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Six Medical Myths - The Double Blind - Placebo Controlled Study Guarantees "Safe" Drugs

No Author — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST

At this point in the history of mankind, we have been conditioned to abhor symptoms of any kind. Headaches, sneezing, coughing, colds, allergies, pain, infections, hypertension, etc., are no longer tolerated as a part of the process of living. Rather than look into the mechanisms that may be causing these symptoms, we are reaching for the medicine that will suppress them. In so doing, we may feel better, but we now have no motive to look at causes and correct for the issues that may be impairing our health, thus increasing our 'need' for more medications over time.

Without  the 'gold standard' double blind, placebo controlled study there can be no FDA approval of a new drug. So let's look at this approval process more closely.

Six Medical Myths - Childhood Vaccines Protect us.

No Author — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:35:00 EST

In years gone by, many children were afflicted with polio, measles, mumps, Rubella, influenza, small pox, diphtheria, whooping cough and others. Of course, the majority of these children recovered without incident (other than polio, which caused permanent nerve damage most of the time), but there were some children who had serious sequelae and even some who died from these diseases. Modern science discovered a way to confer immunity on these children so that they would never become afflicted with these diseases, and for the most part, it has been successful. The question is, at what price?'

Six Medical Myths--Medications Improve Health

No Author — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:45:00 EST

Myth #4 - Medications improve health. We are, in this country, the most heavily medicated society on the planet. People are taking medications to control the symptoms of countless diseases.  Many elderly patients take upward of 10 prescription medications regularly as well as a few over-the-counter ones.

If you ask the average senior how they are feeling, most will say that they feel awful in spite of their medications. How could this be? If the medications are supposedly 'keeping them healthy,' how come they feel so bad?

Six Medical Myths - It's All in Your Genes

No Author — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:55:00 EST

Myth #3- Genetically coded diseases are unavoidable. ... We now believe, through scientific technology, that many diseases are inherited. Genes for specific diseases have been recognized via gene mapping.

'Let's take a closer look at this issue. If having a gene for any illness condemns you to having that disease, then why are you not born with the disease you are coded to have? Why isn't every person who carries a gene for disease suffering at all times from that disease? The answer is that all genes do not express themselves at all times and many never do.'

Six Medical Myths - Inflammation

No Author — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:40:00 EST

Myth #2 - Inflammation is bad. Ask any medical doctor what to do about inflammation and the answer will be a uniform, 'Take an anti-inflammatory.' While it is true that taking medication to suppress inflammation can certainly lead to increased comfort, should we be doing that in the first place?

Is inflammation bad?

Six Medical Myths Even Your Doctor May Still Believe--Technology Improves Health

No Author — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:18:00 EST

Myth #1- Technology has improved healthcare. Advances in medical technology now enable us to look inside the human body with relative ease and with great detail. Our surgical tools allow us to operate on all parts of the body with a minimum of trauma and blood loss. Technology has, in fact, improved our health. Or has it?'

Lessons from Yesterday--"This Journal"

Chris G. Dalrymple D.C., F.I.C.C. — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:03:00 EST

Volume I of the Texas Journal of Medicine reports in in July 1905 notes: 'The basis for union is a scientific medical education in the fundamental branches of the healing art. The medicine of the present rests upon accurate knowledge of the human body in health and disease, and the demonstrable action of therapeutic remedies. In this theory has no place. Every man who possesses this knowledge should be eligible to practice and to be called a physician; none other should. As to how he practices thereafter is a matter of his choice. If he varies too much from established principles, the courts are open for prosecution for malpractice.'

To paraphrase this same Journal, it also notes that this Journal is owned and controlled by the chiropractic profession. The use each member makes of it will determine its value and usefulness. The support of every Texas chiropractic physician is solicited. District secretaries should report to the editor other than routine matter, such as deaths, resolutions, new plans for programs, elections of officers, ethical problems, work of committees on legislation, and matters pertaining to public health.

We call upon you to share your 'other than routine matter' so that we may share it with the profession.

Science & Theory in Chiropractic

No Author — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:01:00 EST

A Paper written by Scott Haldeman, D.C., M.D., PhD. presenting excerpts from his 'Keynote Presentation at the International Conference on Spinal Manipulation' effectively outlines the scientific and theoretical evolution associated with the chiropractic profession.  These are but  excerpts of a longer article reporting information of importance to the profession. Readers are encouraged to review the article in its entirety at Chiro.org HERE.

'There has been dramatic change in thought process both from a clinical and from a scientific point of view over the past 100 years. In the early years of chiropractic, practice drove theory ...'

'During the �middle ages� of chiropractic, theory drove science.'

'Today we are starting to enter the era where science is driving theory. ... At the same time, clinical research is beginning to drive practice. What we are allowed to do in practice and what we will be permitted to do in practice in the future will be dependent upon what we can prove to be effective.'

'It must be realized that scientific research is forming the basis of the theories that direct further research and which therefore direct clinical practice. ... It is no longer credible for anyone to state that �there is no scientific basis for spinal manipulation or the chiropractic adjustment ....'

