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Letters From The Web
Letters From The Web
This page is devoted to comments, critiques, questions and answers from our visitors.
Because of the nature and frequency of typical questions, I will compile these here.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
| Hello, What is your rate for a chiropractic visit? Do
you sell special pillows for neck pain or know where I can buy one in the
Springfield area? Regards
Mark
Longmeadow, MA |
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Dear Mark:
Thank you for inquiring about or through my web site. With regards to the rates,
if you are price shopping for healthcare, I would not waste too much of your time. These
fees are determined and set by what is reasonable and customary for the
region using Iginex CPT Codes (more or less the same
throughout.)
It is our policy never to allow financial matters to interfere with our patient's
care. Should any questions or problems arise, we always ask that our patients
contact us immediately. The number of Treatments and
Physiological therapeutics is at the Doctor's discretion
according to your health needs.
As to the cervical pillow, there are various kinds and at different costs. Our
office currently stocks Temper Pedic®, one the
best pillows available to date. This is a unique material design by and for
astronauts. There are also several studies to back them up. However, all are
tested by our staff so we know what we are selling to our patients. We would not
recommend or sell something that was either too cheap or not comfortable. These can
be purchased through us, or through Brookstone, for an average
of $99.
Hope this helps
If you'd like to be on our mailing list or receive a brochure, you can send you name
and address, or stop by the office. If you'd like to find out more about
chiropractic and if you have coverage, you can ask any of our staff or call to schedule a
consultation.
Yours in good health
Dr. Langlitz
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| Hey Doc, I was browsing your website and thought I'd take
advantage and email you. I have chronic tendonitis in my left groin, which began as a
soccer injury and has gradually worsened over the last few years (I'm 24). In the last
year or so I've gotten infrequent headaches on the left side of my head, which seem to be
a result of neck tension. Though I don't have much back pain, any pain I feel is usually
on the left side, and I've been told my back muscles are much tighter on the left side
than on the right. I've gone to physical therapy, gotten massage, ultrasound, and elect.
stimulation, and the treatments have helped alleviate my symptoms but haven't really made
me better. Does this sound like something a chiropractor might be able to resolve? Are
there any particular techniques I should focus on?
Thanks for your time
Zeke |
| Answer:
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| Dear Zeke, To answer your question, as quickly as
possible, and without me having actually performed an examination, it has been my
experience that chiropractic can help with the condition similar to the one you are
describing. In order to understand why the muscle treatment alone that you received may
have only temporarily alleviated your conditions, I want you to associate a few things on
your computer for a moment.
Knowing that many people are familiar with their computers or when something is not
functioning properly, your mouse is stuck:
Your mouse = leg/groin
Your mouse track ball (underneath) = the surrounding muscles of the leg and groin
Your mouse cable = the nerves supplying sensory and motor information to these areas
Your mouse port = the spinal level (bones) where these nerves exit
Your PC CPU = your brain
The pointer on the monitor screen is not moving (leg/groin pain). You assume that the
ball underneath the mouse is stuck. You move your mouse rapidly in several directions and
even shake it vigorously to try to jostle the stuck ball (exercise and PT). This does not
alleviate the problem. So you remove the rubber mouse track ball, clean inside, replace
the ball, and roll the mouse around several times (massage/ultrasound). This still does
not resolve the problem. So you follow the cable back to the mouse port to learn that is
has been partially removed, interrupting the normal complete flow of electronic circuitry
from the CPU (computers brain) causing interference (nerves). You then firmly insert the
cable back into its port thereby restoring the electrical information impulses traveling
through the wires to the mouse (chiropractic treatment).
The mouse now functions smoothly.
Although this is a very basic and maybe even a lame analogy, the fact remains the same
in either situation, electrical circuitry or human dysfunction. You may have heard that
phrase that the best doctor is always right inside us?
Well, Chiropractic is: The Science that this innate intelligence within every one of us
flows through these information highways (nerves) controlling the function of every cell,
tissue, organ and system of our body. The Art of restoring or removing interference from
these pathways by a carefully directed and controlled pressure to the spinal bones to a
more normal position, allowing proper spinal and nerve function (health). And the
Philosophy that regardless of the type of practitioner you consult, doctors don’t
heal. Only the body can heal itself. So our main purpose is to remove or reduce this
interference to your inherent healing capabilities.
