Acupuncture treatment may be more effective than conventional therapy in treating lower back pain
Six months of acupuncture treatment appears to be more effective than conventional therapy in treating low back pain, according to a study in the Sept. 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, although the study suggests that both sham acupuncture and traditional Chinese verum acupuncture appear to be effective in treating low back pain.
“Low back pain is a common, impairing and disabling condition, often long-term, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 70 percent to 85 percent,” the authors write as background information in the article. “It is the second most common pain for which physician treatment is sought and a major reason for absenteeism and disability.” Acupuncture is increasingly used as an alternative therapy, but its value as a treatment for low back pain is still controversial.
Michael Haake, Ph.D., M.D., of the University of Regensburg, Bad Abbach, Germany, and colleagues conducted a randomized clinical trial involving 1,162 patients (average age 50) who had experienced chronic low back pain for an average of eight years. Patients underwent ten 30-minute sessions (approximately two sessions per week) of verum acupuncture (387 patients), sham acupuncture (387 patients) or conventional therapy (388 patients). Verum acupunture consisted of needling fixed points and additional points to a depth of 5 millimeters to 40 millimeters based on traditional Chinese medicine, while sham acupuncture consisted of inserting needles superficially (1 millimeter to 3 millimeters) into the lower back avoiding all known verum points or meridians. Conventional therapy consisted of a combination of medication, physical therapy and exercise. Five additional sessions were offered to those who had a partial response to treatment (10 percent to 50 percent pain reduction).
“A total of 13,475 treatment sessions were conducted (verum acupuncture, 4,821; sham acupuncture, 4,590; conventional therapy, 4,064),” the authors write. Patients receiving the additional five sessions were 232 (59.9 percent) in the verum group, 209 (54.3 percent) in the sham group and 192 (52.5 percent) in the conventional group.
Response rate was defined as a 33 percent improvement in pain or a 12 percent improvement in functional ability. “At six months, response rate was 47.6 percent in the verum acupuncture group, 44.2 percent in the sham acupuncture group and 27.4 percent in the conventional therapy group,” the authors note. “Differences among groups were as follows: verum vs. sham, 3.4 percent; verum vs. conventional therapy, 20.2 percent; and sham vs. conventional therapy, 16.8 percent.”
“The superiority of both forms of acupuncture suggests a common underlying mechanism that may act on pain generation, transmission of pain signals or processing of pain signals by the central nervous system and that is stronger than the action mechanism of conventional therapy,” the authors conclude. “Acupuncture gives physicians a promising and effective treatment option for chronic low back pain, with few adverse effects or contraindications. The improvements in all primary and secondary outcome measures were significant and lasted long after completion of treatment.”
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Increased Rx Adverse Events
FDA Report on Increased Rx Adverse Events Points Americans to ''Drug-Less'' Approach to Patient Care
Following the publication of a report based upon U.S. Food and Drug Administration data that says serious adverse drug side effects -- and deaths stemming from them -- more than doubled from 1998-2005 (Archives of Internal Medicine; 9/10/07), The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress points to the value of “drug-less” care delivered by the nation’s chiropractors. The Foundation (www.f4cp.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care.
“One of the goals of the practice of chiropractic is to offer patients a non-drug oriented approach to addressing many health problems, and to assist patients in avoiding the use of over-the-counter and prescription drugs whenever possible -- to the greatest extent possible,” says Gerard W. Clum, D.C. president of Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward, Calif., and spokesperson for the Foundation. “This holistic approach to care benefits the patient and avoids the clear risks associated with taking unnecessary medications.”
According to the FDA report, from 1998 through 2005, reported serious adverse drug events increased 2.6-fold from 34,966 to 89,842, and fatal adverse drug events increased 2.7-fold from 5,519 to 15,107. Reported serious events increased 4 times faster than the total number of outpatient prescriptions during the period. Data for the report came from The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, in operation since 1998.
The announcement by the Foundation is consistent with The Identity Consultation of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC), according to Clum. The WFC holds as a central tenet that chiropractors are the spinal health care experts in the health care system, and should work “without use of drugs and surgery, enabling patients to avoid these where possible.”
Dr. Clum points to a previously reported study which documents significant decrease in blood pressure following upper cervical chiropractic care using the NUCCA analysis and adjusting protocols. Results published in the March 2007 online issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension validate that this decrease is equivalent to taking two blood pressure drugs simultaneously,” says Dr. Clum. “Americans have valid, well established options of a drugless nature, the core of a chiropractor’s approach to wellness.”
Visit www.foundation4cp.com to access an online free health seekers calendar or call 916.359.0327.
