Month: October 2017

The popularity of chiropractic healthcare continues to grow, not only in the United States but also the entire world. Yet, some wonder about the safety of chiropractic adjustments and manipulation. Although no healthcare procedure is 100% safe, chiropractic has been shown by numerous studies to be one of the safest of all forms of treatment. This article will discuss the topic of chiropractic safety.

We are all aware of the reports that over 100,000 deaths per year occur in the United States from medical errors. Everyone involved in providing healthcare should be doing everything possible to reduce and eliminate this problem.

The chiropractic profession has been acutely aware that we must first do no harm when it comes to the care and treatment of our patients.

For instance, the federal government accredits chiropractic schools (just as it does medical and dental schools) through the federally-recognized Council on Chiropractic Education. Chiropractic colleges require 10 semesters or five years of education beyond that taken in undergraduate college. Chiropractic students study anatomy, physiology, pathology, and all the basic health sciences that any licensed health practitioner learns. Also, each state has a Board of Chiropractic that administers examinations for those doctors wishing to practice in that particular state and is responsible for the guidance and quality of chiropractic health care delivered by their state’s practicing Doctors of Chiropractic.

A number of research studies have investigated the safety of chiropractic in the United States and in other countries. The good news here is that chiropractic has been shown to be one of the safest of all forms of treatment.

The Agency on Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services released guidelines for management of acute lower back pain. The AHCPR panel was made up of 23 members consisting of medical doctors, chiropractic doctors, nurses, physical therapists and other experts on spinal research. The guidelines developed provided doctors and therapists with information and strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of lower back problems. Their findings included:

•  The risk of serious complications from lumbar spinal manipulation is rare;
•  Conservative treatment such as spinal manipulation should be pursued in most cases before considering surgical intervention;
• Prescription drugs such as oral steroids, antidepressant medications, and colchine are not recommended for acute lower back problems.

In Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health commissioned a study called the Manga Report. The report is one of the largest analyses is of scientific literature ever undertaken to determine effective treatment for lower back pain. Lead investigator Pran Manga Ph.D found the treatments provided by Doctors of Chiropractic were exceptionally safe–much safer than the standard medical treatments of similar conditions. The Manga Report concluded:

•  “There is no clinical or case-controlled study that demonstrates or even implies that chiropractic spinal manipulation is unsafe in the treatment of low back pain. Our reading of the literature suggests that chiropractic manipulation is safer than medical management of low back pain.”
•  “Chiropractic manipulation is safer than medical management of low back pain. Chiropractic management is greatly superior to medical management in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost effectiveness and patient satisfaction.”

Some patients as well as non-chiropractic doctors and therapists have heard stories questioning the safety of having adjustments and manipulations of the neck (called cervical spine). In 2007, Spine Research Journal published a study undertaken in the United Kingdom on the “Safety of Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine”.

19,722 chiropractic patients were treated. 50,276 manipulations of the cervical spine were performed. The study looked to see if there were any serious side effects. The final analysis reported “The risk of a serious adverse event, immediately or up to seven days after treatment, was low to very low”.

When giving healthcare all practitioners are very concerned with not only providing the best, most current quality of health care, but should be equally vigilant about the safest ways to help patients with relief of pain and maintenance of health. Fortunately, studies give chiropractic care high marks in these efforts.

Visit here to learn more about choosing a chiropractor in North Hills Pittsburgh. Here is more information about Dr James Schofield’s chiropractic office.

 

Many people experiencing lower back pain are told it is from a bad disc and need medications, injections or surgery. However, research has proven that those having low back pain in reality have spinal joint problems. This article will explain what is the cause of most lower back pain and what can be done about it.

Let’s, initially, put to bed and extinguish the idea that lower back pain is caused by a bad disc. A recent study performed at the Mayo Clinic and published in The American Journal of Neuroradiology confirms that MRI scans showing intervertebral disc problems are not the source of back pain. The researchers found that MRI scans showing disc problems are exceedingly common in pain free people. In other words, people who have no lower back pain can have an MRI that can show a disc bulge, protrusion and degeneration and still have no pain.