'The primary factor that will determine the speed that is likely to occur is the commitment by the chiropractic profession in the research process. This requires that individual chiropractors become more involved by reading the scientific journals and attending meetings where the results of research are presented. Research, however, is dependent on financial support. ... It is therefore essential that chiropractors financially support institutions that fund research.'

Chiropractic From a Unique Perspective

No Author — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:15:00 EST

Recently former Executive Director of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners Glenn Parker shared his unique perspective on the situation that the chiropractic profession in Texas finds itself.

He notes that the current legal environment 'could lead to a 'winner take all' showdown in court that would resolve the scope issue one way or the other, at least until the legislature got motivated to take action. Such a court decision would either be a huge win or a huge loss for chiropractors.'

These personal comments are not intended to represent a full report regarding the chiropractic profession, but rather Mr. Parker's opinion from his unique perspective.

Mr. Parker also notes that 'I am no longer the Executive Director of the TBCE. The Board hired former board counsel Yvette Yarbrough to be the next Executive Director' and that she has already started her service as E.D. at the TBCE. 

WELCOME, and good luck to Ms. Yarbrough! 

THANK YOU, and good luck to Mr. Parker!

A Chiropractic Definition for the New Millennium

Guest Author — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST

An editorial By Robert Jusino, DC, MPH and published in chiroeco.com presents an opinion for a solution to the divisiveness that continues to characterize the chiropractic profession.  At this time when Texas is wrestling with the definition and scope of chiropractic these excerpts are offered for further consideration.

Concludes Dr. Jusino:

'I propose the following simple and concise definitions for the chiropractic profession�s consideration:

� Chiropractic: A system of healthcare that promotes optimal whole-person wellness, physical fitness and spinal health. Chiropractic physicians treat human ailments without the use of prescription drugs or incisive operative surgery.

� Branches of chiropractic: Chiropractic has two branches, chiropractic spinology and chiropractic medicine.

Chiropractic spineology is the branch of chiropractic that studies the effects on health of vertebral segmental dysfunctions in the human spine. Doctors of chiropractic spineology optimize wellness and treat human ailments mainly by manual adjustments to dysfunctional vertebras on the spine.

Chiropractic medicine is the branch of chiropractic that studies the combined effects on health of proper spinal function, physical fitness, mental/emotional fitness and nutrition. Doctors of chiropractic medicine optimize wellness and treat human ailments with spinal manual adjustments, as well as with natural, mechanical and other common domain health care methods.'

Relieving the �Pain� of Appointment-Scheduling with Cloud-Based Technology

Guest Author — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:05:00 EST

Booking and managing patient appointments is typically not the most enjoyable task in a chiropractic office.  Advancements in online technology have reached almost every industry and for every task, including chiropractic offices and their appointment-booking procedures.

When someone mentions the word �cloud�, many of us instinctually think of the fluffy white objects floating over our heads. These days, however, the term is also used to describe the Web and all of the cutting-edge programs securely housed and maintained through it.

Advancements in online technology have made it easy for chiropractic offices to improve their operations by automating and streamlining necessary tasks such as appointment-booking. They�re an affordable, easy-to-use alternative appreciated by both staff and the patients they serve.

Scope of Practice Proposal Too Limiting?

Chris G. Dalrymple D.C., F.I.C.C. — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:53:00 EST

In the recent months the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners has proposed many new rules.  Recently the TBCE proposed consideration of a scope of practice rule change that all chiropractors should take note of. You will find that proposed rule published in its entirety HERE and you are encouraged to read all of the proposed changes for yourself.

There are many things in this rule proposal that DCs should take note of:  chiropractors may not use analysis, diagnosis, and other opinions regarding the findings of examinations and evaluations that are outside the scope of chiropractic including: a definitive opinion or diagnosis that a patient suffers from a disease or condition unrelated to the interaction of components of the human musculoskeletal system. NOR may chiropractors use the treatment of pathology of the internal organs of a variety of body systems.

Read more in this editorial, and READ HERE the proposed rule and form your own opinion.

In the Navy! (And the Army)

No Author — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:28:00 EST

Donald Petersen, in this editorial, points out some of the military successes and growth of the chiropractic profession.

He concludes 'Thus far, 2011 has already been a great year for positive studies, articles and information about chiropractic. These are not happenstance. They are the result of decades of time and energy invested by many within our profession. The circulation of this positive information within the consumer and health care communities couldn't come at a better time. This information will help to open eyes and change minds regarding the potential benefits of including chiropractic for more than just low back pain.'

DEAR EDITOR: Facility Registration a Problem Not to be Overlooked!

Guest Author — Wed, 18 May 2011 17:30:00 EST

Doctors are getting in trouble with the board of chiropractic examiners.  The problem is failing to pay their facility registration.

All facilities in which chiropractic services are rendered must be registered with the state. A problem is that once you forget to register you are no longer registered; therefore there will be no bill sent out the next year and the next....

