What can chiropractic contribute to the health reform.  Chiropractic has been around since 1895, and continues to be upfront with the medical model.  The health reform has a section on prevention, which chiropractic fits in providing holistic, preventive, and rehab care.  I believe we can work together to helping the patient foremost by providing chiropractic first and then the medical model when necessary. 

 I see most patients after the fact.  For example, they get into an car accident, and as necessary go straight to the medical doctor,  drugs are prescribed, or they start physical therapy.  It only gives temporary relief, it does not fix the problem.  Physical therapy works on the muscles, soft tissue, and rehab, chiropractic works directly on the spine.  The best case scenario is to receive chiropractic first, by aligning the spine, which affects the nerves and muscles, then workalong side with a Physical therapist.

  It would be most beneficial if  medical necessity recommended drugs initially for a few days to reduce inflammation, and pain, then recommend chiropractic.  Why?  We approach these injuries in a holistic way, by getting to the root of the problem, which is misalignment of the vertebrae after a post traumatic whiplash and impact from the car accident. These injuries cause nerve irritation, soft tissue damage, and symptoms start to appear in most cases on the same day.  Most conditions or symptoms may resolve quickly if treatment is received initially during the acute phase.  After stabilizing and correcting the spine, then rehab phase which includes soft tissue, and rehab may consists of physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, and massage therapy.  This will help strengthen, and increase mobility, flexibility, and decrease reinjury.

We can provide the best health reform for wellness, preventative, and rehab care by working together as a team utilizing chiropractic, and medical models. The next article I will address how and what insurance covers, and how we can make it affordable for all to providing the best treatments and why a wellness lifestyle can save you time and money!!! Life is better when you’re well adjusted!!! Dr. Maria E. Manibog, DC

Health For Life Chiropractic, 369 Juana Avenue,  located downtown in San Leandro, CA East Bay, off E. 14th Avenue. Please call for an appointment at (510) 357-1351.  We offer a Complimentary Consultation, Wellness Screening, and stress reduction massage ($150 value) 

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