March 21, 2005
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In this month's issue:
Preparing for EmErGeNcY!
Chiropractic Care - its types
Say what?! TENS!
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Preparing for EmErGeNcY!
Recently I've become painfully aware that the times I most need to go to the hospital are the times I'd most rather not. With a severe migraine attack, who wants to go and drive out the city? And if you catch the attack early, are they going to make you wait 4 hours in a stuffy, bright waiting room because you don't look "sick enough"?
This is one of those times when I need to plan ahead. Here are some of the types of plans I'm thinking about:
1) Getting a MedicAlert bracelet - People with an incapacitating headache need one for sure (for example headache with hemiplegic migraine), but even if you're not totally out of it, do you want to spend 2 hours explaining what medication you've tried before, what your allergies are, what type of headache you have? A basic yearly plan with MedicAlert will save you the trouble. If it's not available to you, at least write out your wishes on a card or paper and carry it with you.
MedicAlert USA
MedicAlert Canada
MedicAlert UK
Other countries
2) Pack - Yes, it's just like you're pregnant. Pack a small bag with medication, clothes to wear, and small snacks. Who wants to make those decisions during a migraine attack?
3) Check with friends - If there are friends or family that can help you, talk to them ahead of time and make a plan. What hospital will you use, if you're home? What can they expect? What do you expect of them?
4) Talk to your doctor - Talk to your doctor about what she would suggest. In an ideal situation, you can talk to the doctor and staff at the hospital where you would end up if you're home. See how they would react to a headache like yours.
It's worth it to deal with the problem, not just suffer through it. Be prepared so that you can put yourself on "auto-pilot" during an attack and get the treatment you need.
Chiropractic Care - its types
A warm welcome to guest columnist Dr. Greg C. Molis from Salt Lake City, USA. He has written this very helpful overview of chiropractic care. Watch for more on chiropractic care on the website in the next couple of months.Chiropractic treatment is not just restricted to improving back and the neck pain. Chiropractic care has many different forms. This treatment is concerned with the general well being of the whole body. As a result you can visit a chiropractor as often as you like to keep up your health.
Chiropractic care deals with subluxations (misalignments of vertebrae causing nerve irritation) anywhere along the spinal column, not just in the lower back. Sometimes the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned or lose their range of motion for one reason or another. This misalignment puts pressure on nerves leading to and from the brain. A chiropractor helps put them back in place by using gentle and highly skilled adjustments.
While some chiropractors generally referred to as ~mixers~, also like to indulge in other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy, diet and nutrition while treating their patients. There are those ~straight~ ones who can be considered to be purists and deal only in chiropractic treatment concentrating on location and removal of subluxations. They believe in the ideology that once the subluxation heals, so will the rest of the body. Thus, gradually bringing about, complete rejuvenation of the individual.
You will have to undergo a full medical examination by the chiropractor initially and then a complete analysis of your condition. After which the chiropractor will take in the full case history, information about any other disease that you have and then only will he decide on your line of treatment. Chiropractic care has three basic forms:
Chiropractic Care- Relief
This chiropractic care method is followed to give immediate relief when the patient is in lot of pain and discomfort. The number and frequency of visits may depend on the extent of damage that needs to be corrected.
Corrective Chiropractic Care
As compared to Relief Chiropractic Care the Corrective Chiropractic Care is more of a long term treatment in which the results appear only after a period of time. This kind of treatment is mainly taken for those patients who are suffering from spinal problems that have taken place over a long time. Very often, the patient going for long time without medical attention.
Maintenance Chiropractic Care
This kind of chiropractic care is needed for patients with permanent spinal weakness and need constant check ups. Other patients who have had relief from earlier ailments, but see the chiropractor for regular check ups to ensure their future health and comfort. Usually this kind of treatment requires a visit every 2 to 6 weeks.
Chiropractic care involves the whole health of the body. Treatments involve using the internal healing systems in the body to relieve the spinal problems that can interfere with the nerves and cells. Therefore, receiving chiropractic treatments is a way of ensuring that every part of body is functioning as it should.
Chiropractic care is the most recommended form of alternative medicine. It is based on the belief that certain conditions are caused by impairment of your nervous system due to problems in your joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. While chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery, they sometimes do refer patients for medical care when they believe it is necessary.
Chiropractic care is safe and natural helping the body to draw upon its own restorative capabilities to heal. It teaches patients how to take control of their own health and avoid chronic pain. It also can help prevent problems before they start or get worse.
Dr. Greg C. Molis is a Salt Lake Chiropractor. You don't have to accept the pain any longer. Your first adjustment is free. For more information go to www.saltlakechiropractor.com