For most diagnoses all that is needed is an ounce of knowledge, and ounce of intelligence, and a pound of thoroughness -- Arabic proverb.
It is the "thoroughness" factor that is most blatantly absent in today's healthcare. How many of you have been diagnosed with Bursitis, Tendinitis, Plantar Fasciitis or anything else with an "-itis"? Those are what we call Garbage Can Diagnoses....."catch-alls" that really are the result of a structure or posture problem that creates overuse, friction, and abnormal load....hence the "-itis". These diagnoses only scratch the surface of the real underlying problem(s) that are causing the said Bursitis, Tendinitis or Plantar Fasciitis. Yes, it requires a little more time, expertise, and work to diagnose properly, but when a doctor is alloted 5 minutes for an exam, do you really think he or she will be thorough in REALLY getting to the bottom of your problem? Or will you just end up with a Garbage Can Diagnosis with an "-ITIS" at the end?
Welcome to SynchronyThoughts
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Before You Become Pro-Vaccine or Against-Vaccine, Become Pro-Education
The January 8th, 2012 edition of the Harrisburg Patriot-News published a commentary by columnist Anne McGraw Reeves entitled "Protect herd immunity: Get kids vaccinated"
I submitted an editorial in response to this column the following day which was accepted to be published and appeared in the Thursday January 12th newspaper as well as online.
Personally, I have my own beliefs about the vaccine debate, but that is not the point of this discussion. Professionally, I am neither Pro-Vaccine nor am I Against Vaccine. I consider myself professionally as Pro-Education.
It has been my experience in 10 years of private practice that 99% of my patients, when challenged to discuss the topic of vaccines, are woefully ignorant on the subject. If you fall in this category I do not consider this your fault.
This strongly suggests that 99% of the public is also woefully ignorant, as evidenced by some of the comments to my editorial online. Aside from the personal attacks you will read from the commentors of my editorial, you will notice that I respond simply by discrediting their statements via the current peer-reviewed literature on the subject.
You have been given a lopsided, one dimensional view of what vaccines are, what they do, and how they are good for humankind. Who supplies you this data? The multinational multibillion dollar vaccine industry does. of course through the liaison known as "your doctor".
Do you see how that is a problem?
One of my professional goals is to create a more educated population; a more savvy group of people who wil not be cornered and forced to accept one side or another. Rather, have the understanding to make truly informed decisions for themselves. The only way to accomplish this is to become transparent, and allow yourself to understand both sides of the vaccine argument. This involves some work though. Some of you may be lazy. You don't have time to do this research. You will simply decide that your doctor knows best; you will trust their "good judgment."
For the others, I strongly recommend beginning your endeavour by visiting the National Vaccine Informational Center http://www.nvic.org/ The NVIC is an educational non-profit organization advocationg vaccine safety and informed consent protections in the public health system.
I submitted an editorial in response to this column the following day which was accepted to be published and appeared in the Thursday January 12th newspaper as well as online.
Personally, I have my own beliefs about the vaccine debate, but that is not the point of this discussion. Professionally, I am neither Pro-Vaccine nor am I Against Vaccine. I consider myself professionally as Pro-Education.
It has been my experience in 10 years of private practice that 99% of my patients, when challenged to discuss the topic of vaccines, are woefully ignorant on the subject. If you fall in this category I do not consider this your fault.
This strongly suggests that 99% of the public is also woefully ignorant, as evidenced by some of the comments to my editorial online. Aside from the personal attacks you will read from the commentors of my editorial, you will notice that I respond simply by discrediting their statements via the current peer-reviewed literature on the subject.
You have been given a lopsided, one dimensional view of what vaccines are, what they do, and how they are good for humankind. Who supplies you this data? The multinational multibillion dollar vaccine industry does. of course through the liaison known as "your doctor".
Do you see how that is a problem?
One of my professional goals is to create a more educated population; a more savvy group of people who wil not be cornered and forced to accept one side or another. Rather, have the understanding to make truly informed decisions for themselves. The only way to accomplish this is to become transparent, and allow yourself to understand both sides of the vaccine argument. This involves some work though. Some of you may be lazy. You don't have time to do this research. You will simply decide that your doctor knows best; you will trust their "good judgment."
For the others, I strongly recommend beginning your endeavour by visiting the National Vaccine Informational Center http://www.nvic.org/ The NVIC is an educational non-profit organization advocationg vaccine safety and informed consent protections in the public health system.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Aspartame and Glutamate: Chronic Pain
"Removing Aspartame and Glutamate from the Diet for 4 Months Can Eliminate Chronic Pain Symptoms." (Annals of Pharmacology)
I contend that most chronic pain patterns stem from an underlying structural and/or postural problem. Therefore, that particular structural problem requires a structural solution.....a solution we handle in our office with a highly technical skill.
