Story Category: Healthnet »

You don’t have to feel like someone ran you over with a truck to go see healthcare practitioners, especially when it comes to being interested in maintaining your health by using the knowledge of the body.

Routine screenings, physicals and medications are all helpful to detect problems and are necessary when caring for the body. Make sure you are always under the care of a doctor to ensure your optimal health.

In fact, seeing your eye doctor is a great idea. Looking into the eyes can give a clue if there is high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes and neurological disorders.

So, I’m talking about using the body to help regulate itself. That’s what it does best so let’s explore some of the more “mainstream” alternatives to natural health, as well as some new ideas.

Some of medicine’s mainstream doctors and professionals have trouble accepting new ways of thinking. They too often question how: homeopathy or reflexology can work; why does chiropractic help headaches; how can massage or acupuncture ease pregnancy pain; without ever fully understanding how many of the commonly used or recycled medications they prescribe every day work for their patients.

Don’t get me wrong on medications either. I send patients to their medical doctors for medications to help with pain and inflammation. I want all hands on deck when I am trying to help someone recover. I’m referring to the let’s try this drug for two weeks and then come back and then we’ll try, this one. Drugs aren’t always the answer as no profession can do it all. I have a patient right now who was told this. She is dying in pain and counting every day until her two weeks are up. That isn’t fair.

My general rule is I want every option available to me for treatment. Never leave any stone unturned and never leave a door of possibility closed. If you are being treated for something and haven’t noticed any change, then why shouldn’t you be allowed to explore other options? Hey, the doctor isn’t the one suffering, you are. What would they do if it were their mother or father they were dealing with? Everything can affect anything and there is no reason to not explore all options of care when you or a loved one is suffering.

If they are against another treatment protocol, it may be because they are uneducated, closed-minded or worried you may not come back and they lose money. Either way, find new doctors who can see beyond their prescription pads or wallets and are more interested in finding you answers and relief. You can always get a second opinion too.

I actually had a medical doctor tell a patient to not see me because I wasn’t a “real doctor,” after I correctly diagnosed the patient and sent them to this same doctor for medications, before I ordered a MRI. That’s the mentality you should avoid. I did contact this doctor and he apologized as it is slander and a dis-service to the public. Never in 20 years have I ever told a patient, “Don’t go to another health professional because they don’t know what they’re doing or are pill happy or will just do surgery.” Ridiculous.

Patients are grateful if a healthcare professional recognizes he/she needs to send them to another practitioner who might help. Especially if it makes a difference. That’s consid­ered doing what is best for the patients.

The mistake patients make is they think that these alternatives are somehow instant cures because they are used to seeing the MD once and they are done. Patients do not follow instructions, or think they know better, especially when it comes to scheduling.

When the treatment doesn’t miraculously heal them, they stop and determine that whatever treatment they were receiving isn’t good for anything. If 10 treatments are recommended and you go for three, then the failure of attaining a favorable outcome firmly rests on you. It’s like taking three pills when your doctor recommended 10. Who has the degree here?

I know sometimes health insurance won’t cover procedures, like massage therapy, but if you have reached your pain tolerance limits then what is relief really worth. It’s priceless. Health is everything.

Also just because one version of Acupuncture didn’t work doesn’t mean it never works. If it didn’t help you to quit smoking it still may help you to have less pain from a tumor. You can always try another provider if results weren’t favorable. Don’t paint every type of practitioner with the same brush.

If you bought groceries and the fruit was somewhat overripe, would you never go to that grocery store again? If your mechanic didn’t repair your car how you expected it to be, would you never go to another mechanic? No. So why is an alternative branch of healthcare any different?

Granted, in every profession we have some people who are real weirdoes. So if your doctor hasn’t given you a referral to someone they might know or a provider they have been treated by personally, ask your family, friends and co-workers for a recommendation. Get a referral from someone you trust.

In general, more and more doctors have realized that no one health field is complete without the complement of their fellow health care professionals, who work together for a team approach to your health. That’s what I call “Modern Medicine.”

These topics come from my book, “Back At Your Best; Balancing the Demands of Life With the Needs of Your Body.” It is available in book and Kindle format at Amazon, www.BAYBBook.com and at my office.

If you have any personal health concerns or questions, feel free to email me at DrJay@BackAtYourBest.com. I will answer them in private or in this section in a week or two.

Dr. Jay M. Lipoff is the owner of Back At Your Best Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, LLC, which is located in the Wildewood Shopping Center. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University in 1990, a Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.) from New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) in 1994 and he became a Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT) in 2005.

Dr. Lipoff is an Executive Board Member, International Chiropractic Association Council on Fitness and Sports Health Science; has a radio segment: Back At Your Best in 5 Minutes or Less, Co-Founder, Drug Free Training USA; Member, NY Strength-promoting the importance of physical conditioning; Board Member of Public Relations Committee, Maryland Chiropractic Association; President, Wildewood Business Network-promoting better business relations and community outreach.

For more information, go to www.BackAtYourBest.com, www.BAYBBook.com, find us on facebook or call 301-863-BEST (2378).

* DISCLAIMER: THIS ADVICE AND ANY OPINIONS MENTIONED ARE THAT OF DR. JAY LIPOFF AND NOT OF THE BAYNET.