Wednesday, August 10, 2005

I see a chiropractor on a regular basis. Why? A couple years ago I hurt my back in the gym, and the pain kept growing more intense. Seeing a traditional western doctor was out of the question. It’s a matter of trust.

You see, some years ago my mom was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. Her doctor told her nothing could be done, and that the condition would worsen with age. With the aid of some pills (prescribed by her doctor, of course), she manages to live with the pain.

A friend of mine was also diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. She was told by her doctor the same thing as my mom. When she asked about chiropractic, her neurologist told her, “Those guys can kill you.” She believes him.

I started seeing my chiropractor in March, 2005. The first visit he took some X-rays and poked around my back a little bit. We then spoke awhile about my situation. The second visit, after having viewed my X-rays, he spoke the dreaded words: “You have degenerative disc disease, with mild scoliosis.”

My life was over. In ten years I’d be hunched over and in excruciating pain, even though I would be taking the most potent pain meds available. Imagine my shock when the next words out of his mouth were, “We’re going to put you on a six-month program, and that should clear it up.”

What exactly did he mean, “clear it up?” I’m always reluctant to use the “C” word (cure), so I said, “Are you saying this condition is reversible?”

“Totally.”

I liked this guy’s attitude. Since then I’ve not missed a visit. Not only my back, but my whole body feels great. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending chiropractic to anybody.

Why do I not trust traditional western medicine? Pretty much the same reason I distrust the government. Hypocrisy, greed, and politics. Let me give you an example.

A friend of mine had to have a spinal tap. When she got home from the hospital, she started to feel dizzy and extremely nauseous. Her family took her back to the hospital.

The nurse on duty told them that this happens to about 40% of people having spinal taps. The reason lies in the needle used. The tip of a regular hypodermic needle slants, and when it’s extracted from the skin, a flap of skin is formed. This covers the hole made by the needle, prevents excessive bleeding, and allows the skin to heal quickly. This needle also costs about 15 cents.

The needle used for spinal taps, however, is larger than a regular hypodermic, and costs over 25 dollars. Its tip is rounded so no flap is formed, therefore allowing spinal fluid to seep through, causing the condition from which my friend suffered.
Why, you may ask, do the hospitals use the large needle and not the smaller, more efficient hypodermic? They’re under some contract or are abiding by the good ole boy network. Whatever their reason, it has nothing to do with your health.

I also believe that’s the reason most doctors push pills so heavily. When there’s so much politics going on, you can bet the patient doesn’t rank super high on anyone’s list of priorities.

Insurance companies play a major role in this game as well. My own idea of health insurance is eating right, working out, and seeing a chiropractor.

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