Category: Jacksonville Beach Chiropractor
Natural Health Doctor Says “Chiropractic is a Safe and Effective Treatment”
As a natural heath provider, writer and lecturer in Jacksonville Beach, Fl. for 20 years, I have had the pleasure of speaking to and treating thousands of patients. In this time I’ve found that most people are still confused about Chiropractic. So here’s a quick, straightforward look at the Chiropractic profession that I published a few years ago as a health writer for a newspaper here in Florida.
Chiropractic brings relief to tens of millions of people suffering from the aches and pains of arthritis, migraine headaches, stress, sports injuries, and many other conditions, including ear conditions, car accidents, and sciatica.
The American Medical association was initially successful in its campaign against chiropractic. But on August 27th, 1988, chiropractic was vindicated when the AMA was found guilty of lying to the public about chiropractic. Something most people are unaware of.
The AMA was forced to pay millions in restitution and print in the Journal of the American Medical Association that it had changed its policy of preventing medical professionals and doctors of chiropractic from working together for the benefit of the patient.
Chiropractic is both a science and an art. The science of chiropractic is the evaluation, diagnosis, and decision-making involved in the treatment of a patient’s health problems. This is based on current research and knowledge as it relates to the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The art of chiropractic is the specific adjustment techniques used by a skilled professional.
Joint manipulation itself is not a new concept. The first recorded manipulation was more than 5000 years ago in China. Ironically, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, performed manipulation of the spine and taught these beneficial techniques to his students. The term “chiropractic” comes from ancient history and simply means “done by hand”.
On September 11, 1895, Daniel David Palmer performed the first recorded chiropractic adjustment in the United States. In 1898, Palmer started the first chiropractic school. Today there are over 17 chiropractic colleges in America, and many more across the world.
Like medical school, attaining a doctorate in chiropractic medicine requires a minimum of six years of college study. Studies are rigorous and include a minimum of a 2-year internship. Chiropractic and medical training is very similar, but because of chiropractic’s focus on the body’s nervous system, musculoskeletal system and alternative approaches to health care, doctors of chiropractic require more training in gross anatomy, neurology, orthopedics, x-ray, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and nutrition, as opposed to pharmacology and minor surgery.
A growing body of research supports chiropractic treatment. Prestigious groups and universities, such as the Rand Corporation, the Department of Health and Human Services, worker’s compensation, and Duke University show that chiropractic treatment is beneficial and many times better than traditional treatments for certain conditions. Costs are low when compared to treatments that rely on drugs and surgery.
Federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and virtually every major insurance carrier and state worker’s compensation plans cover chiropractic treatment. All 50 states have statutes recognizing the practice of chiropractic as an independent health service. Board certified and licensed chiropractors are entitled by law to use the title of physician or Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine.
When it comes to safety, chiropractic has one of the best track records of any profession. Studies have shown the risks of serious injury to be less than one in a million to 1 in ten million. With over 30 million people treating with chiropractors each year, chiropractic has become the world’s second largest health care profession. Chiropractors are considered specialists and in my opinion, do not treat chronic diseases such as cancer or life threatening trauma, but rather educate people in the prevention of disease.
More and more chiropractors and medical doctors are enjoying good relationships and often work together. In the future, I envision all health care professions, as well as politicians and special interest groups, working together to improve the quality of health for all Americans, as well as improve the quality of care for all of those who suffer.
If you would like to learn more about how you can get and stay healthy, Click Here to sign up for my free Health Matters Newsletter.
As natural health care provider and chiropractic physician in Jacksonville Beach Fl, I see my job as educating, coaching, and nurturing my patients to better health and wellness.
Yours In Health,
Dr. John
DR. DAVENPORT, JACKSONVILLE BEACH CHIROPRACTOR, DISCUSSES OSTEOARTHRITIS
Since the dawn of time, osteoarthritis has been plaguing weight-bearing creatures of all types. Paleontologists report that even dinosaurs suffered from it. Today osteoarthritis affects 50 million Americans, and with treatment currently focused on symptoms, not the disease, the future seems bleak.
When you hear the word arthritis, think of a group of diseases that affect joints, such as your knee, back or hip. Osteoarthritis is one of many arthritic diseases that damage your joints. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Osteoarthritis is distinct – it is the No. 1 form of arthritis and has an impact on 80 percent of Americans sometime in their life.
Osteoarthritis destroys the articular cartilage attached to the ends of your bones. This cartilage reduces friction, and works as a shock absorber, helping the joint withstand the stresses of daily activity. Injuries from accidents, repetitive or cumulative trauma, joint misalignment, loose joints, poor posture, biochemical changes, and joint surgery all lead to excessive wear and tear on joints, causing osteoarthritis. Symptoms include pain, cracking sounds (called crepitus), stiffness, and in more advanced stages, inflammation and joint deformity.
