Question
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Followup To
Question -
Can a chiropractor perform cold laser surgery or do I have to go to a a GP or a Bone doctor?

Thanks,

David
Answer -
Dear David Nevins,

Thank you for your question about cold laser surgery.  Yours is a question which has the potential to get a bit more advanced than some I have heard from others who are investigating chiropractic.  Unfortunately, though, I have little information from you about the nature of your concern or your level of familiarity with chiropractic.  

The most direct answer is to tell you that the laws regarding allowable procedures by a chiropractor, often referred to as the scope of practice, vary widely from state to state.  In effect - and quite unfortunately - the scope of practice can be decided by politicians and lobbying.  This can be quite confusing, of course, and even a bit scary, since it means there is no standard in the laws to reflect the standard of the profession and the consumer is left to fend for themselves.  

I have no knowledge of a jurisdiction which generally allows surgery to be done by a chiropractor.  It was true at one time, and may still be, that Oregon allowed very limited forms of invasive procedure.  I have heard of chiropractors who have argued for the right to non-invasive use of laser.  Again, though, that would need to be determined according to each state's laws.

As I said above, I have no information from you relating to your situation, so the related question of what it is you're trying to accomplish with this procedure is impossible to even consider.  I am curious, though, as to how you came to consider a chiropractor for a surgical procedure instead of a surgeon.  Why not add others to that list?  Would you consider having a taxicab driver or an attorney perform the surgery, if the state law permitted either of them to do it?  Of course, not.  Yet, I would think almost anyone would be less qualified to perform surgery than a surgeon, just as anyone would be less qualified to practice chiropractic than a chiropractor.

David, I invite you to write again, if you wish, should you have any further information or detail which you feel may be helpful in me understanding the full nature of your question.  


Sincerely,
James W. Healey, D.C.


 Dear Sir,

thank you for not only your timely response but some vital and thought provoking comments. I have carpel tunnel and its getting worse. Tingling, numbness, burning,etc.., it was reccommended a couple of years ago that I have surgery. Just recently I have read about the cold laser. It seems 9from the little I read) that basically it can be performed by a technician. I teach in GA. and rather not go under the knife or have a long revovery time. Just exploring options at this time.
Thank you again.

David Nevins


Answer
Dear David Nevins,

Thank you for your follow-up question.  I am glad you found my response to your original question useful.

With more information now at hand, even though I mentioned that state laws vary regarding the scope of professional practice for chiropractic, I can tell you that it is probable you will not be able to have carpal tunnel surgery performed by a chiropractor in Georgia and you will likely have to consult with a medical provider for such a service.  

I still encourage you to explore the benefits of having your spine checked regularly for vertebral subluxations.  

Best of luck, David, with choosing a provider for your surgery and my wishes for a great outcome!


Sincerely,
James W. Healey, DC