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Alternative Medicine Vs. Mainstream Medicine
Alternative Medicine Vs. Mainstream Medicine by Dr. Russell D. Caram
Photo contributed.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Russell D. Caram is one of our local sponsors who shares weekly articles on Bethel Buzz. Material in this article is meant to provide information about Chiropractic but is not a substitute for professional health care.
Alternative Medicine Vs. Mainstream Medicine by Dr. Russell D. Caram
Over the past 20 years, I’ve noticed a trend people are forming with regard to the responsibility they hold for their own health: More and more people are opting for holistic, natural remedies rather than the latest medications (which not-so-surprisingly end up being recalled or halted), or invasive medical interventions. While I’m thrilled about this – and the responsibility people are taking for their own health – I can’t help but ask the question: When did natural remedies become the “alternative,” and the medical profession’s idea of chemically altered human beings become “mainstream?” When did our natural chemistries become so bad that we need these ‘cures?’
What’s been making our lifestyles so chemically unbalanced and drug-dependent that those conditions became the norm, and their drug-remedies considered “mainstream?” Yet my form of restoring balance naturally became known as “alternative?”
These questions have many facets; so let’s deal with them one by one.
The definition of “healthcare”
There was a time when the definition of “healthcare” meant, “free from disease”, and ways to keep you from needing reliance on the medical fields. Remember hearing “eat right and exercise?” How about “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” You seldom hear those phrases anymore simply because healthcare doesn’t mean, “care for your health” as much anymore. The definition of healthcare itself changed into drug-based “disease-care” (Similarly, “health insurance” is more like “prescription-cost-insurance” or “disease insurance” – if you think about it).
When did the principle of supporting healthy lifestyles and doing things to avoid physician reliance turn into the medical application of introducing drugs into the body that try to block, imitate or replace normal nerve, chemical or organ function? As the definition of healthcare morphed to the medical and drug-based one above, chiropractic would have to naturally be removed from that new drug-based definition. Over the years, chiropractic care has maintained it’s purpose, it’s drug-free discipline and it’s principle of keeping people healthy and functioning as best as possible by removing nerve interference. THAT is the true definition of “health care”. But the accepted definition of “healthcare” now has drugs as it’s basis, and that leaves chiropractic care and other drug-free disciplines out of the drug-based definition. Most people associate the terms “health care” with going to their MD and being given medicines, but since medicines are drugs, they now associate “healthcare” with taking drugs.
The phrase “alternative medicine”
The phrase “alternative medicine” got introduced simultaneously as the definition of healthcare got hijacked in an attempt to further isolate time-honored, conservative forms of true “healthcare” with the growing acceptance of drugs and “disease-care.” The change didn’t occur quickly, but it became introduced in conversations without explanation – leaving the listener to default it into whatever health remedies were left over. And where does the “medicine” part come in, even if it’s natural? Does everything have to be termed a “medicine” of some sort…? Herbal medicine? Physical medicine? CHIROPRACTIC medicine?? There are no such things, but don’t tell that to an insurance company that naively lists THOSE exact benefits in your health plan. So again “alternative,” but compared to the drug-based definition.
“A feat of linguistic legerdemain”
The terms “traditional” and “mainstream” make it seem as if they are universally accepted, time-honored forms of healthcare, and anything other than that is risky and worthy of hesitation. The AMA has only been around 30 years longer than chiropractic, but how does such a radical change from time-honored natural means to a drug-based and chemical one automatically allow for the terms “mainstream” and “traditional” to automatically be applied to it? People have been walking on backs and treating with herbs since the ancient Egyptians and Chinese were doing it and achieving therapeutic benefits, so why don’t they qualify for the terms “traditional” or “mainstream” based on chronology alone? Do other societies that don’t rely on medicines and vaccines only use “alternative” healthcare methods? Their means may still be considered mainstream to THEM, right? Were they informed that the definition of their only means of healthcare was altered? So, remember that change in the definition of ‘healthcare’ I mentioned? Well, the association deception had begun.
My definition of ‘mainstream’ is totally different
Mainstream forms of healthcare are composed of natural things that you can do to keep you healthy, not to introduce chemicals, medicines and toxic substances once a disease has started. By contrast, “alternative” healthcare would be implemented when something different from a natural or holistic state existed, or comes from an outside source. Interestingly in my field – chiropractors discuss HEALTH; medical doctors discuss sickness and disease. Which would you prefer? I know if I were in a desolate area of the world with 100 people around me, I could still enhance the health of each of them by introducing a healthier diet and spinal adjustments delivered by hand. The medical profession can’t say the same. So to me, that is a true definition of HEALTH care.