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. www.f4cp.org.
Following the publication of a report based upon U.S. Food and Drug Administration data that says serious adverse drug side effects -- and deaths stemming from them -- more than doubled from 1998-2005 (Archives of Internal Medicine; 9/10/07), The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress points to the value of “drug-less” care delivered by the nation’s chiropractors. The Foundation (www.f4cp.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care.
“One of the goals of the practice of chiropractic is to offer patients a non-drug oriented approach to addressing many health problems, and to assist patients in avoiding the use of over-the-counter and prescription drugs whenever possible -- to the greatest extent possible,” says Gerard W. Clum, D.C. president of Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward, Calif., and spokesperson for the Foundation. “This holistic approach to care benefits the patient and avoids the clear risks associated with taking unnecessary medications.”
According to the FDA report, from 1998 through 2005, reported serious adverse drug events increased 2.6-fold from 34,966 to 89,842, and fatal adverse drug events increased 2.7-fold from 5,519 to 15,107. Reported serious events increased 4 times faster than the total number of outpatient prescriptions during the period. Data for the report came from The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, in operation since 1998.
The announcement by the Foundation is consistent with The Identity Consultation of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC), according to Clum. The WFC holds as a central tenet that chiropractors are the spinal health care experts in the health care system, and should work “without use of drugs and surgery, enabling patients to avoid these where possible.”
Dr. Clum points to a previously reported study which documents significant decrease in blood pressure following upper cervical chiropractic care using the NUCCA analysis and adjusting protocols. Results published in the March 2007 online issue of the Journal of Human Hypertension validate that this decrease is equivalent to taking two blood pressure drugs simultaneously,” says Dr. Clum. “Americans have valid, well established options of a drugless nature, the core of a chiropractor’s approach to wellness.”
Visit www.foundation4cp.com to access an online free health seekers calendar or call 916.359.0327.
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. www.f4cp.org.
Chiropractor Adds ZYTO Biotechnology
Chiropractic Physician Dr. Tamara Santa Ana has added ZYTO (tm) bioechnology to the healthcare services offered to clients at her chiropractic and wellness clinic, ProActive Health Solutions & Chiropractic.
ProActive Health Solutions & Chiropractic is a chiropractic and clinical nutrition facility offering detoxification, individualized clinical nutrition programs, as well as ZYTO Balance (tm) and ZYTO LSA Pro (tm).
ProActive Health Solutions & Chiropractic is located at 150 Walker Street on Summit Square in Lexington. Additional information and appointments can be obtained by calling 540-463-2462.
ZYTO Corp. is a bio-technology company specializing in bio-information and bio-communication. Using principles of biology, quantum physics, and the science of information the technology can facilitate meaningful communication between computers and living things.
“The use of ZYTO technology has advanced my ability to work with individual patients to an extent that is absolutely awe inspiring. I can use the ZYTO LSA Pro to very quickly determine which areas of concern we need to look at, and which nutrition needs should be considered. Many times I have discovered areas of developing concern that the patient was not even yet aware of,” explained Santa Ana.
By combining quantum physics, biology, and information theory ZYTO technology provides an interface between living things and computers allowing them to talk to each other, according to company founder and C.E.O. Dr. Vaughn R. Cook, OMD.
“My practice has grown wildly since employing the technology of ZYTO. I have had numerous patients come from out of state to be tested. It is even more exciting that they can now purchase a hand cradle and I can continue to test them remotely from their home. I found it absolutely amazing that word of this incredible tool has traveled so quickly. I will soon be testing a patient long-distance when they travel to Peru,” said Santa Ana.
The process is simple to administer with just one brief office visit. Patients simply place their hand on a sensor that is connected to a computer. In just a few minutes the results can be seen on a computer screen, and an assessment and recommendation can be made, according to Santa Ana.
ZYTO Corp. has a web site at http://www.ZYTO.com
ProActive Health Solutions & Chiropractic is a chiropractic and clinical nutrition facility offering detoxification, individualized clinical nutrition programs, as well as ZYTO Balance (tm) and ZYTO LSA Pro (tm).
ProActive Health Solutions & Chiropractic is located at 150 Walker Street on Summit Square in Lexington. Additional information and appointments can be obtained by calling 540-463-2462.
ZYTO Corp. is a bio-technology company specializing in bio-information and bio-communication. Using principles of biology, quantum physics, and the science of information the technology can facilitate meaningful communication between computers and living things.
