A Low Cost Solution to the High Cost of Health Care

This information is from ACA's Talking Points: ~In a 2012 study to identify early predictors of lumbar spine surgery after occupational back injury, reduced odds of surgery were observed for those under age 35, women, Hispanics and those whose first provider was a DOCTOR of CHIROPRACTIC. 42.7 percent of patients who first saw a surgeon had surgery, in contrast to only 1.5 percent of those who first saw a DC!! A result NOT due to ANY difference in severity of cases seen by DCs and surgeons. ~A 2012 study published tin the Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with acute and subacute neck pain found spinal manipulation therapy provided by DCs more effective than medication in BOTH the short and long term. ~In 2012, an article published in Medical Care showed that costs are LESS for patients with neck pain and back pain who see a DC, based on a risk adjusted analysis of a large nationally representative data set. ~A 2010 study evaluating data from BC/BS of Tenn. found that risk adjusted cost for low back pain episodes of care initiated with a DC were 20% less costly than episodes initiated through a MD. ~A 2010 study at the University of British Colombia found that guidelines-based care which included spinal manipulation provided by a DC was SIGNIFICANTLY more effective than "usual care" provided by a MD for patients for lower back pain for less than 16 weeks duration. ~A 2009 Milstein and Choudhry report stated "------when considering effectiveness and cost together, DC care for low back and neck pain is HIGHLY COST EFFECTIVE [and] represents good value in comparison to MD care----". ~A study published in 2004 showed that patients enrolled in an HMO network using DCs as primary care physicians experienced significantly fewer hospital visits, spent less time in a hospital for care, underwent fewer surgeries and used far less pharmaceuticals than other HMO patients who received traditional medical care. These findings were confirmed in a 2007 follow up study. Chiropractic is NATURAL!! Our goal is to help mobilize, stabilize and rehabilitate and injured spinal joint in an effort to allow the area to heal---naturally. In the same fashion that a cast does not heal a fractured bone, the body does. Stitches do not heal cut skin, the body does. Our hope is to do this WITHOUT drugs or surgery. Not ALL cases respond to conservative Chiropractic management. 85-90% DO!! All I ask for is a chance.

HEY!! Let Me Ask You A Question!

This information is taken from our weekly publication The Wellness Express written by Dr Marty Hughes. Question #1: Are Chiropractic adjustments painful? In general, no. But if you hurt you're going to feel the area we work on. It's like if you have a bruise and I touch it or push on it to assess it, its going to hurt. When you get an adjustment we are working on an area that has swelling and spasm. To touch or move that area may cause an increase of the symptoms. This will be minimal and very temporary. It's not unusual to have some soreness afterward. This is similar to soreness after exercising when you haven't exercised in a long time. Really, no big deal. If you do experience a headache, soreness or pain beyond this minimal affect let the chiropractor know. Sometimes just a simple change in the adjustment technique will alleviate this. Question #2: Is Chiropractic unscientific? Interestingly enough, chiropractic schools have done research since its start in 1895. But, chances are you would dismiss this research as biased. Well, Harvard University did a study several years ago that showed regular chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical (neck) spine had a positive effect on reducing blood pressure. Just last year,2012, the Journal Annals of Internal Medicine, published an article stating that 75% of those treated for neck pain saw much relief compared to 38% that only took pain medication. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics published the outcome of a study where patients treated for low back pain had more satisfaction and improvement with chiropractic care than with treatment from their general medical physician. Question #3: Do Chiropractors only work on the spine? Simply--nope. Most DC's can treat most any extremity and joint such as knees, elbows, wrists and ankles. Soft tissue treatment is very common. This is the of treating muscles and ligaments. Chiropractors take X-Ray and refer for CTs and MRIs in an effort to get a good diagnosis. Headaches, sinus conditions,asthma, and high blood pressure have all seen positive results with spinal adjustments. AND, DCs are always willing and prepared to refer a patient for medical care when the diagnosis or lack of response to conservative chiropractic warrants. Question #4: Is chiropractic care expensive? I guess it's all in your perspective. If you compare chiropractic adjustments and the rehab therapy that goes with it to an aspirin, muscle relaxer and pain killer----sure chiropractic IS more expensive. BUT---you treated a symptom such as spasm, swelling and pain. You DIDN'T treat the problem. If you compare adjustments and therapy to what some perceive to be similar care (not me) such as Physical Therapy, the time and cost is very close. But again, the structural condition of the spinal misalignment is not addressed by the PT. The lack of correcting the spinal, structural misalignment will allow the joint to deteriorate and osteoarthritis to develop over the next few years. If you compare conservative spinal adjustments and rehab to invasive and possibly very dangerous surgery with its hospital stay and rehab----well, as you can imagine its not even close. Why use a shotgun when a BB gun may get the job done. Chiropractic IS safe and effective. Chiropractic First, Medicine Second, Surgery Last. Question #5: Is chiropractic considered "mainstream"? Chiropractic is the second largest healing profession in the country. It's licensed in every state. The Doctorate Degree is conferred by every state per the degree earned from one of sixteen different accredited chiropractic colleges. So yes, a Chiropractor IS a doctor regardless of what the uneducated or ignorant may tell you. Chiropractic is recognized by nearly all insurance and Medicare. Many state Medicaid programs pay for it. As of today, it will be covered under the national health care program. Many of today's medical doctors refer their patients to DCs. This wasn't so 40 to 50 years ago when the medical profession attempted to "contain and eliminate" the chiropractic profession. Sparlin Health Care is a chiropractic and medical clinic all in one. We have a medical doctor, a PA-C and 8 DCs. We also have 15 support staff. We have a full lab for blood work and can do drug as well as DNA testing. Pre-employment exams and DOT exams are also available. Like I always say--just give me a chance.