Trending Tuesday 6/22/21

Research article I am reviewing: Chronic Spinal Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Medication, Acupuncture and Spinal Manipulation(Chiropractic).  
Spine, July 15, 2003; 28(14): 1490-1502
In the journal “Spine” in 2003 an interesting study was done that compared patients who had chronic back pain for between 4 to 8 years.  These individuals received either drugs (Celebrex or Vioxx), acupuncture or chiropractic adjustments.  The results were as follows; 
-the percentage of people who became completely asymptomatic following a nine week intervention: Drugs = 5%, Acupuncture = 9.4%, Chiropractic = 27.3%
-the percentage of people who suffered an adverse event following treatment: Drugs = 6.1%, Acupuncture = 0%, Chiropractic = 0%
-the percentage of people with improvement in general health status: Drugs = 18%, Acupuncture = 15%, Chiropractic 47%
Results: Chiropractic was more effective in resolving pain, safer and provided an overall health improvement that was far greater than acupuncture or drugs. 

Strategy I am cultivating: Family Education Curriculum
Guys, I am really trying to teach my kids how to be good human beings.  As a parent I feel this is my highest calling.  Having made a massive amount of mistakes in my life I am hoping to help my children avoid a few of the pitfalls I have experienced. To this end, I am implementing an educational curriculum that spans the length of one calendar year and then repeats.  Each month we are discussing one topic associated with being a good person.  To make this easier on myself, I am drawing on Jordan Peterson’s book “12 Rules For Life” and having one rule be the theme for each month out of the year. These themes are discussed at our weekly family meetings and then brought up in teachable moments when applicable.  I have purchased a poster of the “12 Rules” and have hung it on a wall that is seen when getting to the top of the stairs in our home.  I am hoping that the constant reminders, deep discussions and regular reminders is enough to steer our boys in the right direction.  If you like this concept please implement the ideas, put your own spin on it and let me know your thoughts!  

Quote I am loving: “He who does not research has nothing to teach.” ~ Proverb
The word “doctor” means teacher.  When I think about the great teachers I have had throughout my life they all used research to help support their opinions.  The conference in Boise this past weekend was a chance to expose myself to a ton of research on the spine, posture and how it relates to overall health.  That being said, when I think about sitting in a room for 11 hours pouring over research articles from scientific journals it honestly sounds horrific.  However, when I think about what I am gaining by exposing myself to this rare form of torture it is quite profound.  I am creating a deep level of understanding around a very specific topic that will influence my decision making for the health of thousands of people!  By implementing the best practices taken from the fields of medicine, orthopedics, physical therapy, osteopathy and chiropractic I hope to give each Aligned Life practice member the best opportunity to get and stay healthy.  This week, I encourage you to seek out an opportunity to dive deep into a topic you are passionate about.  Only through deep dives can we really have information that will improve humanity!

Have a kick ass week everyone!
In Health,
Dr. Devin Shea, DC

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