Chiropractic at 2008 Beijing Olympics | Ritalin Controversy | How to Get Health Insurance to Cover Chiropractic Care | Never Too Old To Go For Gold...Chiropractic Care Improves Fitness, Restores Balance to Three Figure Skaters In Their Late 30's | Prescription Drug Related Deaths Triple; Chiropractic Care May Be the Answer | Research

Chiropractic Making Headlines

Since one in four Americans has tried Chiropractic and there are more than 65,000 Chiropractors practicing in the United States alone, Chiropractic is making big news. The media is full of stories of how Chiropractic has changed lives and improved patients' health.

From celebrity success stories to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, help yourself to some of the recent news articles we have available on Chiropractic!

Chiropractic at 2008 Beijing Olympics

Several news stories reported on chiropractors going to the Beijing Olympics to work with the athletes. One such story appearing in the August 06, 2008 Business Wire noted that four Doctors of Chiropractic have joined the 62-member U.S. Olympic healthcare team in Beijing, China. The article notes that since the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York, chiropractors have provided chiropractic care to the Olympic athletes.

This year chiropractors will assume an even greater role in the integrated healthcare team, which includes medical doctors, massage therapists, and certified athletic trainers. One of the Chiropractors going to Beijing, Dr. Ted Forcum commented, "Chiropractic fulfills a niche need, not only by treating injuries but also by aiding in recovery and positively impacting athletic performance."

"Chiropractic takes a non-invasive, drug-free approach to healthcare, a position that is now highly regarded among Olympic athletes and their trainers who must meet strict eligibility requirements to qualify for the Olympic Games," adds Dr. Forcum. "Chiropractic care is particularly valuable for pain management, and offers athletes highly effective solutions for achieving optimal performance without the use of prescription drugs."

Another story on August 10, 2008 in Chad.co.uk, out of the United Kingdom, reports that Dr. Thomas Jeppesen from Mansfield England is also helping the athletes of Britain. Just prior to his departure, Dr. Jeppesen commented, "It's something new and it's a really exciting opportunity. To be able to work with top athletes will be a great experience and it will be good to see the effects our work has on them. We are aiming to be there supporting and helping the athletes and getting the best out of their bodies during the game." In addition, a July 24, 2008 Market Watch article reported that Dr. Camille Reagan is the chiropractor with the Columbian Olympic team.

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress noted that the nations of Sweden, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, China, and others will have chiropractors with their staffs to help their respective athletes.

Ritalin Controversy

What if Albert Einstein had been put on Ritalin? Did you know that Einstein, one of the greatest geniuses of the last century, did not speak until he was four years old and didn't read until he was seven. His teacher described him as "mentally slow, unsociable and adrift in his foolish dreams." He was expelled and refused admittance to the Zurich Polytech Institute.

Today he would have been put on Ritalin.

Thomas Edison's teachers said he was too stupid to learn anything. Isaac Newton did very poorly in grade school. Opera singer Enrico Caruso's teacher said he had no voice at all and could not sing. Winston Churchill failed sixth grade. Beethoven handled the violin awkwardly and preferred playing his own compositions. His teacher called him hopeless as a composer. ARE THESE GENIUSES RITALIN CANDIDATES ALSO?

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO OUR CHILDREN? How did we allow our country to be jokingly referred to as the Ritalin capital of the world?

Ritalin is a very dangerous and highly addictive drug. Under Federal Law, Ritalin is classified as a schedule II controlled substance, the same rating given to cocaine, opium and morphine. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include depression, fatigue, paranoia, increases dreaming, irritability, bedwetting and suicide.

At a Chiropractic Mother's Morning Out program on The Ritalin Controversy, one of the mothers stood up and told her son's story. He tried Ritalin for a very short time and he hated the way it made him feel, so he stopped taking it on his own (hurray for him). What's scary is that seven years later he still suffers from the side effects, including bedwetting.

Can you really try it just once? Think long and hard about the answer to this question.