The researchers said that their study indicates that findings of narrowing of the disk space, disc degeneration, loss of disc height and other disc abnormalities are part of the normal aging process rather than pathological processes requiring intervention. They went further to say that most of the disk degenerative changes are no more significant than gray hair or crow’s feet around the eyes.

Let’s also clarify the term “slipped disc.” Medically a disc does not slip back and forth. It can bulge, protrude, herniate or degenerate. It does not slip back and forth or slip out of place. Slipped disc is a layman’s term similar to trick knee, cauliflower ear or double-jointed.

If the intervertebral discs are not the source of back pain what is? Again, much scientific research indicates that it is from the misalignment and improper motion of the spinal joints. There are 24 spinal bones called vertebrae which makes up our spinal column. Between each vertebrae there are joints which are called the facet joints. Because of the strain we put on our backs in the course of our everyday activities the facet joints undergo a significant amount of stress. Accumulation of this stress can cause these joints to become misaligned and not move properly. The medical term for this is “joint dysfunction.” When this occurs it creates the majority of the lower back pain that we experience day-to-day. In a sense, we could create a layman’s term and call this condition “slipped joints”.

The majority of people suffering from low back pain due to joint dysfunction can be helped by doctors of chiropractic. Chiropractic care should be the first line of treatment. It is successful in a significant majority of cases where people are suffering from low back pain.

The next time a person is heard saying “I have a slipped disc and need surgery” they should be told “You have slipped joints and need chiropractic treatment.”

Here are some tips to look for when choosing a Pittsburgh chiropractor for low back pain. Dr James Schofield has been providing chiropractic care for lower back pain in the Pittsburgh North Hills area for 33 years.

 

 

If you’ve not been to a chiropractor previously and are experiencing neck pain, low back pain, headaches, sciatica or other pain, you might have questions about what to expect and maybe even some concerns. Please relax. This article will give you information and an introduction about your first visit. 

Your Health History

Just as with any of your other health practitioners you will be asked to fill out some written information that gives your name, address and so on. You will also answer questions including:

•  Where is your pain or complaint?
•  When did it start?
• What caused it to begin?

Next you will meet with your chiropractor so that he can talk further with you about your health condition. He will want to know if your complaint is keeping you from being able to sleep normally, do your usual job and work duties, perform chores at home or in the yard and enjoy hobbies, sports or social activities. It will also be helpful to know if you’ve been to other doctors as many people who come to chiropractors have already seen other health care practitioners with little or no success. Chiropractors pride themselves in being able to help people who have not had help elsewhere.

Checking You Physically

Your chiropractor is thoroughly trained in anatomy and physiology for the conditions he treats just as are all your other doctors. Therefore, he will check things such as:

•  Your posture
•  Your movements and range of motion of your neck, lower back and possibly your extremities
•  Gently feeling the painful area to determine if you have muscle spasm, tenderness and swelling
•  If you have muscle weakness
•  If you have loss of feeling or numbness
•  Determine if you have a pinched nerve, irritated nerves or misaligned spinal bones called vertebrae
•  Methods to tell if you have a disc problem

Other Studies

If you’ve had x-rays, MRI, CT scans, or other diagnostic studies, your chiropractor will want to know. He may take x-rays in his office if he feels it will help him to know more about your condition and to rule out the possibilities of fracture, cancer, infection, or other non-chiropractic factors. Chiropractors have extensive training in the taking and reading of x-rays.

Determining Treatment

After your chiropractor has reviewed your written history, talked with you, checked you physically, and studied your x-rays and other information, he will put it all together and correlate the various data. Then he will be able to determine if you have a condition he can help. If so, he will answer all your questions including:

•  What is wrong
• What treatment will bring relief of pain and help correct the problem
•  How long it will take for you to improve
•  What it will cost and how insurance may pay

Of course, if he sees that you have a problem that is not a chiropractic condition and needs to be treated medically or by another type of healthcare practitioner, he will tell you that, too.

