Homeless on Christmas

Christmas Day 2011. The rain fell and the wind blew. It was bleak. Not the kind of morning that invited being outdoors. Yet men, women and children lined up outside the Georgia World Congress Center. They waited for some warmth, some food and some relief from life on the streets and shelters of downtown Atlanta. I set up my portable chiropractic table inside and waited for them, along side my colleague Winston Carhee, Jr. of Atlanta. We were part of the volunteer chiropractors for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless.

Homelessness may seem foreign to most of us, but it lingers as a real threat to millions. All it can take is the loss of a job, a broken down vehicle, an illness or a broken family relationship. People that don't have savings or family/friends that can take them in wind up on the street. One young man stood out to me. He was 24 years old, suffered from Bi-Polar Disorder. He got out of prison 3 weeks ago, then got in a car wreck 2 weeks ago. He was hobbling around with pain and muscle spasms. After a brief examination to make sure he didn't have any spinal instability, I gave him his first chiropractic adjustment. Afterwards he smiled, gave me the thumbs-up and said he could walk all day now (which you have to do to keep warm in the wind and the rain).

I felt sad for him, but glad that I was able to make his life a little better. The number one way to help the poor is to make sure that you do not become one of them. The next best way is to be thankful, and extend yourself through your time or financial resources to help bring others up.

What are your ideas on helping the poor and homeless?

Changes, Challenges and Celebrations

For many of us 2011 has been a year of Changes, Challenges and Celebrations too.

This year I Celebrated my 25th year in the Chiropractic profession. A career choice that I made after working as a Wilderness Challenge Instructor with troubled youth in the 1970’s and 1980’s. I look forward to continuing to practice here far into my next quarter century of service.

Changes that we have seen in the practice this year include the addition of Carrie as our Front Desk Chiropractic Assistant. Carrie comes to us after years of helping chiropractic patients in Middle Georgia and Michigan.

We also have a new Chiropractic Table that allows us to implement the Cox Protocols for Degenerative and Herniated Disks, Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis. This gentle distractive technique has proven effectiveness in the majority of patients who are candidates for treatment. You can see the technique in action at our upgraded website, http://www.leadingedgeatlanta.com/.

The other new piece of equipment we have put into service is the WristTrac device. It is shown to be effective in the non-surgical treatment of mild to moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other wrist-related disorders. Visit http://www.wristrac.com/ or contact us for additional information.

On a personal note, my family met a huge Challenge this year. Our twenty year old daughter, Lexi, faced a sudden psychological crisis, and took her life on Memorial Day. Thanks to all of you for your warmth, comfort and support during this difficult time.

Wishing the best for you and your family; here’s to a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Should I see a Massage Therapist or a Chiropractor?

“How do I know if I need to see a Massage Therapist or a Chiropractor?” I am asked this question from time-to-time by prospective patients. It is a good question, and worth taking some time to look at a number of considerations.

Massage Therapists (MT) in Georgia are licensed professionals who graduate from a 9 month course of study. Prerequisites include a High School diploma or equivalent.
Massage is a system of structured touch, pressure, movement or holding of the soft tissues of the body, which has the primary intent to enhance or restore health and well-being.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) are licensed healthcare professionals who graduate from a 4-year course of study, and pass 4 National Board Exams. Prerequisites include an undergraduate degree or equivalent. DC’s may examine, use x-rays and other diagnostic testing, diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment or refer.
DC’s may utilize spinal and extra-spinal adjustments, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, nutritional/dietary supplements and lifestyle modification.

It is very common for health insurance plans, motor vehicle accident insurance and Medicare to cover Chiropractic exams, x-rays and treatment. It is less common for insurance to cover Massage Therapy, but when it does, their must be a diagnosis and examination by a DC, MD or other doctorate level healthcare provider.

A typical first-time Massage Therapy client will have mild stiffness and stress in the neck or back, and they are looking for temporary relief and relaxation. The client comes back to the MT when they want more temporary relief.

A typical first-time Chiropractic patient will have more intense symptoms that interfere with some aspect of their daily life (sleep, work, mood, recreation, chores). They are looking for an understanding of their condition, relief from their pain or other symptoms and how to avoid future problems without drugs or surgery.
The patient follows a recommended schedule of care to get a desired result.

Over the years I have had new patients come to my practice who were told by a Massage Therapist that they needed a Chiropractor, and I have told patients that they needed to get massage more than they needed to be adjusted. Many of our patients who are under my care see our MT as well as me because the two working together is of more benefit than each alone.

What are your thoughts on when to see a Massage Therapist or a Chiropractor?