The side effects of Ritalin are numerous and severe. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, the side effects include stunting of growth, depression, insomnia, nervousness, skin rash, anorexia, nausea, dizziness, headaches, abdominal pain, blood pressure and pulse changes, and Tourette's Syndrome (a permanent and irreversible condition characterized by body ticks, spasms, screaming obscenities and barking sounds).

The physiological changes that cause these side effects are occurring whether there is an outward manifestation of symptoms or not. This is very scary.

How far will we go to control, mold and conform our children to somebody's made up normal? Are we turning our geniuses of tomorrow into drug addicts?

According to a Canadian report, Ritalin is responsible for more street crime than any other drug. Kids are selling their Ritalin to other kids! A USA Today report indicated that some kids crush Ritalin into a powder and snort it like cocaine, while others cook it and inject it into their bloodstream.

"My child wouldn't do that," you might say. How do you know? This is a highly addictive drug we are talking about here. Remember the fifteen year old who is still suffering from withdrawal seven years later? He no longer owns his life and his consciousness. He now has a lifelong battle for his will.

Well known criminal defense attorney Melvin Nash, from Marietta, Georgia, who receives Chiropractic Wellness Care with his family, indicated that approximately 60% of the people he defends for everything from DUI to armed robbery have been on Ritalin at some point in their life. He stated, "I would home school my kids before I put them on Ritalin!" That's a powerful statement!

The United States is number one in Ritalin consumption in the world, by far. How did we let this happen? Have we bought into the multimillion dollar marketing strategies of the drug manufacturer? You decide.

One person who just started teaching in a middle school was asked if a lot of her kids were on Ritalin. She replied, "yes, but not enough." This gives me a pain in my heart.

Another person was discussing her friends who became parents late in life. They said they couldn't deal with their son because they had forgotten what it was like to be a child. Their child is on Ritalin.

Where is the responsibility going that we entrust our child's mind to a highly addictive and dangerous drug such as Ritalin? What price are we willing to pay to maintain our high tech lifestyles and busy schedules or to have our kids be "perfect"? What if Albert Einstein had been on Ritalin? There is a genius in all of us that is just trying to get out. Think about all the ideas, talent, strength and creativity we keep stored inside because we worry about what other people would say or think. They would put us down, call us unruly and tell us to grow up. They would put us on Ritalin to get us to conform to the norm that is mediocrity and maintain our drug dependent world.

AS CHIROPRACTORS, WE GET TO EXPERIENCE THIS GENIUS EVERY DAY IN MY OFFICE. We see the healing and regenerative powers of the human body and spirit at work every day. People that were on drugs get off them. Children that are to called "hyper", calm down and parents that are hypoactive get increased energy. I have seen people's own bodies begin to work correctly because of Chiropractic and heal itself from just about every malady you can name.

We have also seen what the continuous expression of this genius can create in families that are under Chiropractic Wellness Care. Wellness care keeps the expression of this genius uninterferred with so people can express all of their genetic potential on a moment to moment basis, every minute they're alive.

All children, especially the ones that aren't "perfect" or "normal", need their senses clear. They need their adaptation capacity at 100%. They need their nerve system free from interference. Do they really need artificial stimulation or sedation?

Is Ritalin the drug industries version of a Joe Camel cigarette billboard? Is Ritalin the drug companies insurance policy to big business down the road? Is it any wonder our country can spend close to $80 million a year on drug abuse awareness and the problem continues to get worse?

How to Get Health Insurance to Cover Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care entails diagnosing and adjusting back problems by manually manipulating the bones in the spine to ease pain and restore mobility. Years ago, chiropractic care and other forms of alternative medicine were considered unorthodox and often weren't covered by health insurance providers. Today, as more and more insurance carriers are looking for ways to promote wellness and good health, the rules have changed.

Step One: Find out what is covered by your health insurance plan. Check to see if your chiropractic care team is listed among their approved providers for those services.

