Hello, everyone! This is Dr. Bob Salamon with Lowcountry Chiropractic. As always, I hope you’re doing well and staying healthy! The beginning of each year presents an opportunity to reassess our habits and realign with our health goals. The pains of the past are better left in last year and I sincerely hope those of you dealing with chronic or recurring pain find lasting relief this year. This is also the time to check in with ourselves and take an honest look at how we’ve been feeling. Minor symptoms–such as numbness of the hands and feet–though seemingly innocuous can point to underlying conditions. Today we’ll be discussing peripheral neuropathy. What is peripheral neuropathy? How can you spot the signs? What causes peripheral neuropathy? And, of course, how can chiropractic care help address the root cause of peripheral neuropathy? If you’re interested in learning more, you’ve come to the right place!
 
Our peripheral nerves consist of those nerves which extend outside of the central nervous system. The nerves in our brain and spinal cord are considered central nerves, as they are responsible for the execution of every single process and biological activity within our bodies. The nerves which travel outward from the central nervous system–into our arms, legs, fingers, toes, organs and the like–are considered peripheral nerves, as they are suited on the “periphery.” Our peripheral nervous system is split into two subsets: the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system (SNS). The autonomic nervous system controls those functions which are involuntary, such as our fight-or-flight response, our blood pressure, our heart rate, the dilation or contraction of our pupils, our metabolism and much more. The somatic nervous system, on the other hand, controls those functions which are mostly voluntary, such as our muscle movements, our reflexes, and our senses. Our SNS nerves help us to recognize when we feel too cold or too hot, recognize textures, and detect light. 
 
As you’ve surely gathered by now, the peripheral nervous system plays a complex and vital role in how we live and operate. When these nerves are damaged, this is what’s known as peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by any number of conditions or incidents. For example, a traumatic injury can result in nerve damage. An infection or immune disorder can attack the nerves, resulting in peripheral neuropathy. Likewise, metabolic conditions–such as diabetes–are known to cause peripheral neuropathy. In the case of diabetes, diabetic neuropathy is the combined result of high blood sugar (which damages nerves and impedes their ability to send signals), weakened capillary walls (also caused by high blood sugar), and diabetic complications (such as kidney damage). Exposure to toxins–such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and thallium, as well as some insecticides–can also result in peripheral neuropathy. Persistent drug addiction and alcoholism contribute to a higher risk of developing peripheral neuropathy, along with deficiencies in B-1, B-6, B-12, vitamin E, and niacin. If you have a family history of neuropathy, you’re likely predisposed. 
 
Unfortunately, the potential symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are as varied as the potential causes. Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly associated with numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. You might find you’re suddenly sensitive to temperatures, reacting adversely to touch, or feeling pain without a cause. You might experience a decrease of muscle control and a lack of coordination. Instead of numbness, you might experience a burning sensation, or a prickling feeling. You might feel a slight pressure on your limbs, as though you’re wearing gloves and socks, even when you aren’t. You might experience temporary paralysis of certain muscles, sweat excessively, find heat intolerable, or experience sudden bouts of dizziness. Since the peripheral nerves play a part in so many processes, you might experience changes to your bowels, your bladder, or your digestive functions. Many of these symptoms are also common for other conditions, such as menopause or vertigo. What sets peripheral neuropathy apart? 
 
Well, it’s difficult to say. Before being diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, a medical provider will first perform a physical examination. Then, a neurological evaluation. Both of these exams will help to rule out the existence of an underlying or separate condition, which may be causing or mimicking the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. If these exams do not yield conclusive evidence, an electromyography might be ordered. An electromyography (also known as an EMG) is used to test the electrical activity of a muscle. If the nerves in your hands or feet are damaged, an EMG will be able to tell. Usually, simultaneously with an EMG, your doctor will conduct a nerve conduction test. In a recent article, I wrote about nerve conduction tests being used to confirm carpal tunnel syndrome. Indeed, carpal tunnel is a form of peripheral neuropathy. There are three kinds of peripheral neuropathy. The first kind is mononeuropathy, in which only one nerve is affected. (In the case of CPS, a mononeuropathy, the median nerve is the only nerve affected.) When two or more nerves are affected, this is known as multiple mononeuropathy. When many nerves are affected, this is known as polyneuropathy. Polyneuropathy is the most common form of peripheral neuropathy. After peripheral neuropathy is confirmed, your doctor may run a blood or urine test to determine if toxins are responsible. 
 
