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What is Chiropractic?
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Chiropractic
is a drugless method of health care delivery.
It involves correcting biomechanical deficiencies in the joints of the
body, especially in the spine, to return the body to normal homeostasis. In
addition, many doctors of chiropractic use adjunctive therapy to accelerate
the body's natural healing process--such as ultrasound, hot/cold packs,
electrical stimulation, traction, corrective exercise, etc.
Chiropractic is concerned with the relationship between structure,
primarily the spine, and function, primarily the nervous system, of
the human body because that relationship may affect restoration and
preservation of health.
Qualifications for Practicing Chiropractic:
- Complete required
general college-level studies.
- Obtain a Doctor of
Chiropractic degree and complete clinical externship through an
accredited four-year chiropractic college program.
- Pass required National
Board or other exams.
- Meet individual state
requirements for licensure.
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Spinal Manipulation
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The chiropractic adjustment is a skilled and specific form of manipulation.
Spinal manipulation, 94% of which is provided by a doctor of chiropractic,
is a treatment modality which is designed to restore normal function to a
musculoskeletal joint causing disability and/or pain. It consists of
providing a specific maneuver to the affected joint (articulation) to achieve
this end. Its purpose is to mobilize the joint, thereby returning it to its
normal function and allowing other parts of the musculoskeletal system --
which often compensate to the improper functioning joint(s) -- to return to
their normal relationships and function as well.
Some of the beneficial effects of spinal manipulation and the restoration
of normal motion, function and biomechanics which follow such treatment
include:
- Relief of pain
- Reduction in joint
swelling
- Relaxation of tight
muscles
- Restoration and
maintenance of ligament and muscle flexibility
- Restoration of normal
muscle tone and coordination
- Restoration and
maintenance of normal joint sensation and proprioception
- Improved alignment of
new connective tissue
- Prevention of scar
tissue shortening and chronic stiffness
- Promotion of quicker,
more effective healing
- Reduction in the risk
of reinjury and degeneration
(Slosberg, M. Validating Chiropractic:
Documenting the Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice [Seminar], Chicago,
1993.)
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Flexion/Distraction
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Flexion/Distraction
is a non-force method of manual lumbar traction to affect the biomechanics of
the lumbar spine.
In essence, flexion/distraction reduces lumbar disc bulging and protrusion
by allowing the bulging aspect of the disc to reduce and recede into the disc
body.
This technique was developed in the late 1960's, by Dr. James Cox, a Fort
Wayne, Indiana Chiropractor. To date, it is the most effective non-force
technique in use to affect the biomechanics of the disc and the vertebral
motor and to stabilize the lumbar spine.
I have utilized this technique to nullify the need for surgery numerous
times throughout my 20+ years of practice.
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Studies on Chiropractic
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The
following is a summary of published studies documenting the efficacy and
appropriateness of chiropractic health care. (Source: National Board of
Chiropractic Examiners)
RAND Study on Low-Back Pain
A four-phase study conducted in the early 1990s by RAND, one of
America's most prestigious centers for research in public policy, science and
technology, explored many indications of low-back pain.
In the RAND study, an expert panel of researchers, including medical doctors
and chiropractors found that
-- chiropractors deliver a substantial amount of health care to the U.S.
population
-- spinal manipulation is of benefit to some patients with acute low-back
pain.
The RAND reports marked the first time that representatives of the medical
community went on record stating that spinal manipulation is an appropriate
treatment for certain low-back pain conditions.
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The New Zealand Commission Report
A particularly significant study of chiropractic was conducted between 1978-1980 by the New Zealand Commission of Inquiry.
In its 377-page report to the House of Representatives, the Commission called
its study "probably the most comprehensive and detailed independent
examination of chiropractic ever undertaken in any country."
The Commission entered the inquiry with "the general impression ...
shared by many in the community that chiropractic was an unscientific cult,
not to be compared with orthodox medical or paramedical services." By
the end of the inquiry, the commission reported itself "irresistibly and
with complete unanimity drawn to the conclusion that modern chiropractic care
is a soundly-based and valuable branch of health care in a specialized
area..."