“The use of ZYTO technology has advanced my ability to work with individual patients to an extent that is absolutely awe inspiring. I can use the ZYTO LSA Pro to very quickly determine which areas of concern we need to look at, and which nutrition needs should be considered. Many times I have discovered areas of developing concern that the patient was not even yet aware of,” explained Santa Ana.
By combining quantum physics, biology, and information theory ZYTO technology provides an interface between living things and computers allowing them to talk to each other, according to company founder and C.E.O. Dr. Vaughn R. Cook, OMD.
“My practice has grown wildly since employing the technology of ZYTO. I have had numerous patients come from out of state to be tested. It is even more exciting that they can now purchase a hand cradle and I can continue to test them remotely from their home. I found it absolutely amazing that word of this incredible tool has traveled so quickly. I will soon be testing a patient long-distance when they travel to Peru,” said Santa Ana.
The process is simple to administer with just one brief office visit. Patients simply place their hand on a sensor that is connected to a computer. In just a few minutes the results can be seen on a computer screen, and an assessment and recommendation can be made, according to Santa Ana.
ZYTO Corp. has a web site at http://www.ZYTO.com
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Alpha-Stim SCS stress control
Relieving patient's pain and suffering naturally has always been a goal for Dr. Michael McIrvin.
This is why Dr. McIrvin, Chiropractic Physician and clinic director of The Pain Relief Center in McPherson, now utilizes the Alpha-Stim 100 micro-current electrical stimulator (MET). The Alpha-Stim 100 works for those suffering from acute, chronic or post-operative pain, and is FDA-approved for reducing pain. The Alpha-Stim 100 works with the body on a large variety of ailments, including many difficult-to-treat problems. The Alpha-Stim produces residual and cumulative results, far superior to previous (TENS) devices. Turn a TENS off and the pain returns. Although broadly classified as a TENS, the Alpha-Stim 100 is significantly superior because MET works with tiny currents, closer to the type and amount of electricity that naturally occurs in the body. By comparison, the electric current used by typical TENS devices is thousands of times greater than natural body current. Although a slight tingling sensation is sometimes felt under the electrodes, it is not necessary to feel this in order to achieve results. Many people feel nothing at all with the Alpha-Stim 100 except positive results. It is applied through easy to use probes or self-adhesive electrodes.
“The Alpha-Stim 100 treats anxiety, depression and insomnia with micro-current using a method called cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). The treatment is very simple.” Dr. McIrvin said. The current is applied by easy-to- use clip electrodes that attach on the ear lobes. It is used just 20 to 40 minutes every day, every other day. Or on an as needed basis, it can help induce a pleasant, relaxed feeling of well being.
The Alpha-Stim is well-tolerated and very safe in contrast to drugs used in the treatment of mood disorders, many of which have been proven to have undesirable side effects and can be addictive. Unlike drugs, the Alpha-Stim 100 leaves the mind alert. Anxiety reduction is usually experienced during treatment. Depression and insomnia control is generally experienced after one to two weeks of daily treatment. CES can also help treat the underlying mood disorders associated with pain. It may be used as an adjunct to medication and/or psychotherapy. After treatment, there are usually no physical limitations imposed so that the majority of people can resume normal activities immediately. Maintenance of a relaxed, yet alert, state is generally achieved with treatments three times per week. As a result, the Alpha-Stim 100 is suitable for clinical or home use.
“Since the Alpha-Stim 100 is FDA approved for treatment of pain, insomnia, anxiety and depression, we are assured it is a safe and effective treatment for these conditions” said Dr. McIrvin. “I have used the Alpha-Stim to treat acute and chronic back and neck pain, post operative and cancer pain, carpal tunnel, headaches, fibromyalgia and sinus pain. For patients with severe or chronic pain, the Alpha-Stim can be prescribed for purchase or rental for home use. We teach patients how to utilize the Alpha-Stim for home use right here in the clinic. It has been a great therapy to use in addition to the chiropractic care I provide.”
Dr. McIrvin indicated that many patients will feel immediate relief of their pain after just one treatment. “Even for patients that are too painful to undergo traditional chiropractic care, we can give them almost immediate pain relief of 50-80%. Most patients are amazed at how well the device works. Many of my patients with fibromyalgia are counting the hours until their next treatment. They feel so much better, they can hardly wait!”