The board is very reasonable about negotiating and never assesses close to what they could, but today I got a call from two partners with up to $8000 in fines and penalties due to 6 years of unpaid registrations.

DOCTORS! Double check YOUR facility registration. It is supposed to be posted on the wall, but whether is or not, YOU actually need to SEE it. It is the same with your license, YOU need to look at YOUR license, because it is all too easy for those renewals to fall thru the crack too.

The Religion of Medicine

No Author — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:00:00 EST

'Dr. Larry Malerba, DO, DHt:He has been a practitioner, educator, and leader in the field of holistic medicine for more than twenty years. He is the author of Green Medicine: Challenging the Assumptions of Conventional Health Care.

In an editorial entitled 'Is modern medicine more science or religion?' Dr. Malerba's points are so well made that they are worthy of being shared. Excerpts from his editorial are shared for our educational use.

''Scientism' is a term that has been applied to Western science's tendency to consider itself as the only valid way of describing reality and acquiring knowledge. Far from objective science, it is riddled with a self-imposed form of materialistic and mechanistic bias.'

'...true medical science that was faithful to its original mission was originally conceived to explore the nature of life without a predetermined agenda.'

'If [medical science] chooses not to take spiritual reality into account, then it cannot at the same time claim any authority regarding issues of vitalism, energy, consciousness, spirit, or soul.'

'Medical science stakes its credibility upon its rationality and yet many beliefs that it holds are more accurately characterized as rationalizations.'

'When we come to understand that modern medicine is a result of an overreliance upon the abstracting and analyzing functions of the rational mind, then we see how it can take such cold and calculated positions in the face of so much iatrogenically-induced tragedy.'

'When orthodox medicine demands explanations that conform to its mechanistic worldview before it will acknowledge those phenomena as legitimate, it simply demonstrates its intractable obstinacy and refusal to adjust its understanding.'

'Modern medicine has degenerated into a shadow of its original intended purpose, preoccupied with politics and intoxicated by its own power. The new medical religion is predicated upon mechanism, reductionism, and materialism, and has set itself up in opposition to common sense, spiritual understanding, and holism.'

DEAR EDITOR: One Suggestion for Narcoterrorism

No Author — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:47:00 EST

Dr. William Leff writes that perhaps it is time for America to deal with the narcoterrorism of our border communities with 'a free lunch of Navy Seals and a side order of local SWAT teams.'

EXPLORING TEXAS CHIROPRACTIC--A Cascade of Negative Effects

Chris G. Dalrymple D.C., F.I.C.C. — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:11:00 EST

Exploring Texas Chiropractic in this editorial looks at the cascade of negative effects that CAN result from what appears to be a simple complaint process initiated at the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners.  Learn more about this potential cascade in this article.

It is important that you:

1) read the law and set your practices up according to it--not what you 'guess' it says, but what it actually says, and update your practices with every TBCE rule change; and

2) it would be WISE to include an attorney who knows the laws pertaining to chiropractic when you answer a complaint from the TBCE.

Don't thoughtlessly respond to a complaint investigation from the TBCE. Don't just 'throw the case notes at it.' Seek assistance, and legal assistance would be a wise idea.

Exploring Texas Chiropractic--Documentation

Chris G. Dalrymple D.C., F.I.C.C. — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 06:00:00 EST

Documentation.  What is it and why does the TBCE care about how chiropractic doctors document their cases?

There are various reasons, and this article does not touch upon all of them, but here is what the Chiropractic Act states regarding documentation:  The TBCE is the agency charged with enforcing the Chiropractic act; The TBCE may adopt rules and regulations to regulate the practice of chiropractic; the TBCE is charged to determine the records required to be maintained; TBCE Rule touches upon documentation both directly and indirectly.

This article looks at the principles of documentation from the Chiropractic Act and Rule and summarizes some of the indirect and directly required documentation that EVERY doctor of chiropractic should be aware of.  Excerpts from the law are included and a direct link to the entire law are included for quick reference.

Medical Board Battles

Chris G. Dalrymple D.C., F.I.C.C. — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

We are all familiar with the woes dealt to our profession by the Texas Medical Board and their close relationship with the Texas Medical Association, so it is no surprise to us when Tim Bolen, a 'crisis management consultant for the health care industry', reports that 'Texas is a major battle ground in the health wars. Always has been. What is different now is that the pace has been stepped up.'

This editorial reports on HB 1013, a bill that bans all anonymous complaints except for those filed by patients and relatives, and reviews Bolens' strategies that were used in California in his battles against the medical board in that state.

The medical battles in Texas are being fought on many fronts and by many organizations--even within the medical front itself. The objective that best serves the public is to see that there is CHOICE in health care and that a medical monopolistic attitude is not imposed upon those who do not desire it.

Are You Practicing The Art?

No Author — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST

Dr. James Welch investigates the answer to this question in his editorial. 

'�The Art� is not just one procedure. It is a number of procedures put together making chiropractic such a successful unique type of health care.'