How Chiropractic Can Help Those Suffering From Rheumatoid Arthritis

Traditional Treatment

The treatment options are typically very strong medications that help keep the inflammation down and help to save the joints. Another treatment that is helping many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis is chiropractic care. While most people that know little about the care that chiropractors provide, the one consistent thought is that a chiropractor manipulates the spine, which is true, but the field of chiropractic continues to evolve and make advances that can be helpful to those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as RA.

Chiropractic Treatment

The treatment plan a chiropractor can set up for an individual with rheumatoid arthritis consists of helping improve and restore the range of movements in the joints. In addition, flexibility and increasing muscle tone can greatly help those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, a chiropractor can introduce nutrition as well as supplementation that help to control the inflammation in the joints. When the inflammation is under control, the pain is better managed.An Individual Treatment Plan

When a person with RA visits a chiropractor, x-rays and an initial assessment will be conducted in order to determine the stage of the rheumatoid arthritis he or she is at and then develop an individual course of treatment.

While rheumatoid arthritis is incurable and often leads to permanent joint damage, the role of the chiropractor is to introduce the patient to a more natural treatment plan with the goal of assisting the patient to become as pain-free as possible while increasing the range of motion in the joints.

As the patient and chiropractor work together to find exercises that help relieve the stiffness in the joints, along with an anti-inflammatory diet, and supplements, the patient is able to find relief of the pain and symptoms that traditional medical does not provide.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you love suffers from RA, you should consider a doctor of chiropractic because this course of treatment can be keep your mobile and offers a drug-free way to gain pain-relief.

Chiropractic Videos: Free Videos for Patient Education and Marketing

Video is a powerful communication tool that can greatly enhance patient engagement, knowledge, acquisition and retention when used properly. There are many blog posts floating around that proclaim to teach you the right way to do chiropractic videos. This isn't one of them. Instead, we've found that most people searching online for "chiropractic videos" are not looking for cinematography tips. Instead, they are looking for actual videos that they can use right away.

This article is devoted to connecting you with free chiropractic videos that you can use in your marketing and patient education efforts.

Chiropractic Videos for Your Website and Marketing

There are three different types of chiropractic videos that you might find on a website. Two types are for marketing, and one is for patient education. The chiropractic marketing videos can be subdivided into testimonials and "about us" videos. Here are a few sample chiropractic videos in each category followed by instructions for how to get them.

Patient Education Videos - Video Category 1

The YouTube channels of the various state chiropractic associations are a great place to look for chiropractic patient education videos that you can embed on your website. Since these video channels are run by associations they generally do not contain promotional messages for any one chiropractor.

These two videos target parents of school-age children and are great examples of educational chiropractic videos. Search for these video titles on YouTube to find them

Pack it Light, Wear it Right: Backpack Tips

Association of NJ Chiropractors Promotes Backpack Safety on KYW-TV

Testimonial Videos- Video Category 2

Testimonial videos can be very effective when carefully planned or selected. Generally a chiropractic video testimonial is intended to persuade a potential patient to take a specific action - such as make an appointment or begin a new treatment modality. For the testimonial video to help accomplish this goal the patient must either:

1. Respect the speaker in the testimonial because of their position, education or experience, or

2. Relate to the personal story of the speaker because it is similar to their own

In preparing or selecting chiropractic video testimonials for your website, look for authoritative figures and make sure you have a diversity of ages, genders and conditions represented.

1. These are two excellent examples of authoritative speakers.

To find the videos, search on YouTube for the word "chiropractic" plus these names.

Jerry Rice, Football

Dr. Terry Schroeder, Olympic Water Polo Team

2. These are two examples of diverse conditions.

News stories are a great substitute for personal testimonials since they are reported from a third-party perspective. Even though local news stories often feature another chiropractor as the expert - when you use news stories from outside your local market there is no competitive threat.

To find the videos, search on YouTube for the words "news report" plus these keywords.

Infertility and Chiropractic

Chiropractic and ADHD

"About Us" Videos- Video Category 3

This type of chiropractic video is inherently about YOU, so you won't be reusing anyone else's video other than to get ideas. Here are two opposite ends of the spectrum that both work well.

Humor with a Heavy Dose of Reality - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpZ6xhp5xZQ

This chiropractic video works because it speaks the truth. Any chronic pain sufferer will immediately related to the man in the bed. At the same time, everyone, young/old, fit/healthy will laugh.