This is why Dr. McIrvin, Chiropractic Physician and clinic director of The Pain Relief Center in McPherson, now utilizes the Alpha-Stim 100 micro-current electrical stimulator (MET). The Alpha-Stim 100 works for those suffering from acute, chronic or post-operative pain, and is FDA-approved for reducing pain. The Alpha-Stim 100 works with the body on a large variety of ailments, including many difficult-to-treat problems. The Alpha-Stim produces residual and cumulative results, far superior to previous (TENS) devices. Turn a TENS off and the pain returns. Although broadly classified as a TENS, the Alpha-Stim 100 is significantly superior because MET works with tiny currents, closer to the type and amount of electricity that naturally occurs in the body. By comparison, the electric current used by typical TENS devices is thousands of times greater than natural body current. Although a slight tingling sensation is sometimes felt under the electrodes, it is not necessary to feel this in order to achieve results. Many people feel nothing at all with the Alpha-Stim 100 except positive results. It is applied through easy to use probes or self-adhesive electrodes.
“The Alpha-Stim 100 treats anxiety, depression and insomnia with micro-current using a method called cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). The treatment is very simple.” Dr. McIrvin said. The current is applied by easy-to- use clip electrodes that attach on the ear lobes. It is used just 20 to 40 minutes every day, every other day. Or on an as needed basis, it can help induce a pleasant, relaxed feeling of well being.
The Alpha-Stim is well-tolerated and very safe in contrast to drugs used in the treatment of mood disorders, many of which have been proven to have undesirable side effects and can be addictive. Unlike drugs, the Alpha-Stim 100 leaves the mind alert. Anxiety reduction is usually experienced during treatment. Depression and insomnia control is generally experienced after one to two weeks of daily treatment. CES can also help treat the underlying mood disorders associated with pain. It may be used as an adjunct to medication and/or psychotherapy. After treatment, there are usually no physical limitations imposed so that the majority of people can resume normal activities immediately. Maintenance of a relaxed, yet alert, state is generally achieved with treatments three times per week. As a result, the Alpha-Stim 100 is suitable for clinical or home use.
“Since the Alpha-Stim 100 is FDA approved for treatment of pain, insomnia, anxiety and depression, we are assured it is a safe and effective treatment for these conditions” said Dr. McIrvin. “I have used the Alpha-Stim to treat acute and chronic back and neck pain, post operative and cancer pain, carpal tunnel, headaches, fibromyalgia and sinus pain. For patients with severe or chronic pain, the Alpha-Stim can be prescribed for purchase or rental for home use. We teach patients how to utilize the Alpha-Stim for home use right here in the clinic. It has been a great therapy to use in addition to the chiropractic care I provide.”
Dr. McIrvin indicated that many patients will feel immediate relief of their pain after just one treatment. “Even for patients that are too painful to undergo traditional chiropractic care, we can give them almost immediate pain relief of 50-80%. Most patients are amazed at how well the device works. Many of my patients with fibromyalgia are counting the hours until their next treatment. They feel so much better, they can hardly wait!”
Research-based practice of chiropractic medicine
What: SpineCare Inc.
Who: Dr. Anthony Houssain
What it does: Functions as a spine rehabilitation clinic. The practice's approach varies from a traditional chiropractic clinic with its "research-based practice of chiropractic medicine," Houssain said. The practice has clinics in Huntsville and Madison.
Employees: 15 - four doctors, six rehabilitation assistants, five office staff
Company history: Founded in January 2002 and "defied conventional wisdom. We focused on quietly building a research-based practice of chiropractic medicine ... to market effectively to an untapped resource: medical doctors." Houssain identified family physicians and spine surgeons as "two opportunities for rapid business growth. Our model has evolved into 'quarterbacking' " spine cases for teams such as the Huntsville Havoc and Tennessee Valley Vipers, Alabama A&M University and Bob Jones High School football. While SpineCare doctors explore new areas to develop ideas, "Our foundation remains unchanged - providing evidence-based, non-surgical spine management to the medical community and their patients."
Honors: Finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Awards program.
Secret of success: Equal attention to "sciences of chiropractic medicine and business. Both are required to identify an unmet need, realize the solution and, most importantly, communicate to our market."
Biggest mistake: "Systems in place that helped us in one clinic didn't work with two clinics." Fortunately, the doctors learned about controlling growth of the practice.
http://www.visitspinecare.com
Who: Dr. Anthony Houssain
What it does: Functions as a spine rehabilitation clinic. The practice's approach varies from a traditional chiropractic clinic with its "research-based practice of chiropractic medicine," Houssain said. The practice has clinics in Huntsville and Madison.
