The Evidence Based Chiropractor Blog

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

Jeff Langmaid 5/23/14 Jeff Langmaid 5/23/14

Lumbar Stenosis- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

A recent (2014) study in SPINE examined the use of decompression without fusion for lumbar stenosis. They found that decompression without fusion can be just as effective as methods involving fusion, but has significant cost saving advantages and fewer complications. Generally, this decompression is accomplished by a laminectomy.

If fusion is warranted, they encourage the use of bone graft as opposed to instrumentation (hardware). It seems as though bone grafting is also more cost effective while providing similar outcomes. The study found that complication rates rose significantly for patients who underwent a laminectomy with fusion compared to those who just received a laminectomy.

It makes sense to me that limiting the use of instrumentation/hardware would yield decreased complications and perhaps even slight outcomes advantages. Instrumentation (while necessary with certain procedures) permanently alters the bio-mechanics of the spine and places vertebral segments adjacent to the surgical site at increase risk for degeneration.

Additionally, I believe it is important to stress that previous research has shown that chiropractic care (specifically flexion/distraction technique) has provided relief from lumbar stenosis. The complication rate for conservative chiropractic care is significantly lower than surgical intervention, and both have proven to be effective treatments. The degree, or amount of stenosis (and its impact on function) will play a large role in determining whether conservative care is an option for each individual patient. The bottom line is that physicians should be aware that surgical intervention is not the only treatment option available for patients with lumbar stenosis.

-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the leading DC/MD marketing and outreach group in the world. Our service is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research. Marketing to medical doctors through research is efficient, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us. Lets grow chiropractic together.

Jeff Langmaid 5/21/14 Jeff Langmaid 5/21/14

" Marketing Chiropractic to Medical Doctors" Now Available in iBooks - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Jeff Langmaid DC, founder of The Evidence Based Chiropractor, is proud to announce the worldwide release of his new book, “Marketing Chiropractic to Medical Doctors”. It is currently available worldwide in over 15 countries through iBooks.

“Marketing Chiropractic to Medical Doctors” by Dr. Jeff Langmaid- https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/marketing-chiropractic-to/id878253789?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Published by The Evidence Based Chiropractor, this book continues to position Dr. Langmaid as the leading authority on interdisciplinary communication in chiropractic. Touching upon his experience in practicing with one of the nations largest orthopedic groups, Dr. Langmaid provides other chiropractors with a step-by-step guide to build interdisciplinary referral relationships through research.

Dr. Langmaid commented, "Spine care in the United States is nearly a $100 billion dollar industry, yet clinical outcomes continue to languish and the number of people suffering from spine complaints continues to rise. Evidence-based practice has continued to show chiropractic care as a safe and effective treatment option. Unfortunately, many medical doctors do not have referral relationships with doctors of chiropractic, and their patients suffer. My new book provides chiropractors with the tools and knowledge necessary to forge these relationships."

A leading voice in interdisciplinary communication, Dr. Jeff Langmaid, has been an active speaker, writer, and thought-leader in the marketing of chiropractic to medical doctors. “Marketing Chiropractic to Medical Doctors” will, for the first time, provided chiropractic physicians with a step by step guide to market their practice with elegance and professionalism to other physicians in their communities. Dr. Langmaid remains in private practice in Tampa Bay, FL.

Jeff Langmaid 5/19/14 Jeff Langmaid 5/19/14

Should I Consider Chiropractic or Physical Therapy? - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Patients suffering from spine pain can often be unsure of the best treatment available. Two of the most common choices are chiropractic care and/or physical therapy. In this blog we will investigate the differences between these two options and learn which may help you the most.

Physical therapy for spine complaints generally includes passive modalities (ice, heat, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc) combined with stretching and strengthening exercises. Research shows moderate evidence (depending on the longevity and region of complaint) for these adjunctive treatment modalities. Physical therapy is usually performed by a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant under a script from your primary care physician. Interestingly, many health professionals have found that these modalities are best used after proper biomechanics have been established.

The hallmark of chiropractic care is spinal manipulation or adjustments. Chiropractors are the undisputed experts in this form of treatment due to their extensive training. This is one of the reasons chiropractic care and spinal manipulative therapy have a distinct advantage over physical therapy for the conservative care of spine complaints. Adjustments provide a direct effect on biomechanics of the spine and as we touched on earlier; establishing improved biomechanics is the first step in spine care. Of specific note is not all adjustments are high velocity. Many adjustive techniques utilize slower movements. Your chiropractor can speak with you regarding which adjustive technique will best serve your needs. Chiropractic care is administered by a Doctor of Chiropractic. Your chiropractor is able to diagnose, evaluate, treat or refer without the aide of another physician; although they may communicate and work with many primary care providers in your area.

After establishing an improvement in segmental motion (biomechanics of the spine) your chiropractor may choose to use some passive modalities. Additionally, he/she may provide you with instruction for stretching and strengthening exercises. In many research studies chiropractic care and spinal manipulative therapy have resulted in superior outcomes when compared against physical therapy for spine complaints. In my opinion this is for two distinct reasons. First- the adjustment or spinal manipulation is one of the most powerful, safe, and effective tools for influencing the spine. Second- chiropractors have the training and expertise to not only provide a spinal adjustment, but also to tailor either passive modalities or an exercise program to your exact needs (if necessary).

For many patients, chiropractic care is the best choice possible for conservative spine care. The information above is just the tip of the iceberg regarding conservative care of the spine, but highlights the major differences between physical therapy and chiropractic care.

A growing body of research continues to show the safety and efficacy of chiropractic care for various spine conditions. Reputable primary care physicians are referring to chiropractors each and every day but remember, you don't need a script to make an appointment with a doctor of chiropractic today!

Jeff Langmaid 5/16/14 Jeff Langmaid 5/16/14

Speaking at the Florida Chiropractic Conference July Event- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

I am extremely proud to announce that I will be speaking in the main room during the July 19-20th Florida Chiropractic Conference. I will be presenting with an array of fantastic speakers such as Armand Rossi, David Reina, and Mark Hanson.

More information is available at www.flchirocon.com

Jeff Langmaid 5/15/14 Jeff Langmaid 5/15/14

A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Medication, Acupuncture, and Chiropractic Adjustments- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

In 2003, SPINE produced a randomized clinical trial comparing medication, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation for chronic spine pain. The medication which was predominately used in this study was either Celebrex, Vioxx, or paracetamol. Chiropractic care was predominately high-velocity, low amplitude adjustments at a frequency of two treatments per week.

They looked at both chronic cervical and lumbar spine pain. The average patient in the medication group had pain for 4.5 years; for the acupuncture group it was 6.4 years; and for the spinal manipulation group the average duration of pain was 8.3 years. The maximum treatment duration was 9 weeks.

The researchers found that "...for chronic spinal pain syndromes, it appears that spinal manipulation provided the best overall short-term results, despite the fact that the spinal manipulation group had experienced the longest pretreatment duration of pain."

This finding is extremely significant, as many patients with chronic pain end up being referred to a pain management physician or neurologist. Often, these physicians choose to treat chronic pain with increasing quantities of medications, eventually leading the way for narcotics. Orthopedic surgeons and primary care physicians encounter patients with chronic spine pain every day in practice. It is imperative they know the benefits of conservative chiropractic care before relying on the medications afforded by a pain management doctors.