And only chiropractic concerns itself with the science of locating these areas of
spinal malfunction, the art of correcting them, and the philosophy of all things natural.
In fact, the spinal adjustment is the unique domain of the Chiropractic Physician. In
addition, chiropractic believes wholly in the methods of treatment you have already
sought. Most chiropractic practitioners incorporate a regimen of PT, exercise, massage and
diet to assist in the entire healing process. Studies show that once combined with
chiropractic it will not only get you out of pain and keep you there, but also prevent
these types of injuries from happening in the first place. Therefore, no matter what
doctor of chiropractic you seek, the technique will vary only slightly.
Hope this helps in returning you on the road to good health and in optimum performance
for whatever activities you undertake.
Yours in Good Health,
Dr. Langlitz
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| Question:
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I would like to know what kind of home remedies I can use to
alleviate the following symptoms:
1. Headache at the back of the head
2. Severe neck pain
3. Pain between shoulder blades
4. Tingling in the ears
5. Difficulty in swallowing
6. Lower and mid back pain
7. Lower abdominal pain
Please note I am wearing a neck collar - doctor recommended.
I have been given the pain killer Cataflam - doctor recommended
Hope to hear from you soon.Vanya, Trinidad |
| Answer:
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Dear Vanya :
Thank you for inquiring through my web site. I usually try to answer questions as
quickly as possible, but do maintain a busy schedule.
Concerning the home remedies, there really aren't many for the damages that the accident
may have already caused to your spine and supporting ligaments and muscles. From the list of symptoms it is apparent you may be suffering from the
typical sequellae of Whiplash Syndrome or Cervical Acceleration Deceleration
Syndrome - Sprain/Strain. I would therefore suggest that you consult with a doctor of chiropractic
considering you were only recommended a cervical collar and pain killers/muscle relaxers.
While these may provide temporary relief, the long term is ineffective. For the most
part, medical practitioners do not know how to handle such soft tissue injuries and do not
have much to offer to correct the underlying cause of your pain. While home remedies and
pain killers will suppress your annoyances, this will not likely resolve the problem much
further or the source of much of your discomfort.
Should the chiropractic physician you choose to exam you not offer physical therapy or
rehabilitation, I would then suggest inquiring as such.
Hope this helps in returning you on the road to good health and in optimum performance for
whatever activities you undertake.
Yours in Good Health,
Dr. Langlitz
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| Question:
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I'm a 27 years Italian boy, my name is Filippo, I've got ad
inversion of the cervical curve. I made a session of chiropractic here in Rome, for two
months, but I got not results, I still suffering pain, headaches, etc. Could you suggest
me some therapy to restore the original curve? I'm just actually sleeping with one of
those cervical roll pillows. Could I made traction? Some other device may fix the curve?
Thank you VERY much for any answer.
Filippo, Italy
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| Answer:
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Dear Filippo:
A reversal of the normal cervical curve is actually a common occurrence in an auto
accident, usually consistent with muscle spasms, ligamentous damage and spinal misalignment. I am sure your doctor of chiropractic explained these
things to you and recommended a treatment plan to correct them appropriately.
The actual time frame that you have spent with a Chiropractor matters not.
It is
dependant upon several factors.1. The severity of the auto accident
2. Did you follow the doctors treatment recommendation/guidelines for care?
3. Was rehab/exercise performed to strengthen the injured and weakened muscles and thereby
returning the curve?
4. Proper use of the pillow?
5. Was the use of physical therapy used to heal the injured tissues and prevent scar
tissue formation?
I would then suggest inquiring with your doctor as such.
As far as returning the curve to normal, this condition may never reach 100%. I
would suggest continued use of the pillow as well as further care should the above not
have been met.
Hope this helps in returning you on the road to good health and in optimum performance for
whatever activities you undertake.
Yours in good health
Dr. Langlitz
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Dear Doctor Langlitz,
My goal is to become a sports chiropractor and work for a pro team. If you were me what
would you do? I Have no professional degrees and virtually no connections. I'm concerned
about getting licensed nationally in order to work for a national team. In order to get
that kind of licensing I think I need to have a bachelor's before I attend chiro school.
