Lifecare Chiropractic
James Bogash, D.C.
1830 S. Alma School Rd
Bldg 7, Ste 135
Mesa, AZ 85210
(480) 839-CARE (2273)
Research Updates June 27, 2005
***RCT to compare surgical stabilisation of the lumbar spine w/ an intensive rehabilitation programme for patients with chronic low back pain***
As a chiropractor this one obviously hits close to home. When patients ask me about surgery, I usually respond that some patients with chronic low back pain may do better with fusion. Many more may stay the same and another chunk get worse. The problem is we have no idea who will fall into which category. Quite a risk considering that the patients that do worse after surgery are really, really in bad shape. So, to find that spinal fusion is no better than an intensive rehab program (which, given that there were no DCs involved in the trial would suggest that chiropractic care was NOT part of the program) really should be the death of spinal fusion. Don't hold your breath on that one, though...instead, breath deep and visit your local DC..
***Maternal use of nutritional supplements during the first month of pregnancy and decreased risk of Down’s syndrome***
I will continue to go on record as saying that sometime in the near future we will find that Down's Syndrome is much like PKU, in that there is some early defect or much high nutrient need that will result in the presentation of Down's. I believe that the crucial period may be early in pregnancy, but this article again supports my position. High levels of both folic acid (6,000 mcg) and iron (150-300 mg--which is a VERY high dose) showed a protective effect against development of Down's. If this condition was purely a genetic issue from a defective set of genes, than why should nutritional interventions help?
***Pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome X and its links to the perinatal period***
So, what all the research that has come out over the past few years, identifying that much of what the fetus endures in the womb will have an impact on their risk of future chronic diseases as an adult, is saying is that society is basically screwed. We have overweight and insulin resistant teens and young adults having babies. The moms are eating a pro-insulin reistant diet during pregnancy. The baby gets predisposed to insulin resistance and is then fed poor quality foods with lots of refined carbs. And, mainstream medicine STILL refuses to acknowledge and take a proactive stance on Metabolic syndrome. The result will be several generations of life expectancies dropping until we get this under control.
***Watchful Waiting for Acute Otitis Media: Are Parents and Physicians Ready?***
For everyone out there thinking there is a strong move towards "Evidence Based Medicine" may be a little surprised at the reality. Using antibiotics for acute ear infections is something that has been hammered in the medical literature over the years. This ain't new info. And, most look at the dangerous of antibiotic resistance with no thought whatsoever about the serious consequences of killing off normal flora. So, with the research saying we should avoid antibiotics and serious ramifications on long term health from destrying normal flora you would think most physicians should be on the bandwagon, right? 6% used watchful waiting most of the time. Evidence based, huh?
***Childhood cancer in relation to distance from high voltage power lines***
Not really much to add to this other then to express concern and maybe increase awareness. Also, if power lines can do this, then what do you think all these small children and teenagers spending literally hours a week on a cell phone pressed close to their brain? I guess we'll have an answer to that question in a few more years by keeping an eye on increases in brain tumor rates.
***MSG in standard & high-fiber diets: metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress in rats***
While is a rat study, it has far reaching ramifications. Read the conclusions. MSG lead to overfeeding and increased oxidative stress. MSG, aspartame/Nutrisweet and Splenda are believed to affect the appetite control system--the body thinks it's getting nutrition but nothing comes so it slowly keeps asking for more. I guess this would account for the increased risk of obesity with drinking diet soft drinks. While this appeared in the mainstream media for a day or so, don't expect to see too much more of it--that kind of news would bankrupt the diet soft drink industry.
***Milk, Dairy Fat, Dietary Calcium, and Weight Gain***
One of the authors on this study is Dr. Walter Willet, who is probably one of the most influential persons in nutrition alive today and is the department head of epidemiology of the Harvard School of Public Health. So, if anyone wants to argue with him, you're more than welcome. The bottom line is that all the hype that the dairy industry would have you believe (3 a day will get you into the skimpy bikini that the woman in the commercial is wearing--and you think, "heck, if SHE got that way drinking milk, I can too!") just is not true. If the dairy industry was truly honorable and out for the best interests of its consumers, than this article should be mentioned as well.
***Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Conservative Therapy in Nonacute Coronary Artery Disease***
When I sat down to do this edition of the Updates, it was truly not in my mind to beat up Evidence Based Medicine. I think the concept is wonderful, but the problem is that few practicing physicians actually read the literature to find out what the research says they're supposed to be doing!! With the reduction in the number of open heart surgeries, cardiovascular specialists new bread and butter is the PCI procedure (angioplasty, stents). But, while this is only one study, it was rather large and showed no survival benefits with this procedure over standard nonsurgical care. And, quite frankly, standard nonsurgical cardiology care is WAY below the research. The evidence supporting prevention and managing insulin resistance is, quite frankly, staggerring. And yet, the AZ Heart Institute here in AZ, HAS NO ONE DOING PREVENTION. If that ain't a kick in the gluts I'm not quite sure what would be. So, the bottom line is that we have a new, expensive procedure generating lots of money but not saving lives when compared to substandard nonsurgical intervention. Compare this procedure to a good lifestyle modification program and the results would be akin to a Micheal Jackson vs Mike Tyson fight...
***Oxidative stress, diet, and the etiology of preeclampsia***
Preeclampsia, or toxicity of pregnancy, is a condition where the mother's blood pressure goes up and protein shows up in the urine. This condition can progress and become life-threatening as the mother's liver gets damaged. Usually results in premature delivery. Viewing some of the websites on preeclampsia, all talk about and fund research for pharmaceutical interventions. But, there is mounting evidence that oxidative stress plays a key role in the process. So, antioxidant supplements like Vit C and E and strong attention to diet may well be your best defense against this.
***Myocardial infarction in patients taking COX-2 inhibitors or conventional NSAIDs***
Well, one thing we can say about the debacle of the selective COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx and Celebrex is that they have brought to light a rather startling discovery. ALL these anti-inflammatory drugs increase risk of heart attacks. So, with the extremely high use of this class of drugs, just how many heart attacks out there have been a direct result of taking typical NSAIDs like ibuprofen? The number is probably incredibly high.
Dr. James Bogash, D.C.
1830 S. Alma School Rd, Bldg 7, Ste 135, Mesa, AZ 85210
(Alma School Road, just south of the Superstition Freeway/Highway 60)
Chiropractic Health Care for Chandler, Mesa and Tempe Arizona
•
(480)839-CARE (2273) • Map • Sitemap
Copyright © 2005-2008 • New Patient Forms