Yesterday I was talking with a close friend about diagnostic testing, such as x-rays, MRIs, labs, etc,
I want to share with you the essence of that conversation because it might put those sometimes scary tests in better perspective.
Thousands of times in my practice, I’ve taken x-rays on patients.
Hundreds of times, I’ve reviewed lab results and MRI results with patients. A consistent part of the conversation is always this concept:
the results of the test aren’t a finite diagnosis…they’re just more information.
That’s it. The results are just information.
Diagnostic results are a piece of the puzzle that must get looked at in combination with the rest of the puzzle pieces. This allows not only for a more complete picture of what’s going on, but also for a broader range of possible solutions.
Here’s a more tangible example…
There have been times a patient’s symptoms would struggle to improve, even after 3-4 weeks of consistent chiropractic care. At that point, I would recommend we get more information by having an MRI done so we can see what’s going on with the nerves, discs, spinal cord, and other soft tissue. Often, the patient would freak out to some degree because they thought if there was a herniated disc on the MRI it meant a direct trip to the neurosurgeon for spinal surgery.
Take a deep breath. Remember, test results aren’t a finite diagnosis…they’re just information.
Even when there was a herniated disc, that information allowed us to hone our approach to healing. For example, we added in extra home therapy, created an anti-inflammatory diet to support the healing of the body, changed the technique or method of adjustments, etc. Rarely did the MRI reveal results requiring a direct referral to the neurosurgeon. Rather, the MRI results gave us more information to consider a broader range of solutions to support the body’s healing.
Every year, most of us have a handful of diagnostic tests performed.
This year, when you get those results, remember results are just information. Ask yourself, what’s the bigger picture? What other information do I have? What is my broader range of possible solutions?
When we’re able to look at diagnostic results as information, we give ourselves permission to explore healing options we might not have otherwise considered.
You are designed to regenerate, not degenerate. You are designed to heal and be healthy. And you absolutely deserve it.
Empowering You,
Dr. Michelle