The key to treating peripheral neuropathy is to figure out what’s causing the nerve damage. If there’s a toxin, the toxin needs to be removed from the body and, subsequently, from the diet or environment. If you have diabetes, you’ll need to determine a plan for regulating your blood sugar levels, so as not to exacerbate the issue. If an ongoing infection is the cause, antibiotics will be prescribed. If an immune disorder is the cause, you might be prescribed immunosuppressants, to prevent your body from inflicting further damage on your nerves. Beyond treating the cause of the nerve damage, there aren’t many treatments specifically for peripheral neuropathy. Special shoes can be ordered, to help relieve the pressure placed on these nerves. Over-the-counter pain medications are often recommended to deal with the daily discomfort. When those become insufficient, prescription pain medication might be prescribed. 
 
For those who do not want to be reliant on pain medication, what are their options? Well, that’s where chiropractic treatment comes in. A study published in the Neuroreport in 2018 sought to better understand the association between low-velocity variable amplitude spinal manipulation and the relief of lower back pain (especially in patients with “neuropathic radiating leg pain following peripheral nervous system insult”) by using animal models. The results of the study revealed low-velocity variable amplitude spinal manipulation (i.e. manual therapy) had an analgesic–that is to say pain-relieving–effect on the rats in the study. 
 
As we’ve discussed on this blog before, the primary purpose of chiropractic care is to relieve subluxations. Subluxations are the result of displaced vertebrae placing undue pressure on spinal nerves and thus impeding their function. Chiropractic care, traditionally, clears a path for the body to heal itself by freeing up these nerves. Following this, chiropractic care can be used to mitigate the painful effects of peripheral neuropathy. Once you’ve determined the cause of the nerve damage and enacted lifestyle changes to combat the issue (i.e. medication, diet, exercise), the next step is to formulate a treatment plan with your chiropractic care provider. Spinal decompression treatment allows irritated nerves to heal properly, while massage therapy can stimulate blood flow to the affected areas. 
 
Solving peripheral neuropathy isn’t a three-step process, nor is chiropractic care the cure-all for such a condition. Truthfully, while some cases of peripheral neuropathy can be healed, other cases are irreversible. Around 60% of diabetics will experience peripheral neuropathy at some point in their lives. Further, the physical effects of diabetes on the body make healing those damaged nerves difficult. That said, no one should have to accept a reality of daily pain. While some peripheral neuropathy cases cannot be reversed, they can be mitigated, contained, and alleviated. Send us an email or give us a call. We’ll set you up with an appointment here at Lowcountry Chiropractic and develop a long-term treatment plan to address your peripheral neuropathy. The sooner you begin treatment and lifestyle changes, the better your quality of life will be! It’s certainly a journey–which can take months or even years–but you are not alone. Let Lowcountry Chiropractic help you live a pain-free life. As always, this is Dr. Bob and I have your back covered

​Hello, everyone! This is Dr. Bob Salamon with Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope you are doing well and staying healthy! I also hope your holiday season has been filled with cheer and wonder! As we head into the new year, many of us are eager to start new diets and revolutionize our lives. That’s why today I’m interested in exploring which nutrients and vitamins are essential for a healthy spine, as well as how you can consistently incorporate these into your daily diet. Along with exercise and regular chiropractic care, a well-balanced diet is responsible for how fit we feel within our bodies. Failing to meet our daily intake requirements can leave us feeling tired, sluggish, and foggy. On the other hand, when we do receive the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals, we can put an end to bad sleep, tense muscles, and more! It cannot be understated how important it is to eat well. Though the holidays are a time to indulge and enjoy ourselves, as we create our goals for 2022, I hope you’ll take a few of these under consideration! 