What should I do?
Thank you,
Kevin |
| Answer:
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Kevin,
I think you need to take it one step at a time. From your mail it appears you already know
what you want to do. To achieve those goals while you go through school,
just
remind yourself of what you told me from time to time. I know this may not sound like much
advice now, but your chiropractic education is first and can be overwhelming at times.
After you graduate you can then focus on future goals.
As far as a Bachelors degree is concerned, it is probably in your best interest.
While most states do not require it, more and more chiropractic colleges are filtering
those students who have more educational experience.
Good luck!
Dr. Langlitz
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| Question:
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I had an accident in Feb 98 and have allot of the whiplash
symptoms. I can not sit for more than an hour or so before pain is unbearable. Have tried
acupuncture, several doctors and am now going to an Orthopod, back doctor. Nothing is
helping. Please could I have some advice or a name of someone in Sweden who can help
me. Thanks,
Charlotte Alfvin, city: Stockholm |
| Answer:
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| Dear Charlotte, With regards to your condition and
whereabouts, I am afraid I can offer you no immediate help. It may be in your best
efforts to contact a chiropractic physician in that area or someone who may be certified in sports or whiplash trauma.
While an Orthopod may offer you symptomatic relief, he/she is not fully
trained to correct soft tissue injuries nor the damages that occur to the spinal joints and
surrounding soft tissue. Physical Therapy or Massage Therapy may be another avenue
depending on the condition. Being that I have not performed a physical examination
nor have the medical history, I really cannot offer you anything further.
Yours in good health
Dr. Langlitz
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| Question:
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| I am a massage student in Perth W.A. and am doing a research
project. My question is "Can massage increase the recovery of high velocity thrusts
(whiplash) injuries due to trauma using myofascial release?" I would appreciate any
information you have to support my question and ask you to forward it to my e-mail. thank
you very much for your time. Andy |
| Answer:
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Concerning the actual use of Massage Therapy/MFR following whiplash trauma,
it is my belief that this is beneficial when performed by a certified therapist or
physician, during the proper phase of healing and to patient tolerance. It has been
my professional opinion that when you utilize such an invasive technique immediately
following an acute injury (where you actually have micro-tearing of myofibrils, swelling
and inflammation) you can actually cause further damage and worsening of the
patients complaints. If it is physical evidence or research you seek, I am afraid I
cannot give you more than just my professional medical experience on this subject
. You may want to try a comprehensive search using the medline database or
even contacting a licensed massage therapist. Both of these can be found linked from
this web site.
Good luck on your quest for knowledge.
Yours in good health
Dr. Langlitz
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| Question:
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Thank you for your article on whiplash. It is the most
comprehensive article we have researched to date. My husband is currently undergoing
massive problems with his whiplash type injury to his back. He has chronic pain and
reactive depression because of it and we are having great difficulty with the insurance
company and mine's company doctors rehabilitation people, who refuse to concede that his pain
is actual and has been a major contributing factor in his depression. This cycle of
insurance investigators (who have admitted liability for this very serious
accident...fully loaded bucket of shovel colliding with husbands truck and flinging it
sideward three meters, causing the back injury.) medication and rehabilitation
"experts" are deepening his depression. He has attempted suicide because
of his chronic pain and has been hospitalized for it. Our question is; is there any
documented evidence about the very real chronic pain whiplash sufferers go through?
Is there some medical technique that will diagnose the condition accurately? He has
had a bone scan, a facet block injection which didn't help and numerous x-rays. His
back swells visibly after any (limited) physical exertion, (which kinda shoots the
psychological back problem idea down in flames). Please help...we are at a loss to understand why this
simple workers compensation case has become so very complex and political and difficult.
Thank you.
Samantha |
| Answer:
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Dear Ms. Connor,
Indeed I will want to address all your concerns in detail as this case is quite complex.
There is no doubt that the emotional stressors have a profound impact in your
husbands current condition, let alone those that are physical. With regards to
research into what you refer as to depression, your efforts would best be focused to a simple
search using the online medline database. The information pertaining to this
common symptom of the whiplash phenomenon is far too overwhelming to list here. In my
professional opinion traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder
or even chronic fatigue syndrome cannot be ruled out.