Employees: 15 - four doctors, six rehabilitation assistants, five office staff
Company history: Founded in January 2002 and "defied conventional wisdom. We focused on quietly building a research-based practice of chiropractic medicine ... to market effectively to an untapped resource: medical doctors." Houssain identified family physicians and spine surgeons as "two opportunities for rapid business growth. Our model has evolved into 'quarterbacking' " spine cases for teams such as the Huntsville Havoc and Tennessee Valley Vipers, Alabama A&M University and Bob Jones High School football. While SpineCare doctors explore new areas to develop ideas, "Our foundation remains unchanged - providing evidence-based, non-surgical spine management to the medical community and their patients."
Honors: Finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Awards program.
Secret of success: Equal attention to "sciences of chiropractic medicine and business. Both are required to identify an unmet need, realize the solution and, most importantly, communicate to our market."
Biggest mistake: "Systems in place that helped us in one clinic didn't work with two clinics." Fortunately, the doctors learned about controlling growth of the practice.
http://www.visitspinecare.com
Friday, September 21, 2007
Chiropractor Celebrates Profession's 112th Birthday
On September 18, 1895 the first chiropractic profession was born. That’s when Daniel David Palmer gave the first chiropractic “adjustment” to a Davenport, Iowa man named Harvey Lillard whose hearing was restored as a result. Since that time, millions of Americans have used chiropractic as a natural remedy for a variety of chronic health problems.
To celebrate chiropractic’s discovery, Dr. Tim Langley of Langley Chiropractic Office in Marietta, Georgia has announced “Health Freedom Week”, “The Membership Practice” and the “112 Special”. Health Freedom Week allows individuals not already under chiropractic care to receive three visits, including exam, consultation and first three adjustments for a one-time fee of $65. The Membership Practice is designed for those individuals who wish to incorporate chiropractic care into an overall wellness strategy, provides unlimited care at a fixed fee, ensures privacy rights and offers an alternative to costly insurance-based programs. The “112 Special” offers 10 office visits for only $112 for those individuals starting care during the remainder of September.
Langley Chiropractic is a wellness practice located in Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Tim Langley is a graduate of Life University and is available for public speaking opportunities, health fairs, and corporate wellness consultations.
To celebrate chiropractic’s discovery, Dr. Tim Langley of Langley Chiropractic Office in Marietta, Georgia has announced “Health Freedom Week”, “The Membership Practice” and the “112 Special”. Health Freedom Week allows individuals not already under chiropractic care to receive three visits, including exam, consultation and first three adjustments for a one-time fee of $65. The Membership Practice is designed for those individuals who wish to incorporate chiropractic care into an overall wellness strategy, provides unlimited care at a fixed fee, ensures privacy rights and offers an alternative to costly insurance-based programs. The “112 Special” offers 10 office visits for only $112 for those individuals starting care during the remainder of September.
Langley Chiropractic is a wellness practice located in Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Tim Langley is a graduate of Life University and is available for public speaking opportunities, health fairs, and corporate wellness consultations.
Chiropractor Takes Practice to New Heights
Dr. Jon Sherman, a solo family practitioner who divides his time between offices in Panama City and Panama City Beach, has increased his patient retention rate by 50 percent and increased the clinic's annual revenue rate by one-third since engaging the ACOM Chiropractic Consulting Group in early 2007 to audit his practice and make recommendations for improving efficiency and profitability._ _Unlike many doctors who seek out consultants to fix practice ailments, Dr. Sherman's Panama City Chiropractic was doing well, seeing 135-160 patients per week in the two offices and generating an annual revenue stream in excess of $450,000. Although the only professional at the clinics, he was supported by a three-person office staff and four contract massage therapists. But the Life University graduate sensed that his practice had stalled at that level and that although prosperous, it would require changes in order to continue its growth.
"I was using homegrown processes that I knew were inefficient since like most chiropractors, I was well trained in health sciences but not so well in business," he said. "I looked at quite a few coaches and ultimately attended a seminar conducted by the ACOM Healthcare Business Consulting Group. I was blown away…."
The consulting group focuses on the business side of chiropractic, stressing case management and accuracy of chiropractic billing, coding and documentation. Dr. Sherman retained the group for a two-day visit to the practice, during which a consultant studied the organization and flow of office activities and reviewed the paperwork and forms used throughout the typical day.
At the end of the visit, the consultant laid out his analysis of existing problems and proposed alternative procedures, along with detailed guidance for more precise coding so as to collect fully for all services provided. ACOM continues to provide coaching remotely since the on-site engagement.
Among the achievements Dr. Sherman cites:
• Reduced patient waiting time
• Diversion of staff from routine office work to revenue-producing activities
• Shorter, higher quality patient visits
• More patients per day
• Higher rate of conversion to wellness programs
• Better overall patient retention rate
• Dramatic revenue increase
"The practice was successful but I was working hard and not getting to where I wanted to be," Dr. Sherman said, "ACOM found the holes and plugged them and now we're moving forward again. It proves that you don't have to be struggling in order to benefit from their consulting services."