Our diets and our spinal health are intricately linked. Spinal pain located in the neck, back, and hips, impacts between 54% and 80% of adults. It’s a leading cause of disability and affects multiple quality of life factors, including employment and mood. According to a study performed by Suzanna Maria Zick, Susan Lynn Murphy, and Justin Colacino–at the University of Ann Arbor–published in the Pain Reports journal, those who experienced spinal pain had a “significantly poorer diet compared to people without spinal pain.” While causality could not be proven, research showed individuals with healthy diets (i.e. “diet quality in the highest tertile on Healthy Eating Index”) were 24% less likely to report chronic spinal pain. An increased intake of fruit, whole grains, and dairy related to a 20% to 26% decreased likelihood of chronic spinal pain. Whereas an increased intake of added sugars related to a 49% increase in the chances of experiencing chronic pain. While this study did not illuminate what the standard diet should be for those who experience chronic spinal pain, it did imply a clear relationship between the quality of one’s diet and the likelihood of experiencing chronic pain. 

Another study tackled the same topic but focused its scope on adolescents. This study, ‘Spinal pain and nutrition in adolescents - an exploratory cross-sectional study,’ was published within the BioMed Central Musculoskeletal Disorders journal by Mark C Perry, Leon M Straker, Wendy H Oddy, Peter B O’Sullivan, and Anne J Smith. According to the study, a third of adolescents experience a reduction in function because of their spinal pain. An abundance of spinal pain during these developmental years can point to a future of further spinal pain as adults. The study revealed a link between high caffeine consumption among teenage girls and going to sleep hungry (due to lack of food in the home) among both genders as two nutrition-based indicators for spinal pain. Since most adolescents' diets fall far below the recommended dietary guidelines and vary more day-to-day than adults–the study posits that adolescents are more likely to experience nutrition-related spinal pain. 


Spinal pain can derive from a number of factors, including subluxations, slipped discs, herniated discs, spinal fractures, and more. However, many disorders and conditions which cause spinal pain are predicated upon dietary deficiencies. These deficiencies facilitate the breakdown of the bones, leading to conditions such as osteoporosis and misshapen bones. To avoid the development of these, it’s important to keep the bones strong and healthy. This can be achieved by consistently eating a well-rounded diet and by taking supplements. Now, let’s delve into which nutrients you should prioritize and where you can find them! 

Calcium

Calcium is, of course, the first mineral mentioned when discussing bone health. This is because calcium plays a vital role in the building of bones. If bones are houses, calcium is the mortar used to make bricks. Bone begins as a filament framework of collagen. The body then plies microscopic, crystalline bits of calcium on top of the collagen. This makes for bones that are both strong and flexible, able to absorb the impact of our daily activities without breaking. Our bones, like any house, deteriorate over time. The loose shingles and shutters fall off as a result of high winds. When we have plenty of calcium, these minor losses are easily remedied. When we lack calcium, these minor losses can quickly become structural damage, resulting in weak and brittle bones. 

The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1300 mg for those between the ages of 9 and 18, 1000 mg for those above 18 and under 50, and 1200 mg for those over the age of 51. Too much calcium (i.e. >2000 mg per day) can result in a higher chance of developing kidney stones. Although calcium is commonly associated with milk and dairy products, there’s as much calcium in a cup of dried figs as in a cup of milk. You’re going to find the highest volumes of calcium in foods that have been “calcium fortified” or “calcium set,” such as certain cereals, soy milk, tofu, and orange juice. Among dairy, milk, buttermilk, and yogurt are amongst the higher providers of calcium. Among vegetables, spinach, arugula, broccoli, and okra are among the most calcium dense. Among fruits, your best bets are (as mentioned) figs and oranges, along with kiwis. Soybeans, oatmeal, whole sesame seeds, and canned mackerel are also good sources. 

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D must be deemed equally as important as calcium since, without vitamin D, the body cannot absorb calcium. You see, if calcium cannot make its way into our bloodstream, it’ll never reach our bones and perform the essential function of building strong bones. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 600 IU (international units) for those between the ages of 9 and 18, 400 to 800 IU for adults under the age of 50, and 800 to 1000 IU for those over the age of 51. However, I personally take much more than the recommended dosage because I believe these guidelines are low. Vitamin D is a bit harder to come by and, therefore, most people opt to take a daily vitamin–to be sure they’re receiving their recommended daily intake. As for food, fatty fish is perhaps the best source, alongside egg yolks. Opt for fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Three ounces of salmon has about 570 IU, which is over half of the recommended daily intake for adults under 51. Certain dairy products, orange juices, soy milk, and cereals are fortified with vitamin D. As well, cheeses such as Fontina, Muenster, and Monterey are highest in vitamin D content. Wild mushrooms, or mushrooms which have been exposed to sunlight during their growth, contain an incredible amount of vitamin D per serving. Special cuts of meat, such as spare ribs and beef liver, are also higher in vitamin D. 

