QuestionI am a 67 y.o. male, with partial lumbarization of S1, and it is causing me more difficulties as the years go on. Can chiropractic help? In what way? Can I go to any chiropractor or should I find some sort of specialist? My experience with chiropractors is that they feel that they can treat any difficulty.
Answerlumbarization S1, back pain,
Hello Peter,
Sorry to hear of your pain/ dysfunction/ condition.
"Can I go to any chiropractor or should I find some sort of specialist? ""
You may go to whoever you feel most comfortable with. If you choose the medical route, they will probably tell you that 'lumbarization' is not a significant cause of pain or dysfunction. The medical approach will probably be to supply you with pain medication, anti-inflammatories, perhaps physical therapy and stretching. A pain management doctor may decide to give some type of injection- painkiller, anti-inflammatory. All excellent approaches for pain modification.
From a Chiropractic perspective- the discipline I feel most comfortable commenting upon- we view any and just about all spinal abnormalities as significant. Lumbarization/ sacralization/ transitional vertebrae can create movement dysfunction which in turn leads to osteoarthritic degeneration.
Yes, Just as the medical profession thinks it can treat every malady with a drug (medical doctors treat with medication by definition), yes, most doctors of chiropractic feel most spinal maladies can be treated with some type of manual manipulative approach. I read once that medical doctors treat 90% of patients with just ten different drugs !!, and everybody that goes to the office does get one drug or another (even though- for example- colds and virus do NOT respond to antibiotics !).
If you go to a Doctor of Chiropractic for your spinal complaint, the doctor will probably attempt to adjust the segment involved or the segments above/ below to normalize alignment and movement patterns.
Manipulating the spinal joints (most DC's prefer 'adjustment' > manipulation) can restore better alignment, better movement, restore balance to the neuro-musculo-skeletal structure of the body. The avenue that Chiropractic takes to influence the body is through the nervous system through adjustment. The avenue that medicine takes to influence the body is through medication through pills or injection.
You have a spinal complaint. You have a musculoskeletal abnormality. I would recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic for that scenario. If not a DC, then I guess an Orthopedic MD would be another choice.
In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I utilize a few informational handouts- perhaps these will be of help explaining my perspective on your condition:
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PAIN Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard? Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong. That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car- -- do you ignore it until the car breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem? Pain, pain in your body- -- do you ignore it until your body breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem? Pain, do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller? Take a painkiller, mask the pain, and allow a problem to progress in your body? NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS: Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ; The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC. The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology: This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology: Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology: Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology: A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology: The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
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VSC is a misalignment which hastens deterioration of the joints involved.
Degenerative Disk Disease
DDD = Degenerative Disc Disease; DJD = Degenerative Joint Disease; = similar/ same OsteoArthritis.
Degenerative Disc Disease (old term = DJD) is actually a quite common condition. However, the course of the condition is highly variable. Some patients with DJD literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar X-ray/ MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow: Ice the area when painful- 10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off; avoid certain postures and movements; bend the knees when coughing or sneezing; bend the knees when lifting anything; do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving. Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition. Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful. DDD, DJD, OsteoArthritis, - deteriorating discs (disk) is/ are often caused by, or often concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. VSC is a misalignment which hastens deterioration of the joints involved.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of joints, and can cause osteo-arthritic degeneration, Degenerative Disk Disease, degenerative joint disease, etc.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Inflammed Discs can easily bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may also suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, Disk Degeneration, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
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搮..for the rest of their life??
Treatment Regimen
Why do I need to have treatment __________________ ? ! ??
( TWICE A DAY, EVERY DAY, 3- 4x/week, 2- 3x/week, 1- 2x/week ) Depending upon your specific condition, your specific case, you may need to be seen many times in a short period. If your condition is severe, complicated, particularly painful; you may need close, frequent attention. Similar to medicine, usually the more severe the case the more often medicine is taken with larger doses. The Doctor of Chiropractic works with hands and therapy in person to accomplish the goal, the MD can treat 憀ong distance?via medicine without actually seeing the patient for treatment.
Why do I need to have treatment for (weeks, months, years!?! ) ? Compare for a moment: chiropractic treatment, medical treatment, dental treatment: very similar !!!
