For years, chiropractors have been treating back pain patients as well as, if not superior to, other health care professions.

In fact, all of the guidelines published around the world have recommended manipulative care as an initial or first step for the treatment of low back pain and more recently, for neck pain.

So why are there still some people who say things like, “I don’t believe in chiropractic,” “I’m not sure if that works,” “if my MD recommends it, maybe I’ll think about it.”

Almost everyone has (or will have) to deal with a sore back that demands some form of health care service. Statistics indicate low back pain affects over 80% of the general population at some time in their lives.

Of that number, about 25% seek chiropractic care initially.

So, let’s look at “the evidence” or research that supports chiropractic care.  Are those who seek chiropractic care truly satisfied?  You be the judge!

1) Consumer Reports May 2009 Consumer Reports Lists Chiropractic Patients As Most Satisfied Consumer Reports ~ May 2009

A study in the May issue of Consumer Reports shows hands-on therapies were tops among treatments for relief of back pain. The study, which surveyed more than 14,000 consumers, was conducted by the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center. The report states that, “eighty-eight percent of those who tried chiropractic manipulation said it helped a lot, and 59 percent were ‘completely’ or ‘very’ satisfied with their chiropractor.”

2) Military Medicine June, 2006 Chiropractic Services in the Canadian Armed Forces: A Pilot Project Military Medicine 2006 (Jun);   171 (6):   572-576

This article reports on satisfaction associated with the introduction of chiropractic services within a military hospital, through a Canadian Armed Forces Pilot Project. A 27-item survey was distributed that inquired about demographic information and satisfaction with chiropractic services to 102 military personnel presenting for on-site chiropractic services at the Archie McCallum Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The majority of military personnel (94.2%) and referring physicians (80.0%) expressed satisfaction with chiropractic services.

3) Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics July, 2006 Factors Associated With Patient Satisfaction With Chiropractic Care: Survey and Review of the Literature J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006 (Jul);   29 (6):   455-462     

The results here generally confirm the findings elsewhere in the literature. Of the 23% of the adult population who have ever visited a chiropractor, overall rates of satisfaction are once again found to be quite high (83% satisfied or better) and the number dissatisfied is quite low (less than 10% dissatisfied or very dissatisfied). This is remarkable given the fact that much of the financial burden of the care is borne by patients, and the preponderance of care is for difficult chronic problems of back and neck.

4)  Symptomatic Outcomes and Perceived Satisfaction Levels of Chiropractic Patients with a Primary Diagnosis Involving Acute Neck Pain J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006 (May);   29 (4):   288-296   

A total of 115 patients were contacted, of whom 94 became study participants, resulting in 60 women (64%) and 34 men. The mean age was 39.6 years (SD, 15.7). The mean number of visits was 24.5 (SD, 21.2). Pain levels improved significantly from a mean of 7.6 (median, 8.0) before treatment to 1.9 (median, 2.0) after treatment (P < .0001). The overall patient satisfaction rate was 94%.

5)  Patient Satisfaction With Chiropractic Physicians In An Independent Physicians’ Association .  J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001 (Nov);  24 (9):   556-559

Various aspects of chiropractic care were given a rating of “excellent” by the following percentage of respondents: Length of time to get an appointment (84.9%); convenience of the office (57.7%); access to the office by telephone (77.3%); length of wait at the office (75.7%); time spent with the provider (74.3%); explanation of what was done during the visit (72.8%); technical skills of the chiropractor (83.3%); and the personal manner of the chiropractor (92.4%). The visit overall was rated as excellent by 83.3% of responders, and 95.5% stated they would definitely recommend the provider to others.

6)  Patient Satisfaction With Chiropractic Care in Los AngelesAHSR FHSR Annu Meet Abstr Book 1994;   11:11     

        This RAND Corporation Study found for overall care, 92% of the patients choose chiropractic care as either excellent or the best .Although the ratings on all the items are high, the highest ratings were given to the more personal qualities of the practitioner: courtesy, politeness, and respect shown to the patient (92%); interest shown in the patient as a person (91%); willingness to listen (89%); ability to put the patient at ease (89%). These results support those of previous studies on chiropractic suggesting the high satisfaction with chiropractic care is a result more of the personal health encounter than the therapeutic outcome. They also suggest other providers could learn much from the interpersonal art of chiropractors.

7)  Patient Satisfaction With the Chiropractic Clinical Encounter: Report From a Practice-based Research Program Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System 2001:   9 (4):   109-117

       The majority of patients were highly satisfied with their care; 85.0% reported that their chiropractor always listened carefully; 85.3% that the DC explained things understandably; 88.2% that the DC showed respect for what they had to say; and 75.6% that he/she involved them in decisions as much as they wanted. The median proportion of patients, per DC, with a chief complaint who said their doctor always spent enough time with them was 82% (IQR: 19%) and 82.3% reported that their chiropractors never recommended more visits than necessary.