As I mentioned, the trend I’m seeing in my office is one of realization and a more health-conscious individual. Patients are seeking resolutions to CAUSES of their problems, and not a means to mask their problem with a medication that has a dozen side effects. And while this boom in natural, conservative treatments is real, I strongly feel that the medical professions’ bombardment of drug ads has finally turned the public off. They’re realizing that is NOT ‘mainstream’ healthcare. Certainly not in MY book, that’s for sure…!
Since I deal most often with structural injuries and maintaining a healthy immune system, I can tell you that the medical treatments toward these physical/structural ailments (short of emergency care) are archaic. If the medical profession didn’t have painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, they would be completely useless and even THOSE only mask the symptoms. They don’t address the cause of pain. Yet somehow, mysteriously, that medical way of only treating the physical symptoms (spasms, pain and inflammation) got to be considered ‘mainstream’, while treating the cause is ‘alternative?’
I don’t get it. To me, what they do is called experimental and risky. No one knows what the introduction of those drugs really does on any organ system. It’s based on that principle alone that defines what we should really consider ‘mainstream’ and what we should really call ‘healthcare!”
Dr. Russell D. Caram’s office is located on 182 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, on Route 53. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
To find out more about Dr. Caram and his practice, click here.
“Like” his Facebook page by clicking here.
Call 203-748-2499 for an appointment.
Holiday Lumbar Strain/Sprain
Holiday Lumbar Strain/Sprain ~ By Dr. Russell D. Caram
Lumbar sprain. Photo contributed.
Editor’s note: Dr. Russell D. Caram is one of our local sponsors who will be sharing weekly tips and articles on Bethel Buzz. This week’s topic is holiday lumbar strain. During this busy holiday season with family and friends visiting from far and near, Dr. Caram sees many patients who experience “holiday injuries” such as lumbar sprains and strains from moving furniture and lifting heavy items otherwise not normally lifted. Below is an informative article from Dr. Caram about how these injuries can be treated with chiropractic care.
Holiday Lumbar Strain/Sprain ~ By Dr. Russell D. Caram
Symptoms: Stiffness or decrease in range of motion, pain in the back that worsens with movement, pain that often peaks immediately, most often from stretched ligaments and muscle spasms. Patients quite often express an inability to get out of bed or out of the position they’re in due to the pain. However the restrictions usually let up a bit, but not without pain.
A sprain is a stretch or tear in the ligament resulting from a sudden movement that causes the back to extend to an extreme position. For example, in the rapid deceleration of a car crash, and the translational shift of the vertebrae on each other.
The lumbar sprain seems to feel as if the pain is also at times difficult to localize. It seems to be present in the back, but at other times seems to pierce thru the body. Sprains of this type also make the patient aware of their posture as well as how poor their lifting/bending techniques were prior to the sprain.
The diagnosis of lumbar sprain is not difficult, but is most often derived from the mechanism of injury as described above. At times it’s difficult to examine a patient with a severe lumbar sprain simply because the positions required for testing cannot be assumed by the patient. When there is a typical C-shaped curve of the back when viewed from the side, that curve can become reduced, straightened or reversed. The subsequent subluxations of the vertebrae, stretching of the ligaments and protective contraction of the muscles generate a tremendous amount of pain.
One of the most common reasons for seeing a chiropractor is for this exact kind of injury. Usually a set of x-rays will help confirm a diagnosis of lumbar spine sprain/strain. Lumbar spine adjustments are the best remedy for removing these subluxations of the spine while restoring nerve function and range-of-motion. Physical therapy modalities are often utilized in conjunction with care in order to help facilitate the healing process, either by reducing inflammation or calming muscle spasms. Depending on the condition, treatment and recovery times vary, ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months. Considering the involvement of the spine and nervous system, if the sprain is significant enough to cause a permanent problem, follow-up treatments may be recommended in order to help stabilize the affected area.
Dr. Russell D. Caram’s office is located on 182 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, on Route 53. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
To find out more about Dr. Caram and his practice, click here.
“Like” his Facebook page by clicking here.
Call 203-748-2499 for an appointment.