At present there is no magic potion that cures osteoarthritis. Treatment is focused on symptoms, not treatment for the condition itself. As a special bonus, you get to risk the sometimes lethal side effects of the medication. The most commonly prescribed drugs are Tylenol and NSAIDs (asprin, Aleve, Advil and Motrin as examples), with steroids used for more extreme cases. While they help with pain, research indicates they also inhibit healing, thereby helping the disease progress. NSAIDs, steroids, and the new Cox-2 inhibitors are responsible for thousands of deaths per year and should be used with caution.
The good news is, proper nutrition, good posture, weight loss and good hydration (one-half your body weight in ounces of water daily) help maintain good joint health. Joint manipulation by trained chiropractic professionals has been proven helpful in decreasing the symptoms of arthritis and correcting misalignments without the use of drugs. Additionally, a natural substance widely used in Europe and China is taking hold in America. It is called glucosamine sulfate.
This amazing substance is produced in your body by cells called chondrocytes and forms the ground substance of joint cartilage, stimulates collagen development, and helps improve the viscosity of synovial fluid. This means glucosamine is essential to maintain healthy cartilage, grow new cartilage, and oil the joint, decreasing wear and tear.
Unfortunately, normal production decreases with age, resulting in decreased cartilage production, subsequent narrowing of cartilage between bones, and arthritic changes such as bone spurs. Studies show oral use of glucosamine sulfate can compensate for this age-related decline, thereby blocking the progression of osteoarthritis, and repairing damaged cartilage.
Glucosamine sulfate has been the subject of several hundred studies showing it very effective in treating osteoarthritis. In addition, several studies compared glucosamine sulfate to NSAIDs, and a number indicated better results in relieving pain and decreasing inflammation with glucosamine. Unlike NSAIDs, glucosamine, taken at prescribed levels, is considered non-toxic.
When purchasing glucosamine, beware-not all brands are the same. Independent studies show that more than a third of glucosamine products did not contain the amount of glucosamine sulfate stated on the label. Look for products manufactured by companies that carry certified analysis that verify the product’s potency.
The typical dosage used in treating osteoarthritis is 1500 milligrams per day, usually divided into three doses, and taken with food. If you weigh over 200 pounds or take diuretic medication, increase your daily dose by 500 milligrams.
Though we hate to admit it, our bodies do eventually wear down. By taking care of your joints and supplementing with glucosamine sulfate, as well as maintaining good joint alignment through manipulation by a chiropractic physician, you can add years to the health of your joints and maintain your quality of life even if you suffer from osteoarthritis.
If you would like to learn more about how you can get and stay healthy, Click Here to sign up for my free Health Matters Newsletter.
As natural health care provider and chiropractic physician in Jacksonville Beach Fl, I see my job as educating, coaching, and nurturing my patients to better health and wellness.
Yours In Health,
Dr. John
Dr. John Davenport a Jacksonville Beach chiropractic physician and wellness consultant shares advice on Exercising and Anti-Aging.
One thing everyone has in common is that everyone grows older. There is no way around it, given current technology; the body will age. Naturally, the majority of people would prefer to slow down the process. Who wouldn’t want to look younger than their age? So let’s look to lifestyle choices, specifically exercise and anti-aging.
Some form of exercise can be done by just about everyone and it has huge potential to help with anti-aging. Exercise may help by strengthening your muscles and allowing you more flexibility, which can mean a better quality of life. Exercise can also help keep additional weight off that would otherwise put a lot of stress on joints and organs. Additionally, exercise might have another benefit by giving you a healthy outlet from stress in your life.
It is important to consult your physician first before starting an exercise program. Ask the doctor all the questions you may have regarding what kind of exercise you can safely do and what is recommended. Since most doctors know very little about exercise and nutrition, look for one who has post graduate training in sports medicine or exercise physiology.
Check to see if they exercise as well. I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable taking advice from an obviously de-conditioned doctor.
As you start an exercise program, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Start slowly. Nothing kills your desire to exercise like going full-out on the first day and winding up so sore you can hardly get out of bed the next. Moderation is key.
2. Keep it regular. To have lasting benefits, you should ideally do some form of exercise every week for… ever. If that sounds intimidating, just take it week by week until it’s a regular part of your life. Sometimes you need to remind yourself why you’re doing it and other times you’ll want to do it because it feels so good.
3. Make it interesting. There is no “should” do this or that. If you are getting some cardiovascular or muscle strengthening benefit from your workout, then do it. If you find doing the same thing day in and day out is boring, then change it up. Walk, ride a bike, lift some weights, use a rowing machine, try yoga or Tai-Chi, do kick-boxing, or whatever sounds interesting to you.
Exercise can be a huge anti-aging weapon as your workouts can help with your weight, your feeling of well-being, your muscle tone and your flexibility. Studies
show that exercise is helpful in the battle against many chronic diseases which included cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
The good news is you can tailor your routine to fit you and your particular lifestyle. So consult your physician, put aside excuses, and get moving.
If you would like to learn more about how you can get and stay healthy, Click Here to sign up for my free Health Matters Newsletter.
As natural health care provider and chiropractic physician in Jacksonville Beach Fl, I see my job as educating, coaching, and nurturing my patients to better health and wellness.
Yours In Health,
Dr. John
www.davenportnaturalhealth.com
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