This news article looked at the usage of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by members of the traditional healthcare system. Now when I say, "traditional" it means; medical doctors, specialists, nurses and their assistants, health technicians and healthcare administrators. These are the highly educated and knowledgeable group that the general public regularly turns to for health advice and treatment. But have you ever wondered, "...who do these people turn to for their health care and treatment?". Well, this study shed a very interesting light on the answer.
It turns out, this group is actually turning more and more to alternative medicine! Complementary and Alternative medicine's acceptance is growing rapidly among the general public but according to this study, it's more popular among mainstream healthcare professionals! Complementary medicine/therapy is described in this article as including; massage, yoga, acupuncture, herbal/nutritional supplements and yes, Chiropractic!
"No one has really done this sort of analysis before, so when I saw our results I was authentically surprised," acknowledged study co-author Lori Knutson, executive director of the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing with the Allina Health System in Minneapolis. "But pleasantly so. Because clearly this means that even our health-care workers are recognizing the need for alternative options in the search for ways to improve our health and lives." Doctors and nurses were more than twice as likely than non-clinical healthcare workers to have tried complementary therapies, like Chiropractic in the past year.
Another interesting finding was that healthcare professionals were found to be the biggest users of complementary and alternative medicine compared to the general public. 76% of this group had used CAM therapies in the last year compared to 63% who worked in non healthcare related fields. But looking deeper into the findings, the reasons behind the usage of CAM therapies by healthcare professionals was the same as the general public. The three most common complaints reported were back, neck and joint pain.
"In general, Western culture has believed that complementary services and techniques aren't as well-researched and evidence-based as conventional medicine," noted Knutson. "But that is certainly no longer the case. And so what I hope comes from this insight into practitioner use of complementary options is an opening up of the conversation between providers and patients about the use and potential of alternative medicine."
This study just goes to show the growing acceptance of Complementary medicine in the mainstream healthcare system. I have experienced more and more referrals coming from family doctors and walk-in clinics since I started practice and the trend is only increasing. I hope this article helps people who are 'on the fence' or undecided about therapies like, Chiropractic. Chiropractic is a proven, researched and well respected healthcare option for ailments like back, neck and joint pain. Just think of it this way, if the people you trust to keep you healthy are turning more and more to complementary treatments such as Chiropractic, then what are you waiting for?
In the Commercial Drive area of East Vancouver? Have questions? Drop by or visit the website;COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!
SOURCES: Lori Knutson, executive director, Penny George Institute for Health And Healing, Allina Health System, Minneapolis; Judy Blatman, spokesperson and senior vice president, communications, Council for Responsible Nutrition, Washington, D.C.; Aug. 19, 2011, Health Services Research, online
Many of the patients I see in practice understandably see me for relief of pain. Also, not surprisingly, I uncover through the course of a history that many of the patients have also tried over the counter or prescription pain killers. For example, Acetaminophen, or more commonly known by it's brand name, Tylenol. Now I always warn my patients that all pain killers have possible serious side effects, even the ones you don't need a prescription for. In addition, it is always advised to closely follow the recommended daily dose and never go beyond it.
Now, working as a Chiropractor, I know that there are too many people out there who are taking too much Tylenol for their pain and it is a major concern. Now within the last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, is also recognizing and addressing this growing problem. The FDA has actually taken a bold move and introduced a public information campaign warning the public of the dangers of acetaminophen! According to the FDA, taking Tylenol more than directed, even by just a little bit, can cause serious liver damage!
Did you know that every year, over 30,000 hospital visits can be attributed to the misuse of acetaminophen (Tylenol)? Of those, a significant number are due to unintentional overdoses.
Now the alarming piece of the story is many people do not even realize that liver damage is a possible side effect of Tylenol. Many people just assume that since you can go into any store and buy Tylenol yourself, that it must somehow be 'safe'. Well as directed, Tylenol often is safe.
But are there other options out there? The good news is YES there is! and Chiropractic happens to be one of the best options out there. Tylenol and similar drugs will at best, only 'mask' the pain temporarily. As the effects wear off, the need to ingest more every few hours will often become necessary. So why don't we get to the source of the pain instead? It would be like going to another room of your house because the bedroom door squeeks. Instead of avoiding the problem, wouldn't it be better to just fix the bedroom door???
This is where Chiropractic excels. We can find the source of your pain and dysfunction and help devise a plan to actually address the cause and not just the symptom. If you are in pain and are tired of popping pills, contact me and let me help!
If you're interested in seeing the FDA warnings regarding acetaminophen abuse, follow the link here.
If you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, come by the office or visit my website here; COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!
