My son has back pain. Should I Take him to the Dr?

A simple question posed in a local newspaper last Saturday. The response was rather interseting and terrifying at the same time. The answer of course was yes. The author than went on to describe that the child may have a fracture from sports, a possible congenital issue and may need back surgery and so on blah blah blah.

Nowhere was it stated where in the back or what kind of pain or how long and what lifestyle was it affecting. In other words, no patient history, exam or testing.No dignosis,just probable treatment. Surgery.

The author? An orthopedic surgeon.

Hey, these guys are amazing at what they do. But we are talking about back pain specifically. Not their area to shine these days. Long term outcomes and success really aren't what they used to think. It's become a big problem.

Several studies on basic competancy of orthopedic residents (students about to graduate) on musculoskeletal conditions have yielded failure rate in the 70% and 80% range. Chiropractors on the same test have a 70%-80% pass rate.

Here is what we do know. It is true that children with back pain grow up to become adults with back pain. It doesn't just go away. So Yes go see a Dr. . . .of Chiropractic.

We also know that at least 95% of back pain is due to daily life. The back and neck are used all day every day and they are just not designed well to heal themselves. Daily stess, posture, school, sports, sleeping positions, backpacks etc. fall into that category. Left untreated they become learned witin 8-12 weeks and then become chronic which means recurring episodes over and over for life. A few chiropractic adjustments, heat, massage and physiotherapy in our office and these kids are good to go.

5% of the time it's traumas like football, soccer and rugby or overuse injuries from running and swimming. Car accidents, slips falls, scoliosis and a few congenital conditions also fall into this category. Of these only severe scoliosis or traumatic fracture woud need surgery. The rest, chiropractic and active rehab therapy as above.

Here is the point. based on Modern day research has deemed manipulation and exercise to be the best treatment options in back pain. Surgery is now considered last resort well below massge, acupuncture and even drugs.

To me it is arrogant and irresponsible and nearly even unethical to promote fear and control and not hope. Not promoting safe and effective scientifically validated treatment options to back pain sufferers especially families and children is unexcuseable.

This type of Doctoring promotes sickness and disease and not prevention and management. It promotes dependance, drug useage and potential life long abuseage. It promotes despair, poor quality of life, incredible expense and chronic dysfunction.

At Arizona Spinal Care we have no ego. We are about finding you and delivering to you the best treatment options whatever they may be. It is, has been and always will be about you in our clinic.

Chiropractic 1st, Drugs 2nd, Surgery last!!!