Again, the Doctor using chiropractic techniques needs to get 慼ands on?in person. An MD can treat a patient without actually physically seeing the patient every day through medicine; i.e.: 搮Here are 60 pills, take one a day every day, and I will see you in two months厰. The dentist can say- 搮here, wear these braces 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the next two- three years. I will see you every two weeks, but I抣l be treating you every day, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for the next few years厰 .
People can wear braces and retainers for YEARS. It can take YEARS to move the bones (known as teeth) into their proper position. It can take years and years, and thousands of dollars ! But, those teeth (bones) have to be properly aligned to have a nice smile. BUT you do not have to keep wearing the brace or retainer, you can take the brace off any time,,,, and let the teeth go back to their misaligned positions (habit). You can do as you wish. On/ off, go for treatment, not go; listen to the Doc or not.
Some people with certain conditions have to take a medicine every day, seven days a week, 365 days a year; 搮..for the rest of their life??. Sometimes someone can have a damaged heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas; and they have to take a medicine, sometimes a FEW medicines, every day, sometimes for years, sometimes 搮for the rest of their life厰 . Similarly, a damaged neck or back, a damaged spine, a damaged nervous system can sometimes use treatment ?..for the rest of their life厰 .
Most people who go to the Doctor of Chiropractic feel a difference in their pain in as little as two or three weeks. Instead of taking years (like braces and the teeth) to make changes, the dynamic spine can start to feel better very quickly. To maintain the proper position and movement of the vertebrae (bones) it can take a continued regimen of care (of course not as frequent as the initial schedule, but to maintain gains, maintenance has to be performed). BUT you do not have to keep up with treatment, you can stop any time you want,,,, and let the vertebrae go back to their misaligned positions (habit).
It is a joke amongst Chiropractors that the DC is a magician- first Chiropractic makes the pain disappear, and then the patient disappears as well !!, BUT- pain is the last thing that comes in a problem, and the first thing that disappears under treatment,,,, but the disappearance of pain does NOT mean correction of the underlying health problem.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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What ? ! , I have to brush my teeth!?,,, after EVERY meal ! ? ,,, For the REST of my life ! ? ! ... I don抰 want to. period. I won抰. To heck with it ! If I get a hole (cavity), THEN I抣l take care of it. Maybe I won抰 get any cavities anyway?.
It took the American Dental Association YEARS to educate people that they should brush frequently to avoid dental disease. It has taken YEARS to educate patients that visits to the Dentist for hygiene, cleanings, flossing, coatings, etc. are necessary to PREVENT dental problems. Some people still do not floss after every meal, some do not even brush often enough (yyyuuukkkk), so some people still have severe dental problems despite all the knowledge about PREVENTION and dental health maintenance that is out there. Can you believe it ?? !!
Some people have the same problem with PREVENTATIVE Spinal Health
that used to exist with preventative dental health. Some people come to the Doctor of Chiropractic and say, ?..do not adjust me, just give me therapy...? some people say,
?..What ? ! , I have to practice SPINAL HYGIENE !?!, (practice proper postures, proper movement patterns, and see the Chiropractor periodically !?!), Naahh, ... I don抰
want to. period. I won抰. To heck with it! When I get PAIN, then I抣l take care of it.
( pain is often the LAST symptom to appear- whether a cavity or a heart attack ! )
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex can be the underlying cause of many healthcare problems. A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This (Subluxation) is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology, Neuropathophysiology, Myopathology,
Histopathology, Pathophysiology.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, massage, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
Chiropractic corrects the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
You cannot be 慼ealthy?if you have a Subluxation. You MAY feel it, with a pain, stiffness, or a 慿ink?in your neck/ back. You may NOT even feel it-
just as people often do not feel the cavity growing in their tooth,,,, until it hits the nerve; or you may not feel it at all, like people do not feel high blood pressure or diabetes until AFTER damage has been done!! PREVENTION- Visit the Doctor of Chiropractic REGULARLY,,, just like your dentist! (practice spinal hygiene as you do dental hygiene -PREVENTION!-
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I would recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic with additional credentials- DACBSP (like myself), orthopedic DC, neurologic DC, a good website: http://www.lifechangingcare.com .
I know I wrote a lot. Please take some time and look at the info above. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at AllExperts.com .
Thank you for your question, thank you for your time.
Wishing you good luck and good health naturally, your Staten Island Chiropractor friend signing off,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)