Another avenue which is gaining more and more recognition is Acupuncture or Qigong. Chi or Qi (pronounced chee' or key) is what the Chinese refer to as
the energy flowing within us. It is their philosophy that when these energy pathways become
blocked or interfered with, they cause physical and emotional stress, not far from
what Chiropractic is based on.
Perhaps by contacting a local chiropractic physician or someone who may be certified in
whiplash trauma or acupuncture and inquiring about one or more of the following diagnostics tests, is in order: brain scan, EEG, blood test or EMG?
Yours in good health
Dr. Langlitz
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| Question:
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| Could you please email me with the answers to these
questions. What is Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC)? How do you get it? What are the
symptoms ? How long does it take to go away? Can you expect a full recovery ? Please
respond at once. Thank you very much. Tina Haus |
| Answer:
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| The VSC describes what happens when your spinal bones lose
their normal relationship within the body whether from trauma or stress. There is a
series of events that can be associated with this and are as follows: Spinal
Kinesiopathology:
AKA the VSC which sets in motion the next component
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can rub, pinch, choke or irritate the delicate spinal nerves as
they exit between the spinal bones. This can cause pain in areas other then the spine
such as the hands, feet, or behind the eyes.
Myopathology:
Muscles that attach to and support the spine can become weakened and
spasmodic. This changes
muscle tone and can lead to scar tissue if left unchecked.
Histopathology:
Refers to the inflammatory response of your body (increased temperature/blood flow/lymph
flow) which can put increased pressure on the discs causing bulging, herniation or
tearing. This can result in permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
As the body attempts to stabilize the injured area and malfunctioning spinal joints, bone
is laid down (spurs grow). This spinal decay, or arthritic change, can cause
nerve and soft tissue
damage and cause other parts of the body to malfunction.
The prognosis for the VSC is usually very good but is dependant upon your age,
activities and lifestyle. Depending upon the type of mechanism for the VSC many of
the causalities must be dealt with first (stress, muscle tension, inflammation
etc.). And even then, they all may never be completely resolved. In some cases,
these areas of malfunction are now more susceptible to future problems and recurrent pain
as well as premature degenerative changes. However, how long someone decides to
benefit from chiropractic care is always up to them. For more information, please visit my
site and also http://www.backtalksystems.com/
Good luck to you.
Dr. Langlitz
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| Question: |
I was rear-ended in a automobile accident today, and when
paramedics took a look at me they were concerned about a possible cracked vertebrate -
they wanted to transport me via ambulance to a local hospital - although I felt the pain
in my ,neck and back - I refused medical help at that moment and ended up going to see a
Doctor within a few hours of this incident - all x-rays (of neck and spine - seemed they
said to be ok - . although I was in quite a bit of pain. They prescribed
"Flexeril 10 mg" as well as Naproxen to take for two days - I have a follow up
appointment in four 5 days. Since there is no broken bones or fractures - and I am in pain
- there is no medical procedure or whatever to help me - what can I do for all the
tenseness and tenderness that I am experiencing throughout my neck and shoulder blades.
If I see a chiropractor - do I have to be referred by a MD for insurance to cover this -
and what will a chiropractor do for my pain and stiffness.....
HELP
Denise |
| Answer: |
Denise,
You are one of thousands who go through the same rigmarole when visiting MD's for
soft tissue injuries. In fact, it not uncommon for you to continue
to experience pain and discomfort after taking Flexeril and Naproxen since these only mask
the true problem. It has been my experience that while these have somewhat of a
relieving purpose, they never truly correct the underlying problem. As explained in
full on my site http://www.physiciansplus.net/whiplash.cfm,
chiropractors can have a dramatic influence and you do not normally need a referral from
any source. Chiropractors are real portal of entry doctors and you have the choice
to go to whomever you wish. Chiropractic doctors are the only physicians who can locate
and help correct spinal problems as a result of auto accidents (among many things)
interfering with the nerve supply to the entire body (your tenderness and radiating pain
between the shoulder blades), for it is their unique domain.As far as the x-rays are
concerned, doctors of chiropractic take the radiographic examination and interpretation
one step further than that of a regular MD. They locate areas of spinal
misalignment and structural malfunction, something MD's are not trained to detect.
