The Evidence Based Chiropractor Blog

Hundreds of chiropractic marketing and research articles to help you grow.

Jeff Langmaid 8/11/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/11/14

Chiropractic and Stroke- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Every few years it seems as though chiropractic and stroke is a hot button issue. Just this week the American Heart Association released a paper which provoked the currently unfounded theory that chiropractic cervical manipulation may be directly associated with an increased risk of stroke. Dr. McCoy, from McCoy Press, released a very eloquent press release which in part states that zero causation has ever been established between chiropractic cervical manipulation and stroke. Additionally, of all the research which has ever been done regarding association; the results are inconclusive at best.

Per an article on WebMD, "Neck manipulation is associated with about one death per 1 million people due to cervical artery dissection, he (Dr. Overland) said.

By comparison, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause 153 stroke deaths per 1 million people, narcotic medications cause 53 stroke deaths per 1 million people, and spinal surgery of the neck causes 500 stroke deaths per 1 million people, Overland said."

I fully support continued research to evaluate potential risks and benefits associated with chiropractic care. A thorough evaluation of all risks should be paramount. However, statements and articles like the one published by the American Heart Association simply provoke myth, conjecture, and fear. By current research standards you are 153 times more likely to suffer a stroke by taking NSAID's, and 500 times more likely to suffer a stroke after spinal surgery than from a manipulation. While, unfortunately, there is no direct screening procedure to determine the potential of a stroke-like event occurring, a thorough case history and examination is imperative to identify any patients who may have risk factors.

-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic marketing group in the profession. The service, founded and run by Dr. Jeff Langmaid, is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research. Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us. Lets grow chiropractic together.

Jeff Langmaid 8/8/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/8/14

Spending on Pharmaceuticals, Hospital Services, and Ambulatory Care- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

"A study by the OECD found that the U.S spends 152% more on pharmaceuticals than the average OECD country. Disturbing statistic isn’t it? But how about spending in the other healthcare sectors? The same study found that the U.S spends 163% more on hospital services, and 238% more on ambulatory care services than the average OECD country."

Disturbing statistics. With all this spending we should be the "healthiest" country in the world. Unfortunately, that is not the case. However, by promoting conservative care and emphasizing interdisciplinary communication and cooperation, we can go along way towards improving our posting in the world of healthcare.

Jeff Langmaid 8/7/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/7/14

Cervical Steroid Injection Helps Only 1/3rd of Patients- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

A recent study presented at the International Spine Invention Society Annual Meeting showed that only 1/3rd of patients who received cervical steroid injections actually benefitted from the procedure. Specifically, they looked at patients suffering from cervical disc herniations. The patients had previous MRI confirmed nerve root compromise.

They found that 1 month after a transforaminal injection, only 35.4% reported a reduction in their radicular pain. Last year, researchers found that every steroid injection in the lumbar spine increased the risk of fracture by 21.%. Although we don't yet know the risk of fracture in the cervical spine, it appears to be quite a chance to take if the treatment (the injections) are useless in two-thirds of patients.

Chiropractic care has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with cervical radiculopathy. As a matter of fact, a recent study showed direct reduction in nerve root pressure when a flexion/distraction type chiropractic technique was used in the cervical spine.

Jeff Langmaid 8/6/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/6/14

MD Meeting Keynote Presentation- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Are you looking for an elegant, thoughtfully designed, research packed presentation for meeting with local physicians?

If so, our new MD Presentation is for you.

Whether you are speaking to a large group of Primary Physicians or you have a one-on-one meeting, be prepared with this MD Presentation.

Elegantly-designed, research-based, and complete with presenter notes. This presentation touches on the current state of spine care, spinal anatomy, challenges with the current treatment options, chiropractic research, and how to move forward with a referral relationship.

At a robust 52 slides, this presentation can be pared down for when you have limited time or used in full when time is not an issue. Loaded with highlights of current research, this is a compelling tool to have at you disposal as you meet with Medical Doctors in your community.

Download your copy HERE.

Jeff Langmaid 8/5/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/5/14

The First Chiropractic Adjustment- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

In September of 1895 in Davenport, Iowa the first chiropractic adjustment was delivered to William Harvey Lillard by D.D. Palmer. As we understand it, D.D. Palmer was a magnetic healer who had explored a variety of health sciences throughout his lifetime. Mr. Lillard was a janitor who happened to tell Palmer that his hearing was greatly reduced after a spine injury some years earlier. Upon examination, Palmer found a "bump" or lump between the shoulder blades of Mr. Lillard. After "racking" the vertebrae back into position Mr. Lillard experienced a great improvement in his hearing.

The first adjustment was given not for back pain, but for a systemic manifestation of a vertebral (and ultimately nervous system) injury. In many ways this first adjustment was the beginning of a great chasm within chiropractic care. Do we provide care for the spine, the body organs/systems, or perhaps, even both?

It is my opinion that chiropractic is the greatest, drugless, conservative health care profession which has ever been discovered. D.D. Palmer may not have been able to truly grasp the breath and depth of his accomplishment. Over 100 years later, we have been able to stand on the back of giants such as D.D., B.J., Barge, Gonstead, Thompson, Gold, etc.. Our profession at its most basic level is the most effective, safe, and cost-effective healthcare option for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. But, perhaps as research continues to advance, we will be noted for achievements of even greater significance.

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