At that point, you can determine if you would like to begin treatment. Many times you can be treated on your initial visit. You will never be pressured or obligated to have treatment should you desire not to.

How Long Will You be at the Doctor’s Office on the First Visit

Usually you should give yourself an hour. If your condition is complicated or is more involved it may take longer. It’s important that the process isn’t rushed, but neither should it take all day.

Remember, your chiropractor has had undergraduate and Chiropractic School education, passed a national test as well as your state’s examination and takes ongoing continuing education just like your other doctors. By following through on your chiropractor’s advice you’ll usually find considerable relief of symptoms and restoration of health.

Here are some tips to look for when choosing a chiropractor in Pittsburgh. Dr James Schofield has been in chiropractic practice in the Pittsburgh North Hills area for 33 years.

“I had soreness, stiffness, and pain around my neck, upper and lower back. Dr. Schofield realigned my spine which can become misaligned over time. He also relaxed the tight muscles around the problem areas in my neck and back. It has helped me to sleep better giving me more energy throughout the day. Having energy is important in my busy day to day life. Dr. Schofield is a caring doctor who takes time to listen to the issues that you are having and takes interest to treat those problems. He always has good advice and often gives you alternative things to do at home to further prevent the problems from happening again. I have been going to his practice for many years and he is the best.” – Calvin Chiang

To learn more about the treatment of chiropractic care for neck pain visit our site. Here is some information to look for when choosing a chiropractor in Pittsburgh.

The question most people ask D. James J. Schofield is, “What is chiropractic?”  The question you should also ask yourself are, “How should I choose my chiropractor?” and “How can chiropractic help me?”

As to what chiropractic is, it is a method of examining, diagnosing and treating our bodies for certain health problems.

Most conditions of poor health are the result of some underlying cause within the body which must be found first before correction can be affected, pain relieved and health restored.

Chiropractic has developed special techniques for locating and correcting misalignments and improper movement of the bones of the spine that disturb, impinge or pinch the nerves exiting the spinal column.  These nerves, when irritated, can cause a variety of symptoms.

Chiropractic treatment helps to correct this irritation to the nerves naturally, without the use of drugs, medication or surgery.

How should you choose you chiropractor?

Schofield offers this advice:

“First, of course, your chiropractor, just as any other health practitioner, should be someone in whom you can have trust and confidence.  He also should be someone who can thoroughly understand your particular problem.  That is something you can decide after a personal consultation.

“Second, you must look at qualifications.  My personal record is a four-year undergraduate degree in human biology followed by a five-year degree as a doctor of chiropractic at National College of Chiropractic in Chicago, Illinois.

“These doctoral classes essentially were divided into two halves.  The first half included basic courses all doctors study, such as anatomy, chemistry, pathology and physiology.  The second half dealt more with clinical courses like diagnosis, X-ray, physical therapy and spinal correction called manipulation.

“In addition, I served a one-year internship at various clinics and an in-patient hospital-like facility, all in the Chicago area.

“After graduation, I practiced as director of chiropractic office in New Jersey.  I also passed state board examinations in Pennsylvania, Florida and New Jersey.  Each state examination is different, with varying qualifications.

“Thirty three years ago, I began private practice here in North Hills, where I was born and raised and prefer to be.

“As in all fields of health care, new teaching and new approaches are developing and improving constantly.  To be on top of these, I attend seminars regularly.  While certain basics of chiropractic remain the same, there are always new developments.

“As to how chiropractic can help you personally, if you are suffering from symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, low back pain or other related problems, I urge you to seek my help.

“I first will consult with you about your problem.  Next, a thorough examination will be performed and a report of the examination findings will be explained, including the cause of the problem and what treatment will be required to make the necessary correction.

