 20 years. During that time, I have treated the elderly and the young. I have had my successes, and my failures. I am very proud of my record. I love my patients, and I care deeply about how they respond to my treatment.
I honestly believe that my medical physician colleagues are, for the most part, equally invested in their patients.
A recent JAMA article takes a close look at current trends in spinal surgical procedures ordered and performed on elderly patients with a condition known as Spinal Stenosis. The researches indicated that there are basically three kinds of surgeries performed for Spinal Stenosis. The first, called "decompression", refers to the removal of some of the bone in the spine in order to take pressure off of the spinal cord or nerve roots. According to the study, this procedure, of the three, presents the patient with the least amount of risk, and it is the least expensive at an approximate cost of $30,000.
The other two types of surgical procedures are spinal fusions. A simple fusion involves 1-2 disc levels, while a complex fusion involves more than 2 disc levels and requires a surgical approach from two angles. The fusion surgeries cost typically $60,000-$90,000 each.
Here is the scary part of this whole nasty business...
In the period of 2002-2007, the rate of spinal complex fusion procedures increased "15-fold, from 1.3-19.9 per 100,000 beneficiaries," while the rate of decompression surgeries declined. To make things worse, those that undergo complex spinal fusion surgeries experience life threatening complications more than twice as often as those that have spinal decompression surgery without fusion.
So, the more expensive and more invasive surgical procedure is on the rise, while the easier and less complicated and less expensive surgery is on the decline. Something smells... something smells bad.
An AP article was published today. According to a quote in this article, "aggressive marketing of devices used in complex fusions is likely playing a role in the increase." The article also states that "allegations of kickbacks to spine surgeons for using products and questionable financial arrangements to doctors as consultants have plagued the multibillion-dollar industry. One company, Medtronic Inc., reached a $40 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department in a whistleblower case that included allegations the company paid doctors to use its spine surgery products. The company denied any wrongdoing."
The cost to Medicare for the three spinal surgeries combined is $1.65 billion per year. Try not to choke...
I treat many patients with spinal stenosis. It is a condition that does not get better, and gradually gets worse. I treat them with Chiropractic Adjustments ($30.00, as per Medicare), spinal traction, and simple therapies, like electrical stimulation and ultrasound. Some will respond to simple exercises (by the way, medicare will not pay for electrical stimulation, ultrasound, exercise therapy, or traction....) Although not all of them respond to my treatment, I have saved you, and me, the taxpayers, MILLIONS OF DOLLARS by preventing or eliminating, in some cases, the need for ANY spinal surgery. It is something that I am very proud of.
But the smell keeps getting worse... many of the patients that undergo spinal surgeries late in life never fully recover. They end up in nursing homes and under hospice care, where they continue to drain the coffers of Medicare.
So.... let me boil this all down to its lowest common denominator:
According to Medicare and spinal surgeons, $90,000 spinal surgeries are just fine. What makes them extra special is that they are probably not necessary most of the time, they cause more injuries than other less expensive procedures, they are more expensive (which obviously makes them of more value... right?), and they can lead to disability and dependency on the medicare system.
How about option #3? Chiropractic care: It is less expensive, has minimal or no side affects, and helps the patient to be more independent.
Please excuse my sarcasm. In reality, it ought to be enough to make us all cry... to cry out and wonder what is going on, Write your Senator and Congressmen. Ask them to expand chiropractic coverage and to include it in any health care reform legislation. It could save us all a ton of money.
I honestly believe that my medical physician colleagues are, for the most part, equally invested in their patients.
A recent JAMA article takes a close look at current trends in spinal surgical procedures ordered and performed on elderly patients with a condition known as Spinal Stenosis. The researches indicated that there are basically three kinds of surgeries performed for Spinal Stenosis. The first, called "decompression", refers to the removal of some of the bone in the spine in order to take pressure off of the spinal cord or nerve roots. According to the study, this procedure, of the three, presents the patient with the least amount of risk, and it is the least expensive at an approximate cost of $30,000.
The other two types of surgical procedures are spinal fusions. A simple fusion involves 1-2 disc levels, while a complex fusion involves more than 2 disc levels and requires a surgical approach from two angles. The fusion surgeries cost typically $60,000-$90,000 each.
Here is the scary part of this whole nasty business...
In the period of 2002-2007, the rate of spinal complex fusion procedures increased "15-fold, from 1.3-19.9 per 100,000 beneficiaries," while the rate of decompression surgeries declined. To make things worse, those that undergo complex spinal fusion surgeries experience life threatening complications more than twice as often as those that have spinal decompression surgery without fusion.
So, the more expensive and more invasive surgical procedure is on the rise, while the easier and less complicated and less expensive surgery is on the decline. Something smells... something smells bad.
An AP article was published today. According to a quote in this article, "aggressive marketing of devices used in complex fusions is likely playing a role in the increase." The article also states that "allegations of kickbacks to spine surgeons for using products and questionable financial arrangements to doctors as consultants have plagued the multibillion-dollar industry. One company, Medtronic Inc., reached a $40 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department in a whistleblower case that included allegations the company paid doctors to use its spine surgery products. The company denied any wrongdoing."