Magnesium

Magnesium, much like calcium, contributes directly to bone mineral density (or bone strength). When our bodies are low on magnesium, they’ll pull magnesium out of our bones. Likewise, magnesium deficiency impedes the crystallization of bone cells, disrupts the activity of the parathyroid hormone, and induces a low level of inflammation within the body. As if this weren’t enough, magnesium is also responsible for facilitating over 300 biochemical reactions within the body. If you lack the requisite amount of magnesium, you may suffer from stiff, tense muscles, muscle spasms, and muscle weakness. The recommended daily allowance of magnesium is 400-420 mg for adult men, 310-320 mg for adult women, 350-360 mg for those pregnant, and 310-320 mg for those lactating. Too much magnesium (i.e. >350 mg from supplements) can induce diarrhea, nausea, and cramping. Too much magnesium from food sources is harmless, as the body is equipped to pass along excess magnesium through urine. 

Pumpkin seeds, with 156 mg per ounce, are incredibly high in magnesium, followed by chia seeds at 111 mg. Almonds, as well as boiled spinach, are great sources of magnesium. Cashews, peanuts, and edamame are good. Certain breakfast cereals will come fortified with 10% of your daily intake of magnesium. Dark leafy greens, such as kale and chard, are great. For a bit of fun, you can find magnesium in dark chocolate, too–just make sure it’s 70% cocoa or higher. Brown rice is higher in magnesium than white rice. Among fish, salmon and halibut contain the highest levels of magnesium. Black beans and peanut butter, along with soymilk and potatoes with the skin, are also good ways to reach your daily goal! 

I hope this article has been helpful for determining ways you can improve your spinal health through dietary changes. Remember, it’s about finding ways to incorporate these foods in a way which feels intuitive and sustainable. Of course, the first and last step to maintaining spinal health is to consult a chiropractor. If you believe your diet is playing a role in your back pain, or you simply aren’t sure, schedule an appointment at Lowcountry Chiropractic. We’ll perform an exam and determine whether a subluxation is the cause of your discomfort. From there, we’ll work together to help you achieve a pain-free life! As always, this is Dr. Bob and I have your back covered!

Hello, everyone! This is Dr. Bob Salamon with Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope you are doing well and staying healthy! Winter is well and truly among us here in the Lowcountry, as evidenced by frosty windshields in the morning and nearly freezing temperatures at night. While these lower temperatures mean we might have to bundle up to stay warm, they mean something different for those who suffer with carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a form of entrapment neuropathy, which is a “condition in which a nerve becomes compressed, or entrapped, between two other structures in the body… Repetitive motion can cause the ligament and bone to press or rub against the nerve.” 
 
The median nerve, which passes through the wrist into the palm-side of our hands, is what is being compressed. (And the passage this nerve takes is, somewhat obviously, known as the carpal tunnel.) This nerve is responsible for almost all sensation in our hands and fingers, as well as our dexterity. When our wrists swell, due to overuse or a host of other factors, this nerve is compressed. Those with carpal tunnel syndrome experience weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain in their wrist and hand. It is possible to have carpal tunnel syndrome in one hand, but not the other. About 2.7% to 5.8% (or between 4 and 10 million) adult Americans deal with carpal tunnel syndrome. Usually, this syndrome is diagnosed in those between the ages of 30 and 60. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis, you are predisposed to developing carpal tunnel as well. Likewise, if you have a job which requires repetitive movements (such as assembly lines, keyboarding, construction, etc.), you are predisposed to developing carpal tunnel. 
 