“We usually find that by then following through on these treatment recommendations, complete or considerable correction of the problem results in symptom relief and restoration of health.  Of course, should the problem not be a chiropractic condition, referral will be made to the appropriate health specialist.

“I urge anyone who has a health problem they feel may be helped by chiropractic to have it taken care of properly so they may enjoy the benefits of a healthy, pain-free life.”

To learn more about non-surgical, drug free health care search for options available to you. Visit the link to find if your insurance coverage covers your chiropractic care.

 

 

Anyone who has to sit long hours at a desk, computer or classroom is at risk for ongoing neck and upper back pain. The discomfort can be tightness across the tops of the shoulders, ache or burning in the neck and shoulder blades or a feeling of tiredness in the neck as if the head is too heavy. We wish we could be up and about normally but computers, meetings and classes are the cards we are dealt in the life we live.

The wrong thing to do is to do nothing. There are steps we can take to mitigate and manage the stress that accumulates from our sedentary lifestyle. This article will discuss the four actions we can take to take back our health.

First, believe it or not, we do not have to sit to do computer work, attend a meeting or take a class. We can stand while attending to these duties. Technology now exists to have a variable desk that allows us to put our computer on a desktop that can be raised so that we can use it while standing at our worksite. Typically, these items come with a spring-loaded lift mechanical system to raise or lower the desk platform. Platforms can be two-tiered for placement of our monitor and keyboard. Additionally, it would be wise to also obtain an anti-fatigue floormat on which to stand. A quick search of the Internet will show many types of standing variable desks at various prices.

If one is required to attend a meeting or take a class it is perfectly acceptable to stand in the back of the room periodically. As a matter of etiquette it would probably be well for one to inform the speaker, the supervisor or teacher of the meeting or class prior to the start that you intend to get out of your seat and stand periodically. Be minimally disruptive.

The second step one can take to be proactive if required to be sedentary for long periods of time is to perform some preventative exercises. Usually it is helpful to stretch muscles of the front of our neck and upper body and strengthen muscles in the back of the neck and lower shoulder blade area. An Internet search of the term “Upper Crossed Syndrome” will provide an overview of what should be done. When I see a patient who has chronic neck and upper back problems I will typically demonstrate and supervise the appropriate exercises to be performed. These simple and quick exercises are great to help provide ongoing management to minimize problems.

Our third preventative activity to take is the most simple but powerful activity of human can perform; simply walking. Walking with good posture and swinging one’s arms freely is the best exercise we can perform. I call it “the antidote for sitting.” Walking is what human beings have done before tens of thousands of years. Our bodies are adapted to it and need it. However, in the past several generations we have gone from walking miles a day to being couch potatoes. Any chance one gets to take a walk whether it be five minutes or an hour should be seized. Ideally, several 5 to 15 minute daily walks during break times are ideal along with two or three 30 to 60 minute walks per week.

Our fourth recommended remedy to counteract prolonged sitting is to obtain periodic chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatment will help a person to keep good spinal alignment and motion of the neck and upper back. Chiropractors are also experts at explaining proper posture, exercises to perform and other activities needed to address the mechanical stress associated with long hours of sitting.

We do not have to become victims of a sedentary lifestyle and suffer ill effects. While it is best to take measures when one initially starts to sit for prolonged time periods these ideas can be implemented any time by anyone.

To find out more about UPMC neck pain care and UPMC chiropractic care visit the  highlighted links.

I’m 22 years old. Before going to Dr. Schofield, I had been experiencing chronic back pain for years, which kept gradually getting worse as I got older.

I knew I had made the right decision in going to Dr. Schofield based on my first visit. He had asked me many questions about the pain I was experiencing and how my daily activities affect it. After he explained my x-rays to me and used images to show me what was truly going on, I also had a better understanding of why I was experiencing pain. He gave me hope that it would get better.