However, even with wonderful structural and posture rebuilding, lingering pain may persist. That pain may be due to the repetitive intake of food and drink which contain the chemicals known as Aspartame and /or Glutamate. Aspartame and Glutamate are two nasty chemicals that are found in foods, drinks, and/or chewing gum. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener. Glutamate is a food flavor enhancer. Food and Drink manufacturers add these substances to sweeten foods/drinks as well as stimulate your brain to "like" a food better (therefore increasing your chances of eating more and more and more).
If you have a chronic pain pattern (and even if you do not), I suggest beginning to read the nutrition label of the foods, drinks, and chewing gums while you are at the grocery store. Avoid the products which contain the words aspartame and/or glutamate.
Chronic Pain Evaluation: Includes updated Structural Assessment, Digital Radiographic Analysis, and Presentation of Findings to layout a battle plan to rebuild the problem area. $49. Expires 12/31/11
Thursday, November 3, 2011
More than 200,000 microdiscectomies (a type of back surgery) are performed annually in the United States, at a direct cost of $5 billion or $25,000 per procedure.
60% of patients with Sciatica (low back pain that radiates down the leg) who had failed other medical management benefitted from spinal adjustments to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention.
In a recent study, consenting participants were chosen randomly to receive either an average of 21 chiropractic sessions over a year or a single microdiscectomy.
If cost is assumed at $100 per chiropractic visit, there is a direct, total savings of $22,900 per adjustment patient. System-wide, this could save $2.75 billion dollars annually.
This research supports spinal adjustments performed by a doctor of chiropractic is a valuable and safe treatment option for those experiencing symptomatic lumbar disc pain.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
World's Greatest Hockey Player Finally Helped By Chiropractor
It is great to see the greatest hockey player on the planet *finally* getting help from his post-concussion syndrome-----by a Chiropractor! I contacted the Pittsburgh Penguins back in March stating I could probably help him based on our expertise treating patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome. The letter I sent to the Penguins is posted above.
Check out last week's Sports Illustrated here!:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190863/index.htm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1190863/index.htm
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Happy
One of the questions I ask patients of Synchrony ChiroCare or clients starting the BStrong4Life program is "What is your Goal during you care in our office?" More often than not, the answer is: "I want to get healthy." Even is the answer is a different one, I follow with another question: "Why?" Usually I will get another answer to which I ask again, "Why?" Almost universally, the more I ask "Why?" the closer you as a patient or client will tell me the real reason: "because it will make me happier."
Let me give you a few real examples from my files:
Dr. Bennese: "What is your Goal during your care in our office?"
Patient: "To increase my bone density."
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "So I don't have to take bone density medication and suffer all the side effects"
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "BECAUSE THAT WILL MAKE ME HAPPY!"
Sometimes I have to dig a little deeper....
Dr. Bennese: "What is your Goal during your care in our office?"
Patient: "To get rid of my sciatica"
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "So I can resume training"
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "Because I want to Run faster."
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "So I can fulfil my dream of running a marathon."
Dr. Bennese: "Why?"
Patient: "BECAUSE THAT WILL MAKE ME HAPPY!"
As Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com said, "In the end, it turns out that we're all taking different paths in pursuit of the same goal: happiness."
Friday, September 23, 2011
What is Osteoporosis?
The following article was recently published in Woman Newspaper, a publication serving Cumberland, Dauphin and Adams Counties. It is the first of a series on Bone Density over the next 6 months.
What is Osteoporosis?
by Dr. Michael Bennese
Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density, a condition which causes the bones to become brittle and fracture more easily. Although approximately 8 million women and 3 million men suffer from this debilitating disorder, osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of aging. The misconception that osteoporosis is a normal part of aging results in too many people unnecessarily suffering significant pain, deformity, or death.
What’s happening?
In a normal state, bones are in a constant cycle of regeneration. That cycle is necessary so that the vital minerals within the bone can be distributed throughout the bloodstream. Cells within the bone then rebuild the lost bone. However, when that process slows down or becomes imbalanced, bones become weakened. Research indicates that weight bearing exercise, and particularly resistance exercise, is the best method of regenerating bone density. Weight bearing describes any activity you do on your feet that works your bones and muscles against gravity. Activities such as cycling and swimming are not weight bearing activities.