Conclusions of the Commission's report were based on investigations in New
Zealand, the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and stated:
-- Spinal manual therapy in the hands of a registered chiropractor is
safe.
-- Spinal manual therapy can be effective in relieving musculo-skeletal
symptoms such as back pain, and other symptoms known to respond to such therapy
as migraine.
-- Chiropractors are the only health practitioners who are necessarily
equipped by their education and training to carry out spinal manual therapy.
-- In the public interest and in the interests of patients, there must be no
impediment to full professional cooperation between chiropractors and medical
practitioners.
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1990 British Medical Journal Report
A study conducted by T. Meade, M.D., reported in the June 2, 1990,
British Medical Journal concluded that, after two years of patient
monitoring, "...for patients with low-back pain in whom manipulation is
not contraindicated, chiropractic almost certainly confers worthwhile,
long-term benefit in comparison with hospital outpatient management."
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1992 America Health Policy Report
A 1992 review of data from over 2,000,000 users of chiropractic care
in the U.S., as reported in the Journal of American Health Policy, stated
that "chiropractic users tend to have substantially lower total health
care costs," and "chiropractic care reduces the use of both
physician and hospital care."
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1985 University of Saskatchewan Study
A 1985 study of 283 patients "who had not responded to previous
conservative or operative treatment" and who were initially classified
as totally disabled was undertaken by the University of Saskatchewan. They
reported that "81% .... became symptom free or
achieved a state of mild intermittent pain with no work restrictions"
after daily spinal manipulations were administered.
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1993 Manga Report
Chiropractic is the treatment of choice for low back pain,
according to the Manga
Report, a 1993 study commissioned by the Ministry of Health in Ontario,
Canada. Carried out by leading, independent health economists at the
University of Ottawa under the leadership of Pran
Manga, Ph.D., the Manga study reviewed all of the international evidence on
the management of low-back pain. The Manga Report provides compelling support
for the efficacy, safety, scientific validity, and cost-effectiveness of
chiropractic for low-back pain. Additionally, it found that higher patient
satisfaction levels were associated with chiropractic than with medical
alternatives.
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1998 Manga Report
Dr. Manga's
second report (February 1998) on the cost effectiveness of chiropractic
care in Ontario, is a
special report written for the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) in its
continuing dialog with the Ministry of Health of Ontario, which is
considering major health care reform. The report concludes that chiropractors
are highly cost effective providers of care for neuromusculoskeletal
conditions. Thus, greater chiropractic coverage under public health insurance
plans can improve health outcomes, significantly reduce health care costs,
and achieve more equitable access to health care services.
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Chiropractic Links
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Chiropractic Resources on the Web
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Chiropractic Colleges
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About Dr. Michael J. Bartell
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Dr. Michael J. Bartell has been a chiropractor in Mechanicsburg,
Pennsylvania for over twenty years. He received his bachelor of science
degree in biology in 1972 from Lebanon Valley College and his doctor of
chiropractic degree from New York
Chiropractic College in 1977. A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dr.
Bartell currently resides in Mechanicsburg with his wife, Sherrie, their dog Neva,
and a cat named Sheba.
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Michael J. Bartell, D.C.