So you are more than likely correct in assuming there is still something wrong with
your body.
Our office has treated thousands of accident victims and it is my clinical opinion that
you should at least consult with a chiropractic physician as soon as reasonably possible.
The longer you wait, the more damage that is incurred. Your MD may also recommend
that you go for physical therapy (PT), so when searching for chiropractor, try to inquire
about the various forms of physical therapy modalities and rehabilitation technique he or
she uses. This will avoid double therapy treatments and make it easier for the
chiropractor you choose.
Your chiropractic doctor will outline a treatment protocol to best suit your needs based
upon your exam and x-ray findings. This may include but is not limited to the
chiropractic adjustment, PT and rehabilitative exercises over a period of about two
months.
In the meantime, if it were myself, I would try applying an ice pack to the tender and
inflamed areas (not over the front of the neck) for 15-20 minutes, waiting an
interval of 90 minutes before re-applying the ice. Why you ask? Because of a phenomenon
known as the Hunting reflex. This is a phenomenon in which over-icing can actually create
the opposite of what the desired response is. Ice is a vasoconstrictor, which means it
closes down blood vessels to decrease blood flow. Hope this helps. Please let me know what becomes of your decision and outcome.
Yours in good health
Dr. Langlitz
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| Question: |
| I was attacked 4 years ago and have (what the doctors say) is
whiplash. Well I have had physio, sports therapy and go to a chiropractor once
(sometimes more often) a month. And I have started going to acupuncture. I can
no longer enjoy the life I once had. I used to weight lift, golf and ride bike.
I have been told by my chiropractor and a specialist that I will need to learn to
live with the pain, that there is only so much that can be done. Do you have any
suggestions? It is really hard when I used to be so active and now I can only work in the
yard for a couple of hours before I must quit. Thanks for your help! Shirley |
| Answer: |
Dear Shirley,
By following your doctors recommendations for care, you should be able to live essentially
pain free on a preventative level. By that I mean continuing the treatment
that benefited you most. Had that been
strictly chiropractic, maintain a regular schedule of preventative checkups
in order to avoid the relapse you are apparently suffering from now. Perhaps an increased
frequency of treatment rather than sporadic barrage of alternatives (i.e. acupuncture).
Notwithstanding, these types of alternative treatments are beneficial, but a more
organized schedule would be in your best interest. Coordinated with other health care
professionals such as massage therapy, acupuncture and homeopathy, you will be able to get
back to the activities you enjoy most. You may also want to look into magnetic
therapy as another alternative. Unfortunately, it has been my experience with such
cases that any progress gained over the tincture of time is generally offset by the
relentless and gradual progression of degenerative disease. This can be in the
form
of fibrosing and scarring of muscle tissues and joints with associated arthritic pains. Yours in good health
Dr. Langlitz
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Tuesday, October 20, 1998
Michael Cornish D.C
45 Moulder St
Orange, NSW Australia
mick.cornish@interact.net.au
I find this site to be well designed and professional in its presentation of chiropractic.
Well done!
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| Answer: |
| Thanks Doc! Yours in good health
Dr. Langlitz
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| Question: |
| I am currently in
the "negotiation" process with the insurance company of the driver who rear
ended me, I sought chiropractic care and as with the norm the insurance
company is saying since there was little damage to the vehicle that your
treatment is not warranted. I would like to use the information I have seen
on your website, i.e.. the myths and facts, in my response letters. Please
let me know if I may do so, thanks. |
| Answer: |
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Absolutely Chuck,
On my site is also references to a retired insurance executive, Dan
Baldyga, who talks about this same topic. His information is under the
headlines.
You may also let the insurance company know you are not dealing with
vehicular damage, but with occupant damage. Other than the obvious, your
car was probably not evaluated properly and only given used parts as is
the agreement with you and the repair shop and insurance claims. Rarely do
they use brand new factory replacements. This can lower the value of
actual damage. Further, unless someone actually got under your car and
measured isolators and glides (if there was any) or actually removed the
bumper made of plastic to uncover the foam (which incidentally is junk
now), you're vehicle did not receive the proper care either!
If all else fails, time to get a "good" attorney. Someone reputable
and not a TV evangelist.
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| Yours in good health
Dr. Langlitz
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