Winter can be a tough time for those who suffer with carpal tunnel syndrome, as winter conditions are known to exacerbate CTS. A study investigating the seasonal prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome revealed higher rates of CTS diagnosis during winter months (50.8%), the lowest rate during summer months (38.9%), and equal rates during both spring and autumn (43.5% and 42.8%, respectively). These figures suggest temperature does play a significant role in the flare up of carpal tunnel symptoms. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you might notice an uncomfortable stiffness when your hands are exposed to the cold, increased numbness, or difficulty performing tasks. Sometimes, the median nerve can send pain signals up through the arm, neck, and even back. Similar to those with joint pain, those with carpal tunnel syndrome must take great care to stay warm during winter. Similarly, because colder temperatures can slow our blood flow, staying active is important. 
 
For those suffering with carpal tunnel this winter, it’s recommended you wear the proper external gear, including gloves or mittens. If you are going to spend prolonged periods outdoors, you should keep hand warmers in your pockets. To combat stiffness, try stretching your hands regularly. Nothing fancy. Simply bending your fingers back towards your wrist as far as is comfortable and holding for ten seconds is enough. It’s important to take regular breaks when performing tasks with your hands, including cooking and typing. When you experience pain, twinges of numbness, or tingling, you should always stop whatever you’re doing. Continuing to work through the pain is counterproductive and could worsen your condition. If your carpal tunnel is triggered by an underlying medical condition, focus the bulk of your energy on addressing the root issue. If you’ve just come inside from a day spent in the cold, you might soak your hands in warm water or take a warm bath to stimulate blood flow. 
 
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition, which means—If you do not isolate the cause, your condition will steadily decline. A full deterioration of carpal tunnel syndrome could mean limited use of one’s hands, nerve damage, and pain. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical care as soon as you suspect you might have carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include lifestyle modifications, oral corticosteroids, and wrist splints. The lifestyle modifications seek to cut out whichever repetitive task has triggered the inflammation putting pressure on your median nerve to begin with. Identifying this action shouldn’t be too difficult, as your pain will flare up most notably whenever you try to do this task. The oral corticosteroids are another means of targeting and suppressing your body’s inflammatory response. Finally, a wrist splint is intended to keep your wrist in a neutral position, which—in addition to helping heal inflammation—limits the amount of pressure placed on the median nerve. You might try intermittent icing and heating, as well, to bring down any swelling. 
 
Now this first-line of treatment can be met with positive or not-so-positive results. If the initial condition does not improve, the next line of therapies may include local corticosteroid injections into the affected wrist. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, diuretics, and vitamin B6 might also be used to address inflammation. Ultimately, if nothing else works, open or endoscopic surgery might be recommended. Now, very few people are eager to undergo surgery and the vast majority of us would like to avoid going under the knife at any cost. That’s why I’m here to discuss alternative, noninvasive treatment methods for carpal tunnel. While surgery is sometimes the only path towards healing, it should remain a last resort. There are a few options you might also try before undergoing a surgical evaluation for your carpal tunnel syndrome. 
 
Now, if you haven’t already been diagnosed with carpal tunnel, one of the first things you’re going to want to do is take part in a nerve conduction study. A nerve conduction study is a test which isolates the exact point at which the nerve is being impinged. Why is this important? Because carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. If, indeed, your condition is being caused by the compression of a nerve elsewhere (say, the elbow or the cervical spine), then you’ll need different treatment. I’ve had patients come into my office who underwent surgery for their carpal tunnel and saw no difference afterwards because they were misdiagnosed. They never had carpal tunnel at all!
 
After your nerve conduction study, if your condition is being caused by a nerve compression somewhere other than the carpal tunnel, then you may respond excellently to chiropractic care. The main purpose of chiropractic care is to resolve subluxations. Subluxations are instances where a bone misalignment has caused a nerve to become compressed and, thus, irritated. A chiropractor can adjust the elbow, can adjust the neck, can even adjust the wrist (although if you’re experiencing swelling there, this might not be advised). A chiropractor can adjust any part of the body with joints (including, but not limited to: hands, feet, fingers, toes, legs, arms, backs, and necks). An adjustment of the wrist may be necessary, in the event your nerve conduction study reveals you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, since carpal bones can potentially be pressing on your median nerve and contributing to your condition. 
 