Step Two: Determine if your insurance carrier is an HMO (Healthcare Management Organization) or PPO. HMOs will generally only cover practitioners who are on their approved list. PPOs tend to pay for any chiropractic service, usually up to 80 percent of fees charged by providers not on their preferred list, as well as a prearranged fee to the provider if they are preferred.

Step Three: Get your chiropractor's office team to help you find alternatives to your health insurance if you can't get coverage for your visits. Many practitioners have special financing plans available.

Step Four: Look for more information about insurance coverage and rights of the insured online at the Insurance.com Web site (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

Keep approaching your insurance provider, as many health insurance companies operate under the 'squeaky wheel' theory. If your medical doctor agrees with the need for chiropractic care, ask for a letter stating that for the insurance company.

Be certain to thoroughly fill out your medical history form when you visit a chiropractor for the first time, paying special care to questions about prior injuries.

If you were injured in an automobile accident or work-related injury, talk to your automobile insurance company or employer about possible coverage of chiropractic treatment.

Even with insurance coverage, chiropractic care usually comes with a moderately expensive pricetag. You will want to receive an estimate from your chiropractor about the duration of treatment your condition requires.

Don't be discouraged if you have trouble getting coverage for your chiropractic visits. Keep the situation in perspective and remember how important pain relief is to your overall well being.

If you experience acute abdominal pain along with severe back pain, consult your doctor immediately or seek emergency assistance.

Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners are licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider and keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

Resources

(eHow Health Editor. More information available at www.ehow.com)

For information on chiropractic insurance coverage visit www.insurance.com

Things You'll Need:

• Copy of your health insurance policy
• Documentation from your medical doctor and chiropractor outlining the need for chiropractic care

Never Too Old To Go For Gold...
Chiropractic Care Improves Fitness, Restores Balance to
Three Figure Skaters In Their Late 30's

June 20, 2007
Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

Santa Rosa, Calif./CARMICHAEL, Calif. – June 20, 2007 – Young or old, amateur or professional, figure skating at any level is a sport that causes discomfort and consistently strains muscles in the back, neck, legs and arms. For "30-something" skaters Ninotchka Aschow, Choeleen Loundagin and William Abel – all from Santa Rosa, California—chiropractic care has not only been an important and necessary staple in their training and preparation but has also helped each one to realize a dream of winning a gold medal.

Along with competing at around the same age bracket, the three skaters have something else in common: they all work with chiropractor Dr. Christina Dumbadse, who not only offers the skaters physical relief from their injuries, but also takes a holistic approach to patient management, introducing ways to improve the skaters' wellness, nutrition and mental acuity. Dr. Dumbadse is a member of The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (www.f4cp.org ), a not-for-profit organization providing education about the benefits of chiropractic care.

"I am thoroughly impressed with Dr. Dumbadse's approach, especially her attention to the latest research, best approaches for athletes and her pro-active approach to care," says Loundagin, a 39-year-old singles skater throughout her entire career who did not actively compete for almost 22 years.

As a skating coach, she was constantly around the rink watching and interacting with the skaters, and assisting with their training. When the opportunity to participate in a pairs competition was presented to her, Loundagin embarked on an intense training schedule with skating partner, William Abel.

"Going from singles to pairs was a tricky transition, however seeing a chiropractor two to three times a week allowed me to develop the additional muscle and upper body strength for lifting, as well as keeping my alignment consistent," explains Loundagin, who along with Abel won gold in the first championships pair's competition at the U.S. Adult Championships. "I think it is important to take care of your body and appreciate what it is doing for you. Chiropractic care definitely helped me become stronger in areas that I was lacking."

In the beginning, Abel would only visit with his chiropractor for adjustment purposes. Soon his office visits increased when he learned that chiropractic care was just as useful for preventative care.

"Skating is an unbalanced sport—you are jumping and landing on the same side of your body over and over," says Abel. "Pairs skaters are always lifting with one arm and continuously favoring one side of the body. Over time, you begin to feel various pain sensations that can put your body into an uncomfortable state. For me, chiropractic care is the only thing that can turn around this type of situation. I would not go to a medical doctor for something like this."