Personal, Narrated Tour - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vJ1DGeAxqU

We selected this chiropractic video as an example because it is very genuine. The doctor narrates the video himself and it sounds as if he's talking directly to you, not to a worldwide audience. You can see some camera shake throughout and this contributes to the authenticity and allows people to let their "I'm being sold to" guard down. This is an example that anyone with a Flip camera can replicate.

Your Personal Video Collection

Don't send people to YouTube to watch these chiropractic videos. Instead, embed them into your own webpage. Have patients and potential patients spend time on YOUR website where they aren't surrounded by the ads and marketing messages of your competitors.

How do you do it?

If you have a WordPress-based website we highly recommend the Display Buddy plugin which will transform your video and photos into visual masterpieces and is so easy to use.

If you do not use WordPress, your best bet is to use the video embed code that YouTube provides and paste that into the HTML of your webpage. You may need to wrestle with it a bit to make it look good. Often times creating a 2x4 table to hold eight chiropractic videos works well.

Chiropractic Treatment of Spinal Stenosis

Today spinal stenosis is one of the most common causes of lower back pain in patients over fifty. This pain can also cause burning and or numbness in the buttocks or legs and eventually leads to leg weakness. Needless to say this can be a debilitating injury that a great number of middle age people suffer from everyday. In our practice we have found a complex protocol that significantly helps these patients this includes adjustments, traction, and soft tissue therapy.

To understand this condition and what is causing the pain is easy when visualizing the spine in the following way. Picture twenty-three doughnuts, stacked on top of one another. The hole in the center of the donut is the spinal cord resides, running all the way from the brain at the top to the lower back. Now divide each donut in half: the front half will be the vertebral body with an disc in-between each donut, the posterior portion will contain a small hole were the nerve roots exit the spinal cord and relay information to the body.

As we age certain processes will lead to a decrease in this space causing the pain known as spinal stenosis. Ligaments that hold the vertebra together are known to get larger invading the nerve space. Ostioarthritis is a common joint decease, which as we age, will produce a growth of bony spurs that invade the space of the nerve roots. Or the discs in between the donuts may degenerate and push back on to the spinal cord causing the symptoms.

There are some simple things that patients that are suffering from spinal stenosis can do to decrease their pain. The easiest is bending forward. Leaning forward whether it is on a shopping cart or while riding a bike will open up the posterior aspect of the spine giving the nerves more space causing less irritation. Laying face down over an exercise ball can accomplish the same thing. However, these simple fixes will not work with all stenosis patients, as mentioned before degeneration of the disc in-between the vertebra may also cause the stenosis symptoms. In these cases leaning forward will put more pressure on the disc aggravating the symptoms.

Chiropractic adjustments that focus on spinal correction tend to relieve stenosis pain. Aligning an individual into their ideal posture allows for the most anatomical room on both sides of the spine for the spinal nerve to exit. Think back to the donuts mentioned before, if you tilt one from side to side it will narrow the hole in which the spinal nerve exits. This is the same concept as a patient with poor posture leaning slightly to one side or having one hip slightly higher than the other. Through the correction of the patients posture, we are able to correct this problem helping to alleviate their pain in the process.

We have also implemented specialized forms of traction in our office that decompress the nerves and help to restore normal function. These traction sessions allow an increase in blood flow to the effected areas that seem to help in the overall healing of the area.

We also utilize many different forms of soft tissue therapy in the treatment of spinal stenosis. Ultrasound is a sound wave that can reverse the nerve irritation and decrease the underlying pain in patients with spinal stenosis. Muscle Stimulation is also utilized to relax muscle spasms and increase local blood circulation. Active Release Technique is used break up muscle adhesions restoring proper function to the effected area.

A study on specialized chiropractic treatments very similar to those we use found that only 9% of one thousand patients treated needed surgery. In fact most patients reached improvement within a six-week period of twelve treatments. Many people think that the debilitating symptoms caused by spinal stenosis can only be helped through surgery, this however is far from the truth there are many things that Chiropractors can do to relieve the pain and help you avoid surgery all together.

Five Questions You Must Ask Before Hiring a Chiropractor

Hiring a chiropractor can be a very costly matter and can also be a risky move. Assurance is what you always want in whatever you do and in whatever you are into. In hiring a chiropractor you likewise want to be assured that you're spending money for the right people that will help you with your problems.