The cost to Medicare for the three spinal surgeries combined is $1.65 billion per year. Try not to choke...
I treat many patients with spinal stenosis. It is a condition that does not get better, and gradually gets worse. I treat them with Chiropractic Adjustments ($30.00, as per Medicare), spinal traction, and simple therapies, like electrical stimulation and ultrasound. Some will respond to simple exercises (by the way, medicare will not pay for electrical stimulation, ultrasound, exercise therapy, or traction....) Although not all of them respond to my treatment, I have saved you, and me, the taxpayers, MILLIONS OF DOLLARS by preventing or eliminating, in some cases, the need for ANY spinal surgery. It is something that I am very proud of.
But the smell keeps getting worse... many of the patients that undergo spinal surgeries late in life never fully recover. They end up in nursing homes and under hospice care, where they continue to drain the coffers of Medicare.
So.... let me boil this all down to its lowest common denominator:
According to Medicare and spinal surgeons, $90,000 spinal surgeries are just fine. What makes them extra special is that they are probably not necessary most of the time, they cause more injuries than other less expensive procedures, they are more expensive (which obviously makes them of more value... right?), and they can lead to disability and dependency on the medicare system.
How about option #3? Chiropractic care: It is less expensive, has minimal or no side affects, and helps the patient to be more independent.
Please excuse my sarcasm. In reality, it ought to be enough to make us all cry... to cry out and wonder what is going on, Write your Senator and Congressmen. Ask them to expand chiropractic coverage and to include it in any health care reform legislation. It could save us all a ton of money.
Health Care Reform, Who is to Blame?
I came across a wonderful article in a magazine of my profession, Dynamic Chiropractic. In it, the author describes several of the problems related to the current health care system.
There are clearly issues on all sides of the question. Doctors have created to the problem, and so have the patients, the insurance companies, and government. The result is a run-away train on a track that ends at the sharp edge of a cliff. If something is not done, the train will without doubt reach the end of the track and crash into the abyss.
The question is, should the train be slowed, or should it be allowed to crash.
Both are painful, and hard to imagine.
If the current system were allowed to continue unchanged, a wreck is the final outcome. But out of the ashes, the health care systems would be re-born, in a new and cleansed state. All parties involved would have to make concessions, and a streamlined and new system would emerge.
If reform is instituted, perhaps the train can be slowed, but would the reform be strong and stern enough and applied in the right areas in order to flip the switch and move the train onto a totally different track, or would it simply slow the train and delay the painful unavoidable end?
I believe that the best option is strong reform that doesn't result in a government universal health system. Rules should be put in place that prevent the expensive and discriminatory practices within the industry on all sides. The insurance company officers and administrators should not be allowed to glean the financial benefits awarded the insurance companies by cutting coverages and increasing premiums. There are too many hands in the cookie jar, and I am not talking about the doctors.
There also needs to be tort reform. Doctors cannot be expected to make good, logical decisions regarding tests and examinations if they are constantly under fear of lawsuit. The practice of medicine requires judgment calls, and when the doctor is working in fear of reprisal, he/she will order questionable tests simply so that they can defend themselves in court with the argument that "they did everything that they could", even if the tests were illogical.
Reform is painful, and difficult. Part of me feels that the train wreck is the best option, even though it would likely mean the demise of my practice and others like it. But then again, the recently passed law, I believe, simply will augment the current problems by creating an even larger and heavier middle man. I hope that I am wrong. There are only so many cookies in the cookie jar.
There are clearly issues on all sides of the question. Doctors have created to the problem, and so have the patients, the insurance companies, and government. The result is a run-away train on a track that ends at the sharp edge of a cliff. If something is not done, the train will without doubt reach the end of the track and crash into the abyss.
The question is, should the train be slowed, or should it be allowed to crash.
Both are painful, and hard to imagine.
If the current system were allowed to continue unchanged, a wreck is the final outcome. But out of the ashes, the health care systems would be re-born, in a new and cleansed state. All parties involved would have to make concessions, and a streamlined and new system would emerge.
If reform is instituted, perhaps the train can be slowed, but would the reform be strong and stern enough and applied in the right areas in order to flip the switch and move the train onto a totally different track, or would it simply slow the train and delay the painful unavoidable end?
I believe that the best option is strong reform that doesn't result in a government universal health system. Rules should be put in place that prevent the expensive and discriminatory practices within the industry on all sides. The insurance company officers and administrators should not be allowed to glean the financial benefits awarded the insurance companies by cutting coverages and increasing premiums. There are too many hands in the cookie jar, and I am not talking about the doctors.
There also needs to be tort reform. Doctors cannot be expected to make good, logical decisions regarding tests and examinations if they are constantly under fear of lawsuit. The practice of medicine requires judgment calls, and when the doctor is working in fear of reprisal, he/she will order questionable tests simply so that they can defend themselves in court with the argument that "they did everything that they could", even if the tests were illogical.
Reform is painful, and difficult. Part of me feels that the train wreck is the best option, even though it would likely mean the demise of my practice and others like it. But then again, the recently passed law, I believe, simply will augment the current problems by creating an even larger and heavier middle man. I hope that I am wrong. There are only so many cookies in the cookie jar.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Sport Chiropractic
Sixer's guard Lou Williams has been suffering with back pain this year, and in fact has missed a few games over the past few weeks.