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Curriculum Vitae
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SPECIALTY:
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GENERAL PRACTICE OF CHIROPRACTIC
Subspecialty:
Occupational Health and Spinal Biomechanics including Lumbar Discopathy and Scoliosis
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EDUCATION:
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STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (SUNY)
NEW YORK CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE (NYCC)
Seneca Falls, NY
Degree Conferred: D.C. (September 1977)
Major: Chiropractic
Externship in General Practice:
NYCC Outpatient Facility
Greenvale, NY
March 1976 - August 1977
LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE
Annville, PA
Degree Conferred: B.S. (June 1972)
Major: Biology (pre-med curriculum)
Minor: Chemistry
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CERTIFICATION &
LICENSURE
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1995: HEALTHCARE EDUCATION
ASSOCIATES:
Northwestern College of Chiropractic & The National College
of Chiropractic
Comprehensive Chiropractic Managed Care Self-Assessment Program, Volume 1
1977: PA. STATE BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC
EXAMINERS
License Number: DC-001718-1
1977: CERTIFIED IN RADIOLOGY &
PHYSIOTHERAPY
State University of New York
1977: NATIONAL BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC
EXAMINERS
Diplomat Number: 9994
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SEMINARS & SYMPOSIA
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1997: LUMBAR SPINE & ANCILLARY
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Sponsored by New York Chiropractic College, Center for
Postgraduate and Continuing Education
1996: BIOMECHANICS OF SCOLIOSIS -
PROGRESSION & TREATMENT
Sponsored by Pennsylvania Chiropractic Society and the
International Scoliosis Research Center
1996: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF PAIN
Sponsored by Parker College of Chiropractic, Center for
Postgraduate and Continuing Education
1994: CERVIOBRACHIAL SYNDROME
Sponsored by Pennsylvania Chiropractic Society
1992: LUMBAR SPINE SYMPOSIUM
Sponsored by National Chiropractic College, Chicago, IL.
1990: MARKEY LOW BACK SYNDROME
Sponsored by Pennsylvania Chiropractic Society
1988: COX SEMINAR ON THE LUMBAR SPINE
- FLEXION/DISTRACTION TECHNIQUE
Sponsored by National College of Chiropractic
1984-1986: PENNSYLVANIA CHIROPRACTIC
SOCIETY STATE CONVENTION
Symposia on the Spine
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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS
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AMERICAN CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION
* Member since 1977
PENNSYLVANIA CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION
* Member since 1977
* Offices held: State Treasurer (1985-1986), District President (1985)
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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
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WORKERS' COMPENSATION-CHIROPRACTOR
FOR:
* Kinney Shoe Corporation, Camp Hill, PA.
* Ski Roundtop, Dillsburg, PA.
* Hershock's Inc., Camp Hill, PA.
* Purina Mills, Inc., Camp Hill, PA.
* Kessler's Inc., Lemoyne, PA.
* Hershey Creamery, Hershey, PA.
* Eberly Lumber, Mechanicsburg, PA.
* Lobar, Inc., Dillsburg, PA.
* Family Ford-Mercury, Carlisle, PA.
* Herre Bros., Enola, PA.
* Duty Locks, Camp Hill, PA.
* Bon Ton, Hershey, PA.
* Harbold Ford, Inc., Dillsburg, PA.
* Harrisburg Parking Authority, Harrisburg, PA.
* Cindy Rowe Glass Co., Mechanicsburg, PA.
* Dominoes Pizza, Mechanicsburg, PA.
* Classic Caramel Co., York, PA.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:
* The PMA Group, Lemoyne, PA.
* Mediq Review, Mount Holly, N.J.
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PARTICIPATING PHYSICIAN IN:
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* Pennsylvania Medicare
* Capital Blue Cross/Pennsylvania Blue Shield
* Blue Choice
* Point of Service
* Pennsylvania Medical Assistance
* Health Styles of Hershey Food
* Hershey Managed Care
* Penn State University Plan A
* HealthPass
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CONTACT INFORMATION
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Mail
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E-mail
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Phone
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Fax
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Dr.
Michael J. Bartell
Bartell Health Care
Center
1001 South Market Street
Suite A
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
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sbartell@prodigy.net
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(717)697-8030
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(717)691-6755
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OFFICE HOURS
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Mon.
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Tues.
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Wed.
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Thurs.
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Fri.
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Sat.
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Office
Hours:
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10:00 – 12:30
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10:30 – 1:30
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10:00 – 12:30
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10:00 – 12:30
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By Appt.
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3:00 – 6:00
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3:00 – 6:00
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2:00 – 6:00
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3:00 – 5:00
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