 Patient Evaluations of Low Back Pain Care From Family Physicians and Chiropractors . West J Med 1989 (Mar);   150 (3):   351-355 ~ FULL TEXT     

        Patients of chiropractors were three times as likely as patients of family physicians to report that they were very satisfied with the care they received for low back pain (66% versus 22%, respectively). Compared with patients of family physicians, patients of chiropractors were much more likely to have been satisfied with the amount of information they were given, to have perceived that their provider was concerned about them, and to have felt that their provider was comfortable and confident dealing with their problem.

Watching Your Health,

Dr. Sandy A. Bell, D.C.

I am truly blessed to be in the profession I am in. Everyday I get to help people get out of pain and back to doing the things they love to do. Every once in a while there will be great stories from my patients that are outside of helping them with their neck pain and back pain, so I must share.

Before I tell this story, let me preclude it with the fact that I do not think that Chiropractic is a panecea. I generally focus on patient’s neck and back pain. Having said that, the latest research does show that Chiropractic has many benefits outside of neck and back pain. One such study was done out of the University of Chicago by a Medical Doctor, George Bakris, MD. He is the director of the University of Chicago hypertension center. Along with a Chriropractor, Dr. Marshall Dickholtz Sr., DC.

The results of the study concluded the following:

Compared to the sham-treated patients, those who got the real procedure saw an average 14 mm Hg greater drop in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure count), and an average 8 mm Hg greater drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom blood pressure number).

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20070316/chiropractic-cuts-blood-pressure

The point to showing this study is that the patient we recently had in our office told us that she regularly has a high pulse rate (90 beats per minute; should be 60 beats per minute). Well, we have been adjusting her for a sciatic problem, and have been addressing her midback and neck as well. There are nerves from both the midback and neck that control heart function, particularly in the upper neck at C1 as the above study shows. When her vitals were last done, it was reported to her that her pulse rate was 78 beats per minute (a number she hadn’t seen in years). She said that the only thing that she can think of that she has done differently is her new adjustment regimen.

Although I love helping with neck pain and back pain get better, it is always fun when I get to educate people on the other benefits of Chiropractic care.

I thought this was a cool story and promised this awesome patient that I would write this blog, so here it is:)

Watching Your Health,

Dr. Sandy A. Bell

          When dealing with a mechanical spinal problem, the doctor needs to consider the condition of the disks and ligaments, scar tissue, muscle strength, posture, movement, and alignment. A simple prescription, while effective at reducing pain, is not a good solution in the long run. For example, the scar in muscles that is formed after injury when NSAIDs (ibuprofen) are used is much weaker. The patient needs to also consider the side effects of stomach or gastrointestinal bleeding that can come with long-term use. Leaving joints problems to sit for years while masking the pain, will just make future rehabilitation more difficult and less effective.

          Pain is a signal for your body to avoid certain movements and can be very protective. While muscle pain is good during rehabilitation, if there is ligament or joint pain, then you’re pushing it too hard.

          Exercise and stretching without attention to joint injuries, will also not work over time. It’s hard to maintain exercise when there is joint pain. Chiropractic care can keep the spine and other joints flexible while you also approach the other aspects of spine function with specific exercises and stretching.

          Maintaining a healthy body weight is also part of any holistic approach. If you’re overweight, this adds tremendous stress to your spine. In some cases it may be important to first get your weight down, before commencing an exercise program, or weight training.

          In addition to proper weight control you have to also consider sound nutrition in terms of vitamin and mineral consumption. Most patients need to do better at eating green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and other nutritious foods. One has to avoid harmful fats, and chemicals/preservatives that are often present in highly processed foods. Supplements such as manganese and glucosamine chondroitin may help joint health. Although there are few studies on exactly how effective these supplements help, the downside or side effects are quite minimal.

      A doctor of chiropractic can advise you on integrating a holistic approach with spinal joint care, strength training, flexibility, and sound nutrition.

One such source I recommend is Mercola.com. This guy has pumped out a ton of great information about living life without drugs and surgery.

With this blog I intend to enhance the lives of those that give me the good graces of reading my blog. I will do my best to post brief daily tips on how to reduce the pain from conditions like: back pain, neck pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, shoulder pain and elbow pain.

So, for today I would like to give you three things you must know before you see a Chiropractor:

1. All Chiropractors are well intentioned and often misunderstood. Many of us simply want to help our patients with affordable and reasonable care for your pain.

2. Most Chiropractors work very hard to make your experience positive. No one likes going to any doctor, but from my experience, I always walk out of my Chiropractor’s office feeling better and better about my self.