In hiring a chiropractor, it is important for you to have enough knowledge. You can acquire this knowledge through personal research on the web, inquiry with other people that had gone through the process before and asking a chiropractor. Before you decide to hire a chiropractor it is essential to ask him five important questions which will help you decide if he is the right chiropractor for you.

Question #1

What is his work experience?

It is important that you know his background experience in the field of medicine. You must also know how long he has been in the profession. Always remember that a good chiropractor is more likely a well experienced one..

Question # 2

What is the process of the chiropractic treatment?

You must know the process so that you will be aware of what will happen during the treatment period. The more aware you are the more prepared you will be. If your chiropractor can answer this question accurately, then he can be the right chiropractor for you.

Question #3

What are the side effects and complications of the process if there are any?

This will add up to your awareness. The more informed you are about the complications and the side effect, the more you will be prepared. It can also help in your decision on which chiropractor to hire.

Question #4

How long will the treatment last?

It is likewise important to know the time frame of the treatment. How often should you consult your chiropractor after your first treatment must be one of your main concerns. This will determine your budget for your future consultation if there are any. By knowing the time duration for your treatment you can arrange your schedule with your business, work or other personal affairs.

Question # 5

How much does the treatment or each session cost?

This will help you decide if the price is be right for your budget or otherwise. You can also determine if this chiropractor is a money first or a service first type of chiropractor. It is important that you don't only hire people to help you but employ people that you can trust with your health. Be sure that the five aforementioned questions have been answered before you choose which chiropractor to go with.

Chiropractic Care Saves Money

Back pain is one of the most prevalent health issues in America; an estimated 80 percent of us will experience lower back pain at some point in our lives, and approximately $50 billion dollars is spent every year by patients seeking relief for this condition alone, with this number including both direct medical expenses and time lost from work. Because this problem is so costly, it is no wonder that health insurance companies are looking closely at the costs of different therapies... and of great interest to patients and employers alike that these studies show that patients who utilize chiropractors for back pain are not only the most satisfied with the care they receive, but are also costing less money than those seeking care from primary care physicians or orthopedists.

In a study done by American Specialty Health Plans, Inc. that compared the back pain costs of two groups - those whose health care coverage included chiropractic benefits and those whose did not - the evidence was clear that those who utilized chiropractors had lower overall costs by as much as 28%. This reduction was in large part from the elimination or reduction of hospitalization costs, diagnostic costs, and surgical costs. A similar study was done in 2008 by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, showing that not only were expenses significantly lower, but that the use of chiropractors offered positive results. This finding may be even more important than the reduction in expense; the patients who pursue chiropractic treatment over treatment by primary care physicians or orthopedists are far and away more satisfied with the treatment they receive, reporting significant improvements within a month of seeking chiropractic treatment.

Because of these studies and in an effort to lower their own costs, more and more insurance companies are beginning to cover the cost of chiropractic care for acute conditions such as lower back pain and injuries, and chiropractic coverage is offered through both Medicare and Medicaid, and to employees of the federal government. As the focus on preventive care grows, it is anticipated that chiropractic maintenance and wellness care and treatment in areas outside of the spine, such as headache, menstrual cramps and even ear infections will soon be covered as well. For patients whose insurance companies do not cover chiropractic care, the out of pocket expenses still fall well below the costs involved with co-pays and deductibles for medications, doctors visits, hospitalization and surgery.

Scientists and Bumble Bee Watchers

In sixth grade science class we were told that it was impossible for a bumble bee to fly, according to all of the knowledge available in aerodynamics at the time. When you measured the size of the bumble bee's wings, computed the speed of the wings and weighed the bumble bee, mathematically it was impossible for the creature to fly.

I knew an old chiropractor who was fond of saying that there were two kinds of people in the world, researchers and bumble bee watchers. There was not much research proving that he, as a chiropractor, could make asthmatics better. Yet his office was full of asthmatics that had gotten better. He would say, "I don't pay much attention to science; I watch bumble bees."

It turns out that after some advances in high speed photography new calculations were able to be made. Scientists were able to see that the wings of the bumble bee fill up like a parachute on the down stroke-greatly increasing the surface area of the wing. They were able to plug the new surface area into the calculations and declared that the bumble bee could indeed fly-much to the relief of bumble bees all around the planet.

