It’s Difficult to be a Consumer

It is a confusing time to be a consumer. The volume of decisions, the range of options, and the access to information can create much angst and doubt. When this is further complicated by the fear in a health crisis and the choice is of a healthcare provider, there can be even more stress involved.

Health care has been influenced by the industrial age in terms of thinking of the body as separate parts. As we have moved into the technological age we are now realizing the complexities of an ecosystem that is far more nuanced and beautifully influenced by different things.

When looking at how long histologically it takes a cell to recover with pristine diet and frequency of care, there are some time-lines for tissue healing that can be expected. Muscles take 6-8 weeks to repair; ligaments and tendons 12-16 weeks; nerve cells take 12-16 months. These are the facts of healing. Yet, with the right goal and context we are able to feel pain-free within 2-3 weeks.

When ‘shopping’ for a practitioner, it is important to find someone who understands your needs and shares your values when it comes to putting your puzzle together; not every knowledgeable person will have your answer. Being informed involves acknowledging the importance of timing as, when we find our health compromised, the right person and the right information at the right time is key.

With that in mind, here are five things you should know about me:

1. You are not just a spine to me and your function and recovery cannot be measured by x-ray or MRI.
2. I am evidence-informed and brain-centric.
3. I am inspired by the understanding of mechanism and pursuit of simplicity.
4. I am poly-influenced in technique and paradigm with no particular loyalty.
5. I aim to not get distracted by the sizzle, but want the steak/tofu burger.

I recently had a conversation with an ER doctor who frankly stated that he didn’t have the proper knowledge or management skills to treat back pain unless there was direct trauma to the spine. This is not a criticism of hospital care, rather a reminder to consumers to understand what services you are accessing and manage your expectations appropriately. It is also a reminder to myself and other professionals to understand our roles with the skills and limitations that we bring to the table.

They say you can’t judge a snail by how it climbs a tree. So, if you’re having a heart attack, don’t book with your chiropractor.

Dr. Tabrizi is a chiropractor, osteopath and a passionate member of both the local and scientific community, whose goal is to teach that the pursuit of optimal health and wellness is much more than being symptom-free. His practice is rooted in the philosophy of treating the person rather than just treating the illness or ailment. As a result of his interdisciplinary training, Dr. Tabrizi has developed a neuroscience-based therapeutic education approach to treating his patients, focusing on healing illness from a wider perspective, placing equal responsibility on patient as well as practitioner. Dr. Tabrizi aims to educate his patients and provide them with the tools and framework needed to integrate pain management and healthy living into the fabric of their everyday lives.