top of page

BackTable / ENT / Podcast / Episode #64

Better Neck Health

with Dr. Gerry Mattia and Dr. Julie Wei

In this special crossover BackTable episode, Dr. Aaron Fritts and Dr. Julie Wei talk with Dr. Gerry Mattia, Chiropractor and Director of Rehabilitation of ViscoGen Clinic in Orlando, Florida.

Sponsored by:

Athletic Greens

Be part of the conversation. Put your sponsored messaging on this episode. Learn how.

Better Neck Health with Dr. Gerry Mattia and Dr. Julie Wei on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Ep 64 Better Neck Health with Dr. Gerry Mattia and Dr. Julie Wei
00:00 / 01:04

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2022, July 19). Ep. 64 – Better Neck Health [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com

Free CME

Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs. Follow the button below to claim your credits on CMEfy.

BackTable CMEfy button

Stay Up To Date

Follow:

Subscribe:

Sign Up:

Podcast Contributors

Dr. Gerry Mattia discusses Better Neck Health on the BackTable 64 Podcast

Dr. Gerry Mattia

Dr. Gerry Mattia is a chiropractor and the director of rehabilitation at ViscoGen Clinic in Orlando, Florida.

Dr. Julie Wei discusses Better Neck Health on the BackTable 