Osteopathic medicine is practiced by D.O.s in the United States. Osteopathic medicine was developed in 1874 by Dr. A.T. Still who stated, “Any variation from health has a cause, and the cause has a location. It is the business of the osteopathic physician to locate and doing away with the disease and getting healthy.” He believed that many medications (at that time) were useless and even harmful. He identified the musculoskeletal system as a key component for good health.

Like allopathic physicians (or M.D.s), osteopathic physicians complete 4 years of medical school and can choose to practice in any specialty of medicine. However, osteopathic physicians receive an additional 300 – 500 hours in the study of hands-on manual medicine and the body’s musculoskeletal system.

Osteopathic medicine is dedicated to treating and healing the patient as a whole, rather than focusing on one system or body part. An osteopathic physician will often use a treatment method called osteopathic manipulative treatment (also called OMT or manipulation) — a hands-on approach to make sure that the body is moving freely. This free motion ensures that all of your body’s natural healing systems are able to work properly.

Osteopathic physicians hold to the principle that a patient’s history of illness and physical trauma are written into the body’s structure. The osteopathic physician’s highly developed sense of touch allows the physician to feel (palpate) the patient’s “living anatomy” (the flow of fluids, motion and texture of tissues, and structural makeup).

Like M.D.s, osteopathic physicians are licensed at the state level. Osteopathic physicians who wish to specialize may become “board certified” (in much the same manner as M.D.s) by completing a 2- to 6-year residency within the specialty area and passing the board certification exams.

D.O.s practice in all specialties of medicine, ranging from emergency medicine and cardiovascular surgery to psychiatry and geriatrics. A majority of osteopathic doctors use many of the medical and surgical treatments that are used by other medical doctors.

The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
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Sometimes when accidents, trauma or neglect happens surgery may be one of the main options to be considered when back and spine pain is involved.

On Saturday we had the opportunity to meet three back and spine specialist from the Back and Spine Center at Martin Memorial. The doctors, John K.B. Afshar, M.D., John R Robinson, Jr., M.D. and John J. Viola, M.D. seemed very knowledgeable about the back and spine and presented themselves as very patient friendly.

Diagnosing Back and Spine Problems

The doctors’ explained that one of the keys to relieving your pain faster is diagnosing its cause early as possible. Your diagnosis can be coordinated through one of Martin Health’s 5 convenient Imaging Centers in the Martin County Area. Each center has state-of-the-art MRIs, PET/CT scanners, bone densitometry and X-rays that immediately produce clear digital images that are transmitted electronically to the Back and Spine Center for analysis.

“That’s why you can get an appointment with a neurosurgeon at the Back and Spine Center within 24 to 48 hours of your tests”. You can even see a physicians assistant the same day. They can also partner with pain management and chiropractic specialists to help you relieve and control discomfort.

Non-Surgical Back and Spine Alternatives

The doctors mentioned that neurosurgery isn’t always the only answer for back and spine patients. That’s why a wide range of non-surgical treatment options are available and considered. At Back and and Spine Center at Martin Memorial a dedicated physical therapist can develop a customized treatment plan for you.
A holistic approach can be developed for you that may include proper nutrition, exercise, weight management, acupuncture and therapeutic massage.

Preventative Back and Spine Care

Preventative care may start with proper use of posture, exercise, proper weight management and limiting your exposure to strains and blunt trauma. Contact your health care provider for specific instructions. And as always proper nutrition is the best foundation to better health.

The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

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