About ACOM's Chiropractic Consulting Group
The ACOM Chiropractic Consulting Group, a professional services unit of ACOM Solutions, Inc., offers a suite of consulting programs for educating, equipping and empowering healthcare providers for success. Group consultants diagnose practice problems and provide options for improving chiropractic office operations and addressing the critical coding and document issues that are unique to the profession. The Consulting Group's two-fold mission is to enable doctors to make more money ethically by collecting fully for all services performed while protecting themselves against audits, payback demands and possible legal actions. For information on ACOM's Chiropractic Consulting Services, phone 866-286-5315, ext. 503; or visit http://www.acomconsulting.com
"I was using homegrown processes that I knew were inefficient since like most chiropractors, I was well trained in health sciences but not so well in business," he said. "I looked at quite a few coaches and ultimately attended a seminar conducted by the ACOM Healthcare Business Consulting Group. I was blown away…."
The consulting group focuses on the business side of chiropractic, stressing case management and accuracy of chiropractic billing, coding and documentation. Dr. Sherman retained the group for a two-day visit to the practice, during which a consultant studied the organization and flow of office activities and reviewed the paperwork and forms used throughout the typical day.
At the end of the visit, the consultant laid out his analysis of existing problems and proposed alternative procedures, along with detailed guidance for more precise coding so as to collect fully for all services provided. ACOM continues to provide coaching remotely since the on-site engagement.
Among the achievements Dr. Sherman cites:
• Reduced patient waiting time
• Diversion of staff from routine office work to revenue-producing activities
• Shorter, higher quality patient visits
• More patients per day
• Higher rate of conversion to wellness programs
• Better overall patient retention rate
• Dramatic revenue increase
"The practice was successful but I was working hard and not getting to where I wanted to be," Dr. Sherman said, "ACOM found the holes and plugged them and now we're moving forward again. It proves that you don't have to be struggling in order to benefit from their consulting services."
About ACOM's Chiropractic Consulting Group
The ACOM Chiropractic Consulting Group, a professional services unit of ACOM Solutions, Inc., offers a suite of consulting programs for educating, equipping and empowering healthcare providers for success. Group consultants diagnose practice problems and provide options for improving chiropractic office operations and addressing the critical coding and document issues that are unique to the profession. The Consulting Group's two-fold mission is to enable doctors to make more money ethically by collecting fully for all services performed while protecting themselves against audits, payback demands and possible legal actions. For information on ACOM's Chiropractic Consulting Services, phone 866-286-5315, ext. 503; or visit http://www.acomconsulting.com
Friday, September 7, 2007
American Black Chiropractic Association
Dr. Juneau K. Robbins of Minneapolis has been named Chiropractor of the Year by the American Black Chiropractic Association. The honor was announced at the organization's 2007 Annual National Convention held in Little Rock, Arkansas. The American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) was established in 1982 by Dr. Bobby Westbrooks to unify minorities, primarily African Americans, in the practice of chiropractic.
In a career spanning just over a decade, Dr. Robbins has become a recognized leader amongst African Americans in the chiropractic field. The ABCA's Chiropractor of the Year award was established to recognize and honor a member in good standing who performed at a level above the rest during the previous year.
"It's a thrill to be respected at a high level by your peers," said Robbins. "This came as a surprise, and I am honored and thankful to be recognized by the American Black Chiropractic Association for my work in the profession."
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Robbins received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and his Honors Bachelor of Science in Human Biology degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington. He also studied at the University of Windsor, Ontario before relocating to the Twin Cities to complete his professional education.
Since establishing his first clinic in 1997, Robbins has provided employment and mentorship for five young doctors who have moved on to establish their own successful chiropractic practices, creating associated jobs and minority commerce in the community.
"Dr. J," as he is called by his patients, is known by the community for his warmth and compassion. Having downsized from owning three clinics and full-time practice, he currently sees patients three and a half days a week in his North Minneapolis clinic, Cultural Chiropractic North. Soft tissue injuries, nutritional consultations and wellness/lifestyle coaching make up the majority of his private practice.
Robbins is also the co-author of 121 Tips on Raising a Child of Color, a parenting book co-authored with his father, Larry Mansfield Robbins, a city council member and retired educator from Chatham-Kent, Ontario. It is the first book of its kind written by a father-son combination of color.