Now, considering the fact that the Sixer's have invested a ton of money (5 mil this season) and time in Mr Williams, I am sure that they anxious to have him healthy and are willing to provide the best of health care for him in order to get him back onto the floor. Every day that he sits out of the roster costs the organization money. Mr Williams is also a competitor, and he wants to help his team and organization out by performing his absolute best.
According to the article, of all the physicians available to treat Williams, he flies home to see his chiropractor. In fact, he has been seeing his chiropractor every day.
The treatment has been helping, and he said that he was feeling a lot better.
Chiropractic is the treatment of choice of many past and present top athletes. They feel that chiropractic helps to reduce pain, increase flexibility, endurance, and performance.
Chiropractic is also a great value. You don't need a multi million dollar contract to see one.
So, if Chiropractic is the answer for million dollar athletes, it just might be the answer for you.
Now, considering the fact that the Sixer's have invested a ton of money (5 mil this season) and time in Mr Williams, I am sure that they anxious to have him healthy and are willing to provide the best of health care for him in order to get him back onto the floor. Every day that he sits out of the roster costs the organization money. Mr Williams is also a competitor, and he wants to help his team and organization out by performing his absolute best.
According to the article, of all the physicians available to treat Williams, he flies home to see his chiropractor. In fact, he has been seeing his chiropractor every day.
The treatment has been helping, and he said that he was feeling a lot better.
Chiropractic is the treatment of choice of many past and present top athletes. They feel that chiropractic helps to reduce pain, increase flexibility, endurance, and performance.
Chiropractic is also a great value. You don't need a multi million dollar contract to see one.
So, if Chiropractic is the answer for million dollar athletes, it just might be the answer for you.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Something Stinks, and its Not Acupuncture
Acupuncture continues to dominate the health care news lately... A new article on US News and World Report indicates that acupuncture might be helpful in treating patients that have lost their sense of smell after an infection. The name of the condition is post-viral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD), according to the article. The unfortunate part about this study is that it is very small, with only 15 participants. The upside is that if you are suffering from olfactory sensory loss (a loss of smell), then acupuncture could very well help you.
The first step would be to perform an accurate analysis of your "Chi" through the use of a computerized system. We use the Acugraph. The next step would be to treat acupuncture points that create balance for YOU, and acupuncture points related to the sense of smell.
The other positive thing about this approach to PVOD is that there are no side affects. The article in US News and World Report states that there is no medication approved for the treatment of PVOD. For that, we can all be thankful...
The first step would be to perform an accurate analysis of your "Chi" through the use of a computerized system. We use the Acugraph. The next step would be to treat acupuncture points that create balance for YOU, and acupuncture points related to the sense of smell.
The other positive thing about this approach to PVOD is that there are no side affects. The article in US News and World Report states that there is no medication approved for the treatment of PVOD. For that, we can all be thankful...
Massage can Help Low Back Pain
A recent article out of Germany states that Massage and Acupressure can help to ease lower back pain. Although this is obvious to many of us, it is worth noting when others move out of the darkness and into the light.
According to the article, "Peter Sawicki, director of the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, an independent scientific institute that investigates the benefits and harms of medical interventions, says research suggests that classic massage, Thai massage and acupressure can relieve lower back pain that has lasts longer than several weeks. "
He further goes on to say, however, that massage is not enough. Can anyone guess what else Mr. Sawicki claims should be included in an appropriate treatment protocol?
Peter Sawicki states that "people have better pain relief and mobility if they combine massages with exercises and stretching."
It is no doubt that massage is beneficial, and that it is even better when combined with active patient stretching and exercises. As many of you are aware, even more benefits can be achieved with massage, chiropractic adjustments, and exercise.
The moral of the story: Do you exercises and stretches! If you don't have any, check my website. Many are posted there. The key is to do them every day, just like brushing your teeth.
But exercising alone, just like massage or chiropractic care alone, isn't enough. Schedule and follow through with your chiropractic spinal adjustments. Get monthly massages.
Its what the doctor orders.
According to the article, "Peter Sawicki, director of the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, an independent scientific institute that investigates the benefits and harms of medical interventions, says research suggests that classic massage, Thai massage and acupressure can relieve lower back pain that has lasts longer than several weeks. "
He further goes on to say, however, that massage is not enough. Can anyone guess what else Mr. Sawicki claims should be included in an appropriate treatment protocol?
Peter Sawicki states that "people have better pain relief and mobility if they combine massages with exercises and stretching."
It is no doubt that massage is beneficial, and that it is even better when combined with active patient stretching and exercises. As many of you are aware, even more benefits can be achieved with massage, chiropractic adjustments, and exercise.
The moral of the story: Do you exercises and stretches! If you don't have any, check my website. Many are posted there. The key is to do them every day, just like brushing your teeth.
But exercising alone, just like massage or chiropractic care alone, isn't enough. Schedule and follow through with your chiropractic spinal adjustments. Get monthly massages.
Its what the doctor orders.
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