How Chiropractic Care Benefits Kids
How Chiropractic Care Benefits Kids ~ By Dr. Russell Caram
Dr. Russ adjusts a 3-year-old at his office. Photo credit: Dr. Caram
How often chiropractors have encountered parents who appreciate the importance of regular checkups for their child’s teeth, hearing, eyes, ears nose, and throat, but draw a blank when it comes to a spinal checkup. Spinal checkups should be one of the most important checkups your child should have!
When do subluxations start?
It’s tough to say for sure, but one has to look at the birthing process initially. Usually, obstetricians will twist the infant’s head and neck so far to the side to get the shoulders to lineup in the birth canal. A baby’s head is very large and very heavy when compared to the rest of its body, so a great deal of care must be used when handling it. But babies were meant to be pushed out of the birth canal, not pulled and twisted! In situations like this, neck subluxations can occur easily and turn out to be the exact start of a baby’s ‘first subluxation.’
I’m often asked about chiropractic care for children and most often it’s by a parent who had an injury that they just watched their child have – whether it be ice-skating, playing sports, or even a mis-step off the curb that jams the back. I’ve been checking my children – and treating them for – subluxations since the days they were born. Children LOVE getting adjusted, and the videos below prove it. They have no preconceived bias, notions or fear. They only know what they feel…if they’re hurt, they’ll cry. If they’re feeling good and having fun, they’ll laugh and smile. Although the first adjustment is always a bit ‘unexpected.’
Children lead very busy physical lives…they run, play, jump, and fall all day long. Any of those activities could be responsible for subluxating the spine, and with children being as flexible as they are, they typically won’t complain much. But knowing that any kind of accident can cause spinal misalignments, wouldn’t it be wise for all parents to have their children’s spines checked periodically throughout the year by specialists? Chiropractors are the most proficient physicians at determining spinal abnormality, scoliosis and posture. But there’s more to it than that. As mentioned in the “Why Everyone Needs A Chiropractor” section, the nervous system has an extremely close relationship with the immune system. A healthy nervous system gives the immune system it’s best chance to combat infections that could otherwise become advantageous and cause sickness. In children, this is even more paramount as their immune systems are still developing. Subluxations in the spine that hinder nerve function will also retard the enhancement and development of the immune system. The result is chronic sicknesses or increased susceptibility to colds, flu, or infections.
Research
A 1989 study in the Journal of Chiropractic compared 200 children of chiropractors to 200 children of pediatricians. The result – the health of the chiropractic group was notably superior to that of the children brought up under standard medical care. (Journal of Chiropractic, Summer 1989, p 101-103). The chiropractic group had fewer ear infections, fewer allergies, fewer cases of tonsillitis, and less medical treatment (antibiotics, immunization/vaccinations). Most parents have brought their children to chiropractors for the treatment of persistent ear infections. The cause for concern of putting a child on continued antibiotics is real, as is the correlation with the ingredients of vaccines and antibiotics and the development of diseases like autism and asthma. In the late 70′s, children got 12 vaccination exposures. Today’s child is supposed to get 84 or more exposures, according to the AMA. That’s a 7-fold increase in the number of vaccinations, running in conjunction with a 6-fold increase (1:1,000 then, and 1:150 now) in the number of autism, learning- and processing dysfunction cases within the same time period (1977 to 2007).
The methodology of treating children for ear infections is quite simple…get the inner ear to drain its fluid. The eustacean tubes of children are pretty much horizontal, up until the age of 10 and it’s at that point that they start to angle inferiorly (downward) toward the throat. At that point gravity usually does all the work, but when the tubes are horizontal, there’s too much chance for bacteria from the throat to travel the tube and not be drained out. This is where chiropractic care is helpful; because by treating the neck and physically helping the fluid drain toward the throat you lessen the chance of ‘backflow’. Treatment is usually continued – even on a supportive basis – until a decent weaning process can be achieved.
Children accept chiropractic treatment openly. They only know what makes them feel better and what hurts. Also, their response times for injuries and/or conditions is often much less than adults because they’re still growing and are more flexible. But don’t forget: As the twig is bent, so grows the tree!!
Get you children’s spines checked!
Dr. Russell D. Caram’s office is located on 182 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, on Route 53. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
To find out more about Dr. Caram and his practice, click here.
“Like” his Facebook page by clicking here.
Call 203-748-2499 for an appointment.