Dr. Robbins is heading an effort to create a website called www.blacknutrition.com, a health and wellness site designed to educate the African American community on drug-free health and wellness options, along with providing nutritional recommendations targeted for communities of color. The site will be launched in fall 2007.
In a career spanning just over a decade, Dr. Robbins has become a recognized leader amongst African Americans in the chiropractic field. The ABCA's Chiropractor of the Year award was established to recognize and honor a member in good standing who performed at a level above the rest during the previous year.
"It's a thrill to be respected at a high level by your peers," said Robbins. "This came as a surprise, and I am honored and thankful to be recognized by the American Black Chiropractic Association for my work in the profession."
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Robbins received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and his Honors Bachelor of Science in Human Biology degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington. He also studied at the University of Windsor, Ontario before relocating to the Twin Cities to complete his professional education.
Since establishing his first clinic in 1997, Robbins has provided employment and mentorship for five young doctors who have moved on to establish their own successful chiropractic practices, creating associated jobs and minority commerce in the community.
"Dr. J," as he is called by his patients, is known by the community for his warmth and compassion. Having downsized from owning three clinics and full-time practice, he currently sees patients three and a half days a week in his North Minneapolis clinic, Cultural Chiropractic North. Soft tissue injuries, nutritional consultations and wellness/lifestyle coaching make up the majority of his private practice.
Robbins is also the co-author of 121 Tips on Raising a Child of Color, a parenting book co-authored with his father, Larry Mansfield Robbins, a city council member and retired educator from Chatham-Kent, Ontario. It is the first book of its kind written by a father-son combination of color.
Dr. Robbins is heading an effort to create a website called www.blacknutrition.com, a health and wellness site designed to educate the African American community on drug-free health and wellness options, along with providing nutritional recommendations targeted for communities of color. The site will be launched in fall 2007.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Chiropractic May Help Attention Deficit
A pilot study, published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (www.jvsr.com), suggests that chiropractic care may help adults suffering from concentration problems and attention deficit (ADD/ADHD).
The study was performed by Yannick Pauli, DC, director of the "Centre Wellness NeuroFit" in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr. Pauli is a chiropractor specializing in wellness neurology.
"In this pilot study, we used objective outcome measures to evaluate attention in nine adult patients before and after two months of wellness chiropractic care. All patients experienced significant improvement in concentration and 88% normalized parts of the test," explained Dr. Pauli. "Although the results are preliminary and more research is needed, the outcome of the study suggests that patients suffering from attention deficit benefited from chiropractic care."
Research has shown that the ability to concentrate is affected in a number of disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), traumatic brain injuries, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
In the United States, between 1-6 percent of adults and 3-10 percent of children suffer from ADHD. Problems with attention go far beyond the ability to concentrate. Epidemiological studies have shown that individuals suffering from ADHD suffer greater risks associated with daily living such as higher rates of car accidents, increased risk of substance abuse, greater risk of failing school, increased likelihood of divorce and even greater difficulty managing money.
According to Pauli, concentration problems affect all parts of our life and even possibly our ability to heal. Although most people think of attention as the ability to focus on the external world only, new health paradigms indicate that we can direct our attention inward as well. The clinical experience of Pauli and his colleagues suggests that our ability to heal is highly dependent upon the ability of our brain to pay attention to what is going in the body.
"Studies done with people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that those patients suffer when parts of their brain become deactivated, such as the prefrontal cortex, while others become hyperfunctioning," Pauli noted." Our hypothesis is that this leads to an inability for the brain to pay attention to the body's internal processes, resulting in decreased body awareness and decreased ability to access healing resources. Our study is part of a first attempt to document whether chiropractic care could be helpful to improve attention, and therefore all areas of life that are dependent upon this crucial cognitive function."
Usually, attention deficit is a clinical diagnosis. But to avoid potential subjectivity, Pauli used an objective measure of attention, called a continuous performance test. "It is a computer-based evaluation that objectively measures various parameters of attention" he explained. "This system is also used by some neurologists and psychiatrists to find the exact dosage of medication they are going to prescribe for attention deficit sufferers. Our preliminary results suggest that attention can be improved naturally with chiropractic."
The connection between attention, a process occurring in the brain, and chiropractic, which is generally associated with spinal health, is not readily obvious to most people. Yet, the research emphasizes the direct link between the spine and brain activity.
"As a chiropractor specializing in wellness neurology, I understand that the spine is as much about neurology as it is about biomechanics" Pauli states.
The articulations and the muscles of the spine are rich in mechanoreceptors, which are sensors that send information to the nerve system. "Each time we work with the spine, we activate neurological circuits in the direction of the brain and bring the nerve system into balance," the researcher says.
