Posted tagged ‘chiropractic’

Happy Birthday, Chiropractic!

September 15, 2010

[originally published in KCN, September 2003]

Birthday CakeMark your calendars!  Because on September 18th, chiropractic turns 108 [115 by today’s date in 2010].  It was on this day back in 1895, from his office on the second floor of the Ryan Block building in Davenport, Iowa, that D.D. Palmer delivered his first adjustment — an adjustment that not only changed the life of his patient, but the lives of millions that would follow the birth of this new profession of chiropractic.

So, just what did the first chiropractic patient complain of?  Well, it may surprise you, but it wasn’t back pain, neck pain, or even headaches. (more…)

Crowbars and Chiropractic

August 30, 2010

[originally published in KCN, September 2010 / cartoon provided by TomLamarCartoon.com]

“Crowbars and chiropractic.”  Two words that have sort of an odd relationship at first glance.  But as a chiropractor, I contend it is because of crowbars, new clientele seek me out.  Let me explain.

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Spare the “Spare Parts”

August 20, 2010

[originally published in KCN, August 2010 / cartoon provided by TomLamarCartoon.com]

Listen to Dr. Lamar’s Podcast on this subject!

Tonsils.  Appendix.  Gallbladder.

Quick!  What do these three body parts have in common?

This was the question I recently posed to my patients.  I heard many answers:  from “These are organs I no longer have,” to “They are all vestigial body parts.”

Here’s my take.  Apparently, some healthcare providers consider these “spare parts,”  and they are often removed by surgeons as an extreme form of symptom treating. And while I’d never argue against removing, say, an appendix that was ready to burst, I do wonder why it escalated to a point in which its removal became medically necessary.

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Is Your Brain Hibernating?

July 1, 2010

[originally published in KCN, July 2002/ cartoon provided by TomLamarCartoon.com]

It’s pretty much common knowledge that chiropractic is effective for various forms of low back pain, neck discomfort, and headaches.  We see these conditions all the time.  The literature supports what we do, and we are fairly adept at explaining how it all works.  But there are some conditions that chiropractic treatment ends up benefiting without our even setting out to do so — and explaining these, well, often leaves us speechless.   (more…)

Anything But Spare

June 4, 2010

[originally published in KCN, June 2002]

We have 12 pair of them.  Two of the pairs “float.”  They are essential for breathing and the protection of our heart, lungs, and other vital organs.  God took one from Adam to create Eve.   Restaurants serve them:  short, spare, baby back, and prime.  And some condoms are accentuated by them.  Oh, did I mention, chiropractors adjust them.  What am I talking about?  I’m not “ribbing” you, I’m talking about our ribs.

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TMJ and the Chiropractor

May 28, 2010

[originally published in KCN, June 2010]

There I sat in the dental waiting room, flipping through a magazine as my toe kept time to the Muzak.  Suddenly, the young dentist poked his head out from behind the door and called my name. He looked worried.  And to tell you the truth, I began to feel the same way — because I wasn’t there to be seen.  It was my wife’s turn in the chair, and I was only waiting.

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Stomach Doctors

May 21, 2010

[originally published in KCN, May 2002/ cartoon provided by TomLamarCartoon.com]

Chiropractors are back doctors.  Right?

Well, while it is true that we place our hands on backs every day, calling us back doctors really misses the mark.  As a matter of fact, calling chiropractors “back doctors” makes about as much sense as calling medical doctors “stomach doctors.”

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The Ice Man Cometh

May 7, 2010

[originally published in KCN, October 2002]

Okay — so there you are,  flat on your back.  “The cat food bag really wasn’t that heavy,” you think to yourself,  but apparently your back didn’t seem to care as it locked up in spasm with knife-like pain half way through the lift that you now realize lacked proper technique.  Perhaps now would be a good time to find the card for that chiropractor your friends have been pestering you to see for the past five years.  “Nahh, it will go away on its own,” you reassure yourself.  “A little rest and heat and I’ll be fine — or is it ice?  No, no, I’m sure it’s heat…maybe.”

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