Ninotchka Aschow also understands the health and wellness benefits that come with chiropractic care. At age 37, she captured her second championship, the Gold Ladies Title at the 2007 U.S. Singles Championship.

About F4CP

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress is a 501c6 corporation that represents a cross section of the chiropractic and vendor communities with the goal of increasing the public's awareness of the benefits of chiropractic. http://www.f4cp.org.

Prescription Drug Related Deaths Triple;
Chiropractic Care May Be the Answer

Sep 26, 2007
By Jacob Dauler
AC Associated Content, Inc.

A report compiled from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data supports the ongoing claims of today's chiropractors. The report shows that over the last seven years, this country has seen an increase in the number of prescription drug related deaths as well as severe adverse reactions, according to CPR Communications.

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a non-profit organized working toward increasing awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care, states that this report calls for more "drug-less" treatments. Doctors today should embrace the holistic care provided by chiropractors and offer the choice to their patients prior to turning to prescription drugs.

According to CPR Communications, the information for the FDA shows the number of adverse drug reactions has doubled in recent years. As stated in the report, in 1998 there were 34,966 events resulting from undesirable reactions to prescription drugs; in 2005 (the latest date with available information) there were 89,842. This increase is almost equal to three times the original. The data concerning prescription drug related deaths is worse. In 1998 there were 5,519 deaths; in 2005 that number nearly tripled to 15,107.

America's addiction to prescription drugs is proven by looking at this data. Conservative treatments, such as chiropractic care, are thrown to the wayside while physicians today write prescription after prescription. With the number of new drugs being approved each year and the pressures from the pharmaceutical manufactures, it is not a surprise that doctors are writing more prescriptions than in the past.

Patients should avoid over-the-counter drugs whenever it is possible, according to CPR Communications. Chiropractic care can address many health problems, not just those related to spine or joint pain. The main goal of their treatment is to avoid the necessity of medications. "This holistic approach to care benefits the patient and avoids the clear risks associated with taking unnecessary medications," says Gerard W. Clum, D.C. spokesperson for the Foundation.

Chiropractic treatments do work. According to CPR Communications, a recent study proven that manipulations to the cervical spine decrease blood pressure. This hypothesis was published by Journal of Human Hypertension in March 2007; validating the research. As stated in the Journal, the results of one chiropractic treatment of the cervical spine are equivalent to taking high blood pressure medicine twice in one day.

Chiropractic treatments are a well established choice of treatment in American healthcare today. However, the trend of doctor's choosing to prescribe a drug before trying a drugless treatment first must diminish. The research proves that many American cannot handle the responsibility of taking some of the drugs available. Allergies as well as abuse more than likely contribute to the high number of bad reactions and deaths.

SOURCE: CPR Communications "FDA Report on Increased Rx Adverse Events Points Americans to ''Drug-Less'' Approach to Patient Care"

©2007 Associated Content, Inc.

Scientific Research on Chiropractic

How and why does chiropractic work so well?

A three-year British study compared traditional approaches to back pain with chiropractic. Their published accounts in 1990 looked into the long term effects of chiropractic care. They concluded that even after several years, chiropractic was more effective than care provided by medical clinics.

In 1987, West German researchers Gutmann and Frymann published their study of 1250 five-day-old babies. They found 211 were suffering from vomiting, hyperactivity, and sleeplessness.

Examination of their cervical spines revealed 95% had muscle strain. Using chiropractic techniques to reduce the tension "frequently resulted in immediate quieting, cessation of crying, muscular relaxation and sleepiness."

A study by the state of Florida in 1988 showed a 50% reduction in worker's compensation costs and lost work time when chiropractic care was used instead of traditional medical treatment.

Ask the 316 parents of a 1989 Danish study of infants with colic, if chiropractic is scientific! Chiropractic care helped 84% of the cases. The report concluded that "spinal manipulation of the vertebral column in infants with infantile colic constitutes an effective treatment of the condition."

New Zealand government investigation into chiropractic care found it "remarkably safe".