3. There are a lot of different techniques in Chiropractic, and some are a little more forceful…Some extremely light.

Before going to any chiropractor you may want to ask the following:

Is your technnique light or heavy?

How long are your office visits? (we are all in a hurry and there is no way I’m gonna be anywhere for a half hour 3 times a week:))

Do you accept insurance?

There are many more, but instead of going through many Chiropractors, why not find the one that’s best fit for you and enjoy a lifetime of exceptional care:)

Well, kinda of got off topic from the title, but oh well I had fun writing tonight.

Watching Your Health,

Dr. Sandy A. Bell, D.C.

Fireworks, fun and family. It is a symbol that despite great struggle we were able to overcome obstacles and become one of the greatest powers the world has ever known. Although times have been tough for the US lately don’t forget what we have as a result of living in this country. Check this list out and be thankful:

10 Reasons why I love living in the US of A:

1. Running Water

2. Beds to sleep in

3. A mentality that we are the best

4. Food in abundance

5. The greatest entertainment in the world

6. San Francisco

7. Places to exercise

8. Technology in abundance (maybe too much:))

9. The right to vote

10. Freedom

Happy Birthday USA…Stay safe and pain free!!!

Watching Your Health,

Dr. Sandy A. Bell, D.C.

Just had a great experience with a patient who came in with a massive migraine headache and was really helped with her first adjustment.

I see new and pregnant moms in here all the time because of the toll the pregnancy and all of the lifting after the pregnancy takes on the head, neck and shoulders.

Here is what I am told all of the time:

“It’s really hard when you have one child running around and you have to hold your other child in your arm while reaching and bending.”

This basically turns into an overuse injury and affects the muscles, ligaments, disc and joints in your spine which ultimately leads to a lot of pain and misery.

It can also lead to debilitating headaches that one mom told me…”made it so I had to go home and lay down for the rest of the day!”

Not cool when you have kids to take care of and a body that needs attention.

My words of encouragement are TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!

New moms are nortorious for caring for everybody but themselves, but you really are the most important person because those little ones really depend on you to be healthy and functioning as best you can.

Hope these Words of encouragement help:)

Watching Your Health,

Dr. Sandy A. Bell, D.C.

We all live really busy lives and as much as I would love to believe that everybody loves to see their Chiropractor all the time, I understand that is not possible for many.

Here are some of the concerns that my patients tell me come up when thinking about going to see a chiropractor:

1. Is he going to hit me with a big bill or ask me to pay a lot of money up front?

2. Am I going to have to go there forever once I start?

3. Is it going to hurt?

4. Is this some Snake Oil thing?

Here are the answers to those questions:

1. Our office is a “pay per visit” office which means you just pay each time you come in and we do not force you to committ to any long term plans.

2. We get you out of pain as quickly as possible and then let you go on about your life. You only do “maintenance care” if you wish to.

3. Our adjustments are very light and very specific. We can also use tools that don’t involve “popping” bones.

4. Chiropractic has been proven to be a first line defense against neck and back pain. We are happy to provide our patients with the latest evidence based research for ultimate confidence in what we do to help people out.

I hope this answers some questions and misconceptions about Chiropractic.

Watching Your Health,

Dr. Sandy Bell, D.C.

Whiplash or Cervical Acceleration-deceleration Disorder (CAD) is primarily associated with motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) and in particular, rear-end collisions. Last month, we discussed how CAD can be prevented and focused greatly on paying attention while driving and, the position of the headrest. Whiplash is defined as an injury to the cervical spine (neck) caused by a rapid/sudden, usually unexpected, forceful movement. (Typically, forwards and backwards, if struck from in front or behind, or, a side to side movement if struck from the side.) Even worse, when coupled with the head being rotated at the time of impact, tearing of the ligaments, muscles, and joint capsules in the neck can cause a myriad of symptoms that can remain present for years, sometimes permanently.  Some of these symptoms include:

• Neck and shoulder pain and/or stiffness
• Middle and low back pain
• Dizziness
• Vertigo (balance disturbance)
• Fatigue
• Numbness/Tingling
• Face/Jaw pain
• Cognitive dysfunction or brain injury (even without hitting the head directly)
• Sleep disorders

A report published in January 2011 discussed recent advances and a new law that goes into effect 9-1-11 regarding the design of head restraints that is aimed at significantly reducing the injury severity and consequently the costs associated with CAD. The Code of Regulations (CFR) describes the new bill, (FMVSS 202a) as a standard, “…to reduce the frequency and severity of neck injury in rear-end and other collisions.” This new law requires testing the absorbency (springiness), the locking mechanisms, and the height by making sure the restraint is above the center of gravity of the occupant’s head to reduce the “backset” (distance between the head and the restraint). This is done by testing the seat back and head restraint as a system to ensure the head restraint remains in its proper position throughout the collision. The concept is to reduce the rearward shift of the occupant’s head relative to their torso or to avoid extreme hyperextension.  Companies have been manufacturing both dynamic, as well as static, head restraint systems in response to this new requirement that becomes fully effective on 9-1-11 for both front and rear seats. So, how does this equate to costs?