As we age, it is especially difficult to do exercise that stresses the bone enough to regenerate it without damage to joints.
How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
A simple, pain-free test to determine your bone density health is called a Bone Densitometry Exam (commonly referred to as a “Dexa Scan”). It the gold-standard in healthcare for measuring bone density. Many clinics in our area offer this test. The Dexa Scan measures bone density from various points in your skeleton, then gives you a score. The score will tell you if you have: a) Normal Bone Density b) Osteopenia (the stage before osteoporosis) or c) Osteoporosis. The test is then repeated anywhere from 1 -2 years later to determine progress of the treatment administered, whether it be drug therapy or Drug-Free Bone Density Improvement Program.
9 Facts on Osteoporosis
• 10 million people already have osteoporosis, many are not aware they do….
• 2 million men have osteoporosis; 3 million are at risk of developing it.
• At least 34 million people currently have lower than normal bone mass.
• 40% of women 50+ will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.
• The risk of fracture in women due to weak bones is greater than the risk of heart attack, stroke, or breast cancer….combined.
• Osteoporosis affects the entire skeleton.
• Most fractures due to osteoporosis occur in the spine, hip and wrist.
• 66% of spinal fractures occur without any pain…however, they do lead to the familiar “hunched over posture”, which in turn causes many other problems.
• With common sense improvements to diet and nutrition, safe maximum loading of the skeleton over time can improve bone mass and reverse osteoporosis.
Dr. Michael Bennese, DC is a Certified Biomechanics Specialist with special training in the drug-free prevention and reversal of osteoporosis and osteopenia. He is founder of BStrong4Life-Enola, and founder and owner of Synchrony ChiroCare, one of the most advanced clinics in the country. Serving Central PA for 10 years, he is proud to be one of the first clinics in Pennsylvania to offer amazing technology that safely increases bone density, muscle strength, and coordination.
What is Osteoporosis?
by Dr. Michael Bennese
Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density, a condition which causes the bones to become brittle and fracture more easily. Although approximately 8 million women and 3 million men suffer from this debilitating disorder, osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of aging. The misconception that osteoporosis is a normal part of aging results in too many people unnecessarily suffering significant pain, deformity, or death.
What’s happening?
In a normal state, bones are in a constant cycle of regeneration. That cycle is necessary so that the vital minerals within the bone can be distributed throughout the bloodstream. Cells within the bone then rebuild the lost bone. However, when that process slows down or becomes imbalanced, bones become weakened. Research indicates that weight bearing exercise, and particularly resistance exercise, is the best method of regenerating bone density. Weight bearing describes any activity you do on your feet that works your bones and muscles against gravity. Activities such as cycling and swimming are not weight bearing activities.
As we age, it is especially difficult to do exercise that stresses the bone enough to regenerate it without damage to joints.
How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
A simple, pain-free test to determine your bone density health is called a Bone Densitometry Exam (commonly referred to as a “Dexa Scan”). It the gold-standard in healthcare for measuring bone density. Many clinics in our area offer this test. The Dexa Scan measures bone density from various points in your skeleton, then gives you a score. The score will tell you if you have: a) Normal Bone Density b) Osteopenia (the stage before osteoporosis) or c) Osteoporosis. The test is then repeated anywhere from 1 -2 years later to determine progress of the treatment administered, whether it be drug therapy or Drug-Free Bone Density Improvement Program.
9 Facts on Osteoporosis
• 10 million people already have osteoporosis, many are not aware they do….
• 2 million men have osteoporosis; 3 million are at risk of developing it.
• At least 34 million people currently have lower than normal bone mass.
• 40% of women 50+ will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.
• The risk of fracture in women due to weak bones is greater than the risk of heart attack, stroke, or breast cancer….combined.
• Osteoporosis affects the entire skeleton.
• Most fractures due to osteoporosis occur in the spine, hip and wrist.
• 66% of spinal fractures occur without any pain…however, they do lead to the familiar “hunched over posture”, which in turn causes many other problems.
• With common sense improvements to diet and nutrition, safe maximum loading of the skeleton over time can improve bone mass and reverse osteoporosis.
Dr. Michael Bennese, DC is a Certified Biomechanics Specialist with special training in the drug-free prevention and reversal of osteoporosis and osteopenia. He is founder of BStrong4Life-Enola, and founder and owner of Synchrony ChiroCare, one of the most advanced clinics in the country. Serving Central PA for 10 years, he is proud to be one of the first clinics in Pennsylvania to offer amazing technology that safely increases bone density, muscle strength, and coordination.
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