Wow! Time flies when you're writing 2 columns a month. There are so many topics I've covered, and so many more I want to cover in the future here. So far, I've learned so much in the research I've done as a North Scottsdale AZ chiropractor for this column. It's probably been one of the best ways I've kept my knowledge of these topics on the cutting edge. Not only have I learned so much, but with readers requesting topics for me to write about, I find out what they want to learn as well, and why. Today, I'll cover a few of the highlights of the last 6 years' articles.

What Have I Learned In North Scottsdale AZ?

Ok, so what have I learned? One of the most helpful and eye-opening things I learned is how many back surgeries fail. I knew it was quite frequent, but I had not known that the figure can be as high as 76%, depending on the research article. From 5% to 36 % of people who had a discectomy for a herniated disc, saw their back and leg pain comes back in about 2 years after surgery. Knowing this now helps me to educate patients on how the risks may outweigh the benefits of back surgery.

Another surprising thing I learned regarding cortisone injections and hyaluronic injections. Researchers analyzed X-rays from patients who received corticosteroid shots, versus those who received hyaluronic acid shots over four years, revealed worse arthritis progression among those injected with corticosteroids compared to the other two groups. Those of us who are alternative, non-steroid injecting physicians, have known that steroid injections cause more damage to most joints, so it was exciting to see a study done on the traditional medicine side that confirmed that. I truly hope any of you who are still receiving cortisone injections have discussed this with your doctor and have stopped receiving them.

Inflammaging is a term used for how inflammation contributes to our aging process. I learned about this term while writing an article about inflammation. So many patients are concerned about their cholesterol and LDL levels because that is what their doctor tells them. There are recent western medicine studies that show that CRP, C-Reactive Protein, and other inflammatory markers are now better indicators of cardiovascular disease than LDL levels. CRP and others, are not necessarily cardiovascular tests, but tests for inflammation. LDL coats your arteries and causes inflammation. As an alternative practitioner for 28 years now, I've known this for a while. It's exciting to see that mainstream medicine is finally proving this also.

What My Readers Have Learned

What I find that my readers are learning from my articles, is that they can question and request what their doctors order for routine bloodwork. In many cases, their medical doctor will order what the patient requests. This is a great stride forward in patient-doctor relationships.

I also have found that my readers are more willing to try alternative treatments and procedures for their wellness and aesthetics. They are more aware of dangerous chemicals and additives in our food, medicine, and body products. It's nice to have people come in and ask for products that are clean and safe for them and their families, rather than just buying what's on sale at the stores.

So it's been a great 6 years, and I'm looking forward to writing this column for many more. This way, both my readers and I can continue to learn more about alternative health and well-being.

For any questions regarding my articles, or even requests for subjects for me to write about, please contact me at DrLeisa@CaringPainRelief.com or call my office for an appointment.

Leisa-Marie Grgula, DC
Chiropractic Physician
Accurate Care Medical Wellness Center
18261 N. Pima Rd. Ste. #115
(480) 584-3955