Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 7/21/2006

Question
Thanks you so much, that was a really helpful answer.  If I may ask one follow up question...
I'm not sure what to think about 2 other issues.  1. My chiropractor sais that many chiropractors correct for pain only and if you stop treatment when the pain is gone (at least for obvious cronic issues) aren't addressing the structural issue and that you need to have continued consistant care in order to correct the structural issues (he has been able to show me on x-rays, initially my neck curved slightly in the wrong direction, then it was straight and now it's beginning to have a more normal curve).
2. He also believes in regular consistant care as a preventative measure.  The kids go too and he sais kids who have consistant care will have fewer earaches, allergy problems, etc... He's been working on easing a constipation issue my son has.  In your opinion, are these valid claims and do you believe in continuing chiropractic care for kids who haven't had any particular neck, spinal issues?

Thanks again,
Julie
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Followup To

Question -
I'm trying to get an unbiased comparison of the various chiropractic techniques.  Would you tell me the difference between Straight, gonstead and other chiropractic techniques.  I currently go to a gonstead chiropractor and need to switch because he's just too far away, but can't find another gonstead chiropractor in my area.  He sais that I won't get structural change with other forms of chiropractic and tends to say that I really need to go to a gonstead practitioner, but I'm wondering if that's really true.  I'd appreciate advice.
Thanks,
Julie

Answer -
Dear Julie,

WOW, I really hate these types of issues.  Sorry, but I just had to vent for a moment.  First of all a straight chiropractor does not consider themselves a doctor.  They do not diagnose conditions, or treat any conditions.  The only thing they do is locate and correct subluxations which are just fixated and /or misaligned vertebra.  They also do not treat symptoms, just subluxations.  Most chiropractic physicians do not agree with this philosophy, and when it comes to technique, most mix different adjusting techniques, to do what is best for the patient.  

...
The bottom line is some Chiropractic Physicians are better than others.  Don't choose a chiropractor because of their technique, but because of the proof they can offer you on the effectiveness of the type of care they render. All chiropractic techniques will give you a benefit if performed correctly by a competent doctor, however, all will not make a structural change. For instance I am certified in structural rehab through CBP and have attained fellowship status.  I can show my patients pre and post x-rays of previous cases which have measurable proof of change to the structure on the x-ray. I also use Pettibon, Gonstead, Thompson, Diversified, Nimmo, Meric, and a few other techniques as well as traction, massage, exercise and nutrition .  The bottom line is not the technique, but the end result for the patient...you can't pigeon hole all patients into one "technique".

Ask your friends, family, and co-workers if they can refer you to a good local Chiropractic Physician, then call the offices and set up a 10-15 minute consult.  Ask the doctors what they can do for you, about their technique, what post-doctoral education they have, and how that will benefit your care...a good doctor will welcome this time to share their qualifications, a poor one most likely will not.  Remember that you are a consumer of information as well as services, and that your care is ultimately up to you.  Make sure you are comforatble with your choice, and don't get blinded by doctors that emphaticly state that one technique is better than all the rest (usually their technique).  Don't get blinded by the cheapest price either...you usually get what you pay for!

Julie I hope this helps, I know it can be confusing.  For more information on chiropractic, resources, medical information and health, feel free to check out our clinic website as well. www.suncoasthealthcare.net     We have quite a bit of information that is unbiased and research based in orientation to help you make informed decisions on care.  Please bear with some of the under construction stuff.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Answer
Dear Julie,

I somewhat agree with your Chiropractor on those issues.  Yes many chiropractors only address the pain issue with patients, and that is okay, but he is right in the fact that controlling symptoms does not alleviate the problem.  Continual chiropractic care for structural issues is important until those structural issues are corrected to the satisfaction of the patient and the doctor. Optimum health is the goal.

In addition maintenace care, or spinal health check-ups are valid and important to overall body functioning and health.  Some patients need maintenance adjustments every 2 weeks or so, some only need them every 2 months...it will be different for everyone due to their individual stressors, job requirements, lifestyle, genetics, etc...  To illustrate; people change their oil every three months or 3000 miles to prolong their engine life.  Your spinal column needs to be maintained as well and is much more important than your vehicle.

Concerning children, there are studies published relating to bed wetting, asthma, ear aches, digestive health, ADHD, colic, etc... that have shown the importance of chiropractic care for optimal function in a child and alleviating some childhood ailments.  Concerning constipation, I am not aware of any specific studies, but I definitely agree that your children will be healthier and happier with the addition of chiropractic care.  I gave my son his first adjustment 1 hour after birth, and he gets adjusted almost every week...sometimes in the neck, sometimes in the back.  Every once in awhile I check his spine, and nothing needs to be adjusted, so that is the end of it.

I am super happy to hear that you are having your children adjusted.  That is a wonderful thing to do for them, and will show benefits for the rest of their lives.  In the next few years, make sure you watch other children in their sports teams, classrooms etc... you will find your children will be healthier than average, and most likely will be better behaved as well.  I know this for a fact in my own children...other parents will notice as well and may actually approach you to ask why your kids are so healthy.  Sounds funny, but my patients who have their kids under care tell me it happens to them all the time.

Good luck, and continued success in your health endevours!
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman