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Posted by Dr. Roland R. Hicks, DC
In Reply to: Roland, I do have a couple of questions for you: posted by drfrank
> Roland, I do have a couple of questions for you:
>
> 1) What is the most common problem that you see?? Is it lower
> back pain or something else?? A related question is that
> I have been treated by both chiropractic and massage therapy
> in the past for various aches and all- to be honest
> massage therapy seems to last longer. Most of the time the
> effects of adjustments don't last long (a day or two at most).
The most common condition treated is lower back pain, followed by neck pain
and then headaches. I am also a sports doctor receiving my certification in
1992 and approximately 20-30% of my patients are treated for extremity or
sports conditions. I too have noticed that the results with massage therapy
is more rapid than manipulation when it comes to soft tissue injuries. I
think the reason for the difference is that if an injury is soft tissue in
origin and it is not a chronic condition then the massage is the treatment
of choice. If the condition has a biomechanical (joint function) problem
massage will aid in reducing the relapse of pain by taking the soft tissue
tension of the joints involved. But if the joint dysfunction is not
addressed the condition will become recurrent, coming back again and again.
In my office, I use massage therapy and spinal or other joint manipulations
and emphasize home exercises and stretches because it is up to the patient
to get the work and changed needed to correct a condition. The reason why
manipulation alone does not last as long in some cases is simply due to the
multiple complications involved when you have 5-6 different structures
involved (disk, bone, cartilage, tendon, muscle, ligament, nerve ect.).
>
> 2) I read on a post recently that after chiropractic care the
> poster stated that her sinusitis was cured. With my knowledge
> of human anatomy I can't figure it out. It would be a boon to
> chiro's if this was so; as you know chronic sinusitis is
> extremely common.
I have already read Adam's response and primarily would never claim a cure.
I too have noticed that the patients say that their sinuses clear following
cervical adjustments or performing soft tissue massage or releases on the
upper thoracic to the suboccipital region. I have noticed that with some
cranial techniques you can open the sinuses and aid in their drainage. I do
not know if the mechanism is neurological or mechanical.
>
> 3) How long is the average treatment (in sessions or calender wise)
> for the typical patient? What happens when the insurance runs
> out and the patient is unable to pay out of pocket?
lately they seem to be approximately 3-4 visits and then released to
palliative care(the patient is informed that they should return if the
condition returns and they have the option of supportive care as a
preventive measure or as a means to continue to feel better. On average the
patient is seen for 10-15 visits. You may have some that require much less
and some that require much more. These averages are for active care only.
It does not include supportive or maintenance care which the patients decide
if they want.
In my office I do not change my treatment recommendations according to the
patient's ability to pay. I feel that this is unethical. I will work with
anyone and on a daily basis I write off balances on patients because I know
they can not or will not pay the balance. I will give away care before I
will compromise my principles. I have even gone so far as to set up a
direct withdrawl program for those who want to pay their balance over a
period of time. I figure that if a person wants me to allow them to pay
their bill over an extended period of time then they should be willing to
allow my computer to withdraw a minimum amount from their credit card or
bank account each month until the balance is paid. If they are not willing
to allow me to protect my business then they do not trust me and they should
not be treated by me. I work hard to build a trusting relationship with my
patients.
>
> 4) Where does my missing socks go after being washed and dried
> (can never find a matched pair if my life depended on it!)?
> I bet it's some chiropractic conspiracy!!
This sounds like my favorite cartoon Ren and Stimpy when they traveled by
rocket to the planet where coat hangers and lost socks end up. Its the
space maddness!