Between the years of 1988 and 1996 from 805,851 whiplash injuries, the National Accident Sampling System (NASS) reported the total annual cost of treatment, excluding damage to property, was $5.2 billion.  This amount includes costs derived from medical, legal, insurance, productivity loss and work loss.  The report estimates, by improving the seat back and head restraint position to the occupant’s head, a total reduction of 14,247 whiplash injuries is expected which will have a nearly $92 million total cost reduction through both direct injury costs and also the indirect societal costs!

If you’ve been in a car accident, feel free to call us and we will make sure you are well taken care. We have all of the experts to help you!

Watching Your Health,

Dr. Sandy Bell

But My Car Only Got a Dent?”

 
Whiplash pain can be much different from other types of injuries. When a car accident is severe, the pain will come on right away. If the injury produces a mild or moderate sprain, sometimes it takes a few days for the pain and inflammation to reach its maximum. Sometimes it is stiffness that is the prominent symptom and the patient notices this in the first few weeks after the accident. The delay in pain is often seen in low speed collisions where typically there is very less damage to the vehicles.

There are a lot of factors that determine the extent of injury following a low speed whiplash. One of these is the neck posture prior to impact. Was the head turned? This can occur if the patient was looking at the rear view mirror during the collision. Low speed collisions can occur in parking lots. If the patient was turned to see if a space was clear, this can make a simple trauma result in a significant injury.

Besides the position of the patient prior to the collision, the speed and amount of vehicle damage are sometimes good criteria for the severity of the trauma. However, it may not be in many cases because of crumple zones. Cars are built with crumple zones. These areas are crushed during the collision and absorb the energy of impact. In some low speed collisions, there is less crumple and more of the force is transmitted to the occupants. This is but one reason why vehicle damage won’t always equate with the spinal damage.

Another factor in whiplash is whether the head-rest was properly positioned. A proper head-rest should be close to the back of the head and its high point slightly above the top of the head. The reason for the high position is that in a rear-end collision, the patient who is being hit will rise slightly with impact. If the head- rest is too low, then the neck will bend around it like a fulcrum causing even more injury. The same thing happens if the seat is reclined too far and the head whips backwards before hitting the head-rest.

Because symptoms can come on slowly and minor vehicle damage is not a good indicator of injury, a thorough examination is required. It is important to be checked by a competent health care provider after any motor vehicle collision.

Hope This Helps:)

Watching Your Health,

Dr. Sandy A. Bell, D.C.

Anti-Depressants

No Better Than Placebo

Napoleon Hill, author of the self-help bible “Think and Grow Rich”, is quoted as saying: “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” He also said we become our dominant thoughts.  Research is showing he may be 100% accurate with those statements… especially the latter.

Here is why: Starting in 1998, studies began to raise questions about the “scientific proof” behind the widespread use of antidepressants versus placebos. University of Connecticut researchers, Irving Kirsch and Guy Sapirstein, found

antidepressants seemed to get results, but so did placebos.  In 38 studies conducted with over 3,000 depressed patients, placebos improved symptoms 75 percent as much as legitimate medications.

“We wondered, what’s going on?” said Kirsch in a 2010 interview with Newsweek. The medical community, skeptical of his analysis, asked him to instigate a more comprehensive study with the results of all clinical trials conducted by antidepressant manufacturers, including those unpublished – 47 studies in total.

Over half of the studies showed no significant difference in the depression-alleviating effects of a medicated versus non-medicated pill. With this more thorough analysis, which now included strategically unpublished studies from pharmaceutical companies, placebos were shown to improve symptoms 82 percent as much as the real pill.

According to the Citizens Commission on Human Rights International: “However, if experts and antidepressant manufacturers are aware of this, the general public certainly isn’t … Millions of people every year feel better, simply because they believe they’ll feel better.”

And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help, and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in your lifelong good health.

This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice.  Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.  We  cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without a thorough exam or appropriate referral. If you have any further concerns or questions, please call our office at 916-469-9235

Watching Your Health,

Dr. Sandy A. Bell, D.C.

P.S. I know I usually post about “Spine” problems, but I found this information fascinating and want to give you cutting edge knowledge to help you improve your health:)

P.P.S. I also often find that people with chronic pain problems must nurture their emotional health because it is difficult emotionally to deal with pain all of the time.