In 1992, the RAND Corporation studied various types of low back treatments and released their findings at the meeting of the Society of Orthopedic Surgeons.

A University of Washington study revealed that as many as 50% of all back surgeries are unnecessary or ineffective!

A 1972 Oregon Worker's Compensation study revealed that injured workers who received chiropractic care recovered twice as fast as traditional medical approaches.

• References •

British Medical Journal, June 2, 1990, pp 1431-1437.

Gutmann, G., M.D., Manuelle Medizin. Springer-Verlag, 1987.

Wolk, S., An Analysis of Florida Workers' Compensation Medical Claims for Back Related Injuries. Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research, Arlington, VA. 1988.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. August 1989.

Lewit, Karl, MUDr., Doc. DSC, Manipulative Therapy in Rehabilitation of the Motor System, Butterworth, 1987.

Hochschuler, S., M.D., Texas Back Institute, Back in Shape, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1991.

White, A.A., M.D. and Panjabi, M.M., Ph.D., Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine, 2nd edition, J.B. Lippincott, 1990.

Cox, J., Low Back Pain, Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment, 4th edition, Williams and Wilkins, 1990.

Nwuga, VCB: Relative Therapeutic Efficacy of Vertebral Manipulation and Conventional Treatment in Back Pain Management, Am Phys Med 61: 273, 1982.

Norkin, C., P.T., Lauangie, P., P.T., Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, 2nd edition, F.A Davis, 1992.

Haldeman, S., D.C., M.D., Modern Development in the Principles and Practice of Chiropractic, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1980.

Buerger, A., Ph.D., Greenman, R., D.O., Validation of Spinal Manipulation, Charles C. Thomas Company, 1985.

Leach, R., D.C., The Chiropractic Theories; Principles and Clinical Applications, Williams & Wilkins, 1994.

Gray, Henry, Gray's Anatomy, Anatomy of the Human Body, 30th edition, Lea and Febiger, edited by Charles Mayo Gross, M.D., Philadelphia, 1989.

Plaugher, G., D.C., Anrig-Howe, C., D.C., Textbook of Clinical Chiropractic, Williams and Wilkins, 1993.

Dorland, W., Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 28th edition, edited by Douglas Anderson, Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders Company, 1994.

States, A., D.C., States' Manual of Spinal, Pelvic and Extra Vertebral Technics, 2nd edition, edited by Kirk, D.C., Lawrence, D., D.C., Waverly Press, 1985, reprinted 1991.

Hoppenfeld, S., M.D., Orthopaedic Neurology, J.B. Lippincott, 1977.

Kirkaldy-Willis, W., M.D., Managing Low Back Pain, 3rd edition, Churchill Livingstone, 1993.

New Zealand Report, Report of the Commission of Inquiry. Government Printer, Wellington, New Zealand, 1979.

Netter, Ciba Collections, Volume 1, Nervous System, Part 1, Anatomy and Physiology, 1986.

Forman, S., D.C., Croft, A., D.C., Whiplash Injuries: The Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration Syndromes, Williams and Wilkins, 1995.

Cailliet, R., M.D., Pain: Mechanism and Management, F.A. Davis Company, 1993.

Gillet, H., D.C., Belgian Chiropractic Research Notes, 11th edition, Motion Palpation Institute, 1981.

Manga, P., Ph.D., Angus, D., M.A. Papadopoulos, C., M.H.A., The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low-Back Pain, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health August 1993.

Schifrin, L., Chancellor Professor of Economics and Preventive Medicine, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Meade, T.W., Dyer, S., Townsend, J., Low Back Pain of Mechanical Origin: Randomized Comparison of Chiropractic and Hospital Treatment, British Medical Journal, Volume 300, 1431-1437, June 2, 1990.

Peet, J., D.C., Chiropractic Pediatric and Prenatal Reference Manual, 2nd edition, Baby Adjusters, Inc. Publications, 1992.

Hooper, R., D.C., Preventing Low Back Pain, Williams and Wilkins, 1992.