Pauli also notes that chiropractors affect, in particular, a small part at the back of the brain called the cerebellum. Studies have shown that this structure is involved in attention. "Higher parts of the brain are also dependent upon the proper balance and function in the cerebellum," he elaborated. "If the cerebellum does not function at par, the rest of the brain becomes somewhat clumsy and by activating the spinal receptors and balancing the cerebellum, we help the brain function better."
According to Matthew McCoy, DC, editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, "this preliminary study is exciting. It is part of an increasing amount of research suggesting that chiropractic care may be an effective natural choice for people suffering from ADD/ADHD. It offers the possibility of a new option for millions of children and adults that are seeking to manage their conditions naturally."
The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research is a peer-reviewed scientific journal devoted to subluxation-centered chiropractic research and is affiliated with the World Chiropractic Alliance, an international organization representing doctors of chiropractic and promoting the traditional, drug-free and wellness-oriented form of chiropractic.
The study was performed by Yannick Pauli, DC, director of the "Centre Wellness NeuroFit" in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr. Pauli is a chiropractor specializing in wellness neurology.
"In this pilot study, we used objective outcome measures to evaluate attention in nine adult patients before and after two months of wellness chiropractic care. All patients experienced significant improvement in concentration and 88% normalized parts of the test," explained Dr. Pauli. "Although the results are preliminary and more research is needed, the outcome of the study suggests that patients suffering from attention deficit benefited from chiropractic care."
Research has shown that the ability to concentrate is affected in a number of disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), traumatic brain injuries, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
In the United States, between 1-6 percent of adults and 3-10 percent of children suffer from ADHD. Problems with attention go far beyond the ability to concentrate. Epidemiological studies have shown that individuals suffering from ADHD suffer greater risks associated with daily living such as higher rates of car accidents, increased risk of substance abuse, greater risk of failing school, increased likelihood of divorce and even greater difficulty managing money.
According to Pauli, concentration problems affect all parts of our life and even possibly our ability to heal. Although most people think of attention as the ability to focus on the external world only, new health paradigms indicate that we can direct our attention inward as well. The clinical experience of Pauli and his colleagues suggests that our ability to heal is highly dependent upon the ability of our brain to pay attention to what is going in the body.
"Studies done with people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that those patients suffer when parts of their brain become deactivated, such as the prefrontal cortex, while others become hyperfunctioning," Pauli noted." Our hypothesis is that this leads to an inability for the brain to pay attention to the body's internal processes, resulting in decreased body awareness and decreased ability to access healing resources. Our study is part of a first attempt to document whether chiropractic care could be helpful to improve attention, and therefore all areas of life that are dependent upon this crucial cognitive function."
Usually, attention deficit is a clinical diagnosis. But to avoid potential subjectivity, Pauli used an objective measure of attention, called a continuous performance test. "It is a computer-based evaluation that objectively measures various parameters of attention" he explained. "This system is also used by some neurologists and psychiatrists to find the exact dosage of medication they are going to prescribe for attention deficit sufferers. Our preliminary results suggest that attention can be improved naturally with chiropractic."
The connection between attention, a process occurring in the brain, and chiropractic, which is generally associated with spinal health, is not readily obvious to most people. Yet, the research emphasizes the direct link between the spine and brain activity.
"As a chiropractor specializing in wellness neurology, I understand that the spine is as much about neurology as it is about biomechanics" Pauli states.
The articulations and the muscles of the spine are rich in mechanoreceptors, which are sensors that send information to the nerve system. "Each time we work with the spine, we activate neurological circuits in the direction of the brain and bring the nerve system into balance," the researcher says.
Pauli also notes that chiropractors affect, in particular, a small part at the back of the brain called the cerebellum. Studies have shown that this structure is involved in attention. "Higher parts of the brain are also dependent upon the proper balance and function in the cerebellum," he elaborated. "If the cerebellum does not function at par, the rest of the brain becomes somewhat clumsy and by activating the spinal receptors and balancing the cerebellum, we help the brain function better."
According to Matthew McCoy, DC, editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, "this preliminary study is exciting. It is part of an increasing amount of research suggesting that chiropractic care may be an effective natural choice for people suffering from ADD/ADHD. It offers the possibility of a new option for millions of children and adults that are seeking to manage their conditions naturally."
The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research is a peer-reviewed scientific journal devoted to subluxation-centered chiropractic research and is affiliated with the World Chiropractic Alliance, an international organization representing doctors of chiropractic and promoting the traditional, drug-free and wellness-oriented form of chiropractic.
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