Re: RC: Chiropractors

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/16/00 3:31:31 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
kathy_mayeda@atce.com writes:

<< I don't believe that X-Rays = competence in chiropractic
 treatment.  I think that some chiropractors use it as
 a sales tool! >>

I have to agree.  (No different from the "marketing schemes" going on in far 
too many veterinary practices these days, either.)  And I have yet to use a 
chiropractor that sports his own x-ray machine--every one I've been to refers 
you to an MD if he feels you need radiographs, and then requests the films.  
So far, I have not personally had the chiropractor request "before" 
films--although have been in two situations where the chiro had access to 
"before" films because of trauma that was initially treated in the ER.  On 
one of those occasions (already mentioned in a previous), he sent me back for 
"after" films--which were dramatically different.  The other occasion was a 
car wreck, and I had cervical films done in the ER--and the chiro WOULD have 
referred me for same had they not already been done.  It has been my 
experience that competent MD's and competent DC's have no qualms about 
working together as a team, and in fact, prefer it that way.

As to the ear infections--I can attest to the fact that neck trauma can 
greatly complicate my sinus pain from allergies.  Given that, I can imagine 
that good chiropractic management might be an indicated adjunctive treatment 
in SOME patients with ear infections, if chiropractic problems happen to be a 
complicating factor.  But it certainly would not be the route of primary 
care.  Nonetheless, it is entirely possible that a patient with chiropractic 
complications and a healthy immune system might well be able to kick the ear 
infection on his own once the chiro problems are taken care of.  It would be 
a stretch in such a case to say that the chiro "cured" the ear infection--and 
I'd still run like hell from any chiro who claimed he could do same and 
didn't understand and explain the medical relationship...

Heidi

Heidi