Working in natural health care is an exercise in following research and looking at bumble bees. In asthma, for example, there is a fair amount of research that shows that a good diet, antioxidants, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids can all help improve symptoms. Many of us are getting results with giving betaine HCl, improving digestion, adrenal support and chiropractic adjustments, even though there is not a lot of research to support it.

My friends who are locked into the medical model are fond of saying things like, "The research just isn't there; you really need to be more scientific." That statement is often enough to make many of us feel that we are somehow less than our medical brethren. We shouldn't feel that way; much of medicine is not very scientific. I usually just respond, "I will if you will."

Most of the medical journals sell ads to drug companies, so you are not going to see a lot of research that says natural health care is good and drugs are dangerous. Take statins, for example. Statin medication is a $25 billion per year industry. Yet if you look at the research, the drugs really don't do a lot to prevent heart attacks. In most studies, the death rate in the placebo group and the statin group is about the same. One interesting development is the dramatic increase in the number of people developing heart failure. The drugs destroy coenzyme Q 10, and we know that low coenzyme Q 10 levels are related to heart failure. We also know that one of the side-effects of statins is muscle destruction. Since the heart is a muscle, it is obvious to the bumble bee watcher that the medication is at least contributing to this problem. The researchers just haven't gotten there yet; it may be unfair to say that the presence of statin ads in the journals keep this from happening.

There is a difference between science and research. Anecdotal information, clinical observations, statistics and other information are part of science. Science forms theories based on earlier observations. If you know that research shows a strong correlation between oxidative stress and asthma symptoms, and you know that poor digestion leads to oxidative stress, it is not much of a stretch to expect that improving digestion will get your asthma patients better. Research is a way of focusing on a single thing and determining if your observations mean anything. Science incorporates lots of sources of information, including (but not limited to) research. Truth is truth, whether the research has caught up or not. Bumble bees flew long before we could prove it was possible.

Relieving Knee Pain With The Help Of A Chiropractor

In many case, chiropractic treatment can be very beneficial for those suffering with knee pain. According to chiropractors, patients seen in their offices often have problems with one or both knees. The underlying cause of this type of pain can often be cured by adjustments or manipulations given by a chiropractor. However, when the cause of knee pain is osteoarthritis, it is not curable. The associated symptoms can be somewhat eliminated. The progression of the causative disease can also be reduced with treatment. Treating knee pain is more successful if started with the initial onset. Individuals should look into chiropractic care for knee pain when:

Pain in the knee is interfering with activities of daily living.
Pain killers and adequate rest have yielded no positive improvement.
Been diagnosed with arthritis and told that nothing else can be done to help the condition.

Thorough Examination

Other anatomical structures can greatly influence the perception of pain. Often, pain is perceived to be in the knee when it is actually coming from another source. For this reason, a chiropractor will thoroughly examine the lower back, hips, pelvis, ankles, and feet before diagnosing and treating. In some cases, joints in other limbs of the body may not be working properly. This can allow for added stress on the knee joint. Over time, the added stress may result in injury. For this reason, knee pain may be resolved by treating other areas. This will also maximize the chances of long term improvement. An accurate diagnosis is necessary for treatment to be beneficial. To obtain a diagnosis, it is important that the chiropractor receives detailed and accurate information from the patient such as medical history.

Healing Treatment

Treatment by a chiropractor is individualized and modified to fit each patient's needs and other conditions. The treatment that may work for one person may not be beneficial for another. The goals of chiropractic care are basically the same and are as follows:

To reduce inflammation of the joint and alleviate pain.
Recreate normal functioning of the joint.
Promote rehabilitation with exercise regimen.
Enhance long term improvement.
Brief on Joint Inflammation

Joints that are inflamed are not only swollen and painful but often red and hot to the touch. Many factors aggravate the inflammation. Individuals should avoid activities that cause a worsening of symptoms. Elevation and OTC anti-inflammatory medications often aid in the reduction of swelling. Anti-inflammatory medicines can alleviate much of the pain as well. During chiropractic care, exercises will be introduced. As with all exercise programs, the patient will be started on a low impact program and gradually increased as tolerated. These will improve strength and stability. Properly delivered exercise also builds the endurance level of the joint. Following a daily regimen of exercise promotes the healing process and enables the patient to return to their activities of daily living more quickly. The regimen should be continued even after inflammation of the joint has subsided. A qualified chiropractor can recommend the best course of treatment for your knee pain.