Therefore, your best bet when initially treating your carpal tunnel is to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care is safe, noninvasive, and requires next to no downtime. If your first stop for treating your carpal tunnel is a doctor, you’ll probably follow a treatment route similar to what’s outlined above. There’s nothing wrong with such a treatment plan, but to give yourself the best chance at a pain-free life, definitely add a chiropractic appointment to the mix. If you reach out to us at Lowcountry Chiropractic, we’d be more than happy to formulate a plan for your treatment. You can schedule an appointment on our website, email, or call. I would love to perform an initial exam, speak to you about your condition, and begin working towards your pain-free future together. 

Before I leave you, I would like to make note of one more thing. Lowcountry Chiropractic is hosting a food drive this December! That’s right! All food will be donated to the Lowcountry Foodbank. If you bring in five non-perishable food items, we will provide you with an exam, consultation, and x-ray for free. This package is valued at $191, but they are free to new patients! If you’re an existing patient and you refer a new patient to Lowcountry Chiropractic, you’ll receive five raffle tickets. Likewise, if you donate five nonperishable items, you’ll receive one raffle ticket. (Only five tickets per person.) The prizes available in this year’s raffle include a 50” flat screen TV; two $50 Walmart gift cards; and two one-hour massages. Make sure to bring in any items before December 22nd. We hope you’ll participate in this year’s food drive! If so, we’ll see you soon! Thank you for reading!

Hello, everyone! This is Dr. Bob Salamon with Lowcountry Chiropractic. I hope you all are doing well and staying well. Surely, we’re all recovering from indulging in our favorite Thanksgiving treats last week. As we move deeper into the holiday season, many of us are searching for ways to give back to our shared community. Before we dive into today’s topic, I’d like to take a moment to share an opportunity to give with you. This year, Lowcountry Chiropractic is hosting an Annual Christmas Food Drive! When you refer a new patient to our office, you’ll receive five tickets for a raffle prize drawing. This new patient will receive a complimentary consultation, exam, and x-rays—all of which are valued at about $191.00, free of charge. All they have to do is bring five non-perishable food items! If you have no friends or family to refer, bring five non-perishable food items down to our office in exchange for a single ticket. You can repeat this up to five times (per person). The prizes on the line include one 50” flat screen TV, two $50 Walmart gift cards, and two one-hour massages. Prizes will be awarded one per person. All food items will be donated to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Make sure you have those non-perishable items to us or have the new patient scheduled before December 22nd, 2021! We look forward to seeing how much food we are able to collect this holiday season for the benefit of our community and we hope you’ll help us!
 
Today, we’re discussing how chiropractic care can be used as a preemptive measure to lessen the need for surgery. Chiropractic care can be used, in specific instances, to help the body heal and alter the trajectory of an existing ailment, thus precluding the need for surgery. However, there are ailments which can only be rectified through surgery and therefore, regardless of the information shared here today, you should consult with your doctor about the full range of treatment options available to you. That said, no one wants to undergo surgery, for a multitude of reasons. Surgery often entails taking time off from work or school. First, to undergo the procedure. Then, to recover. Invasive procedures are often painful and require patients to consume medication to cope with discomfort and lessen the risk of infection. Even skillfully performed surgeries are likely to leave some kind of scar. For some, the cost associated with surgery is enough to ward them off seeking treatment for their ailment, which only leads to their worsened condition. In this regard, at least, chiropractic care presents an opportunity for individuals to not only manage their existing pain, but also work towards a pain-free future, without surgery. 
 
It’s also important to note: Any reputable chiropractor can assess whether an injury or condition is truly treatable through chiropractic care and will  refer you to a specialist or surgeon when necessary. This is merely an aspect of the duty of care between a chiropractor and their patient. While the goal is to reach a patient’s physical goals in the most minimally-invasive manner, when a surgical procedure is the only means of progressing, a chiropractor should do their best to work in tandem with the surgical team to ensure their patient receives the best care during and after their procedure. 
 
Now, to understand why chiropractic care might be presented as an alternative, we must first understand how surgery could be considered the first option to treat musculoskeletal issues. Truthfully, many patients respond to joint or back pain by visiting their primary care doctor. Depending on the doctor, they may refer the patient to a chiropractor or an orthopedic surgeon. If the latter, then we have a clear explanation for why surgery would be the go-to option. Orthopedic surgeons, like chiropractors, seek to treat musculoskeletal issues. However, their mode of practice relies on invasive techniques. 
 
For example, if a patient is suffering from a frozen shoulder, an orthopedic surgeon might recommend rotator cuff surgery. This surgical procedure involves shaving off any bone spurs which might be pinching the nerves in the shoulder and reattaching any tendons or ligaments which have torn. Rotator cuff surgery might be preceded by rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, stretching exercises, or steroid injections. Rotator cuff surgeries are often followed by several months of recovery and rehabilitation. As well, the surgery is associated with a risk of developing complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, and blood clots within the legs and lungs. Finally, even after the surgery, this is a chance the patient will not recover full range of motion in their shoulder joint and will continue to struggle with weakness or pain. 
 
On the other hand, in the same instance of a patient presenting with a frozen shoulder, a chiropractor’s response would be completely different. Chiropractic care is based on manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues and a handful of other noninvasive techniques. Therefore, a plan would be developed spanning a range from one to six months. During this time, the patient would receive chiropractic adjustments to relieve any subluxations within the spine or neck (which may be contributing to an irritated nerve connected to the shoulder). Similarly, the patient would receive regular massages, with a therapist skilled at expressed deep tissue lesions. The patient might be given a daily physical therapy regimen to follow at home, which serves to help rehabilitate the muscles within the shoulder slowly, over time. Some chiropractors offer laser therapies, electronic stimulation, dry needling, and more. All of these elements combine to give the patient’s body its best chance at healing itself. While surgeries often purport to be cure-all, chiropractic care never claims to cure anything. Rather, chiropractic care is always offered as a means by which the body can be cajoled and stimulated into healing itself. 
 
A study published in Spine journal in 2013 revealed an interesting correlation between the first medical provider a patient visits and their resulting medical care. During this study, construction workers in Washington State who’d filed disability claims for back injuries were the object of fascination. According to the results of the study, 42.7% or nearly half of the workers who visited a surgeon first ended up undergoing surgery to resolve their back injury. Meanwhile, only 1.5% of the workers who saw a chiropractor first ended up undergoing surgery. We might infer from such a significant gap in percentages that many of those surgeries were conducted out of convenience rather than necessity. Likewise, we might also infer, it’s beneficial for those seeking to avoid surgery to see a chiropractor before a surgeon. In regards specifically to back pain, chiropractic care can yield a “significant reduction or elimination” of pain. 
 
Chiropractic care can be used to treat sports injuries, shoulder pain, hip pain, whiplash, headaches, vertigo, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, disc injuries, and much more. Instead of using the type of injury to determine whether surgery or chiropractic care is better, you’d be better served by evaluating your unique needs. How long are you willing to dedicate to the healing process? What risks are associated with the recommended surgery? In comparison, what risks are associated with attempting to treat your injury with chiropractic care first? Are there any financial limitations weighing on your decision? What are your values as an individual? You must take each of these factors into consideration when choosing between surgery and chiropractic care. 
 
In recent years, we’ve seen the true cost of the opioid epidemic. A meta-analysis and systematic review conducted in 2019 revealed patients who visited a chiropractor for their musculoskeletal pain conditions were “49% less likely to receive an opioid prescription than their counterparts who went to other healthcare providers.” The numbers don’t lie—that’s nearly half of the patients who sought chiropractic care. After surgery, intense pain medications present a challenge for those who are predisposed to addiction. As well, surgical complications which lead to prolonged discomfort can result in an unintended dependency upon these prescription drugs. If you’re a recovering addict or have a history of substance abuse in your family, chiropractic care offers a way around the medications necessary for highly-invasive surgeries. 
 
At the end of the day, as a chiropractor, my one and only concern is the health and wellness of my patients. It’s possible to use a combination of chiropractic care and surgery to achieve optimal results. One aspect of my job is assessing what’s best for my patients and working with my patients to tailor a treatment plan which helps them live pain-free. Of course, I hope you’ll consider chiropractic care as an alternative or preemptive measure to surgery. And, if you do, I hope you’ll reach out to us here at Lowcountry Chiropractic. Give us a call or shoot us an email and we’ll respond as soon as we’re able. Remember: I’m Dr. Bob and I have your back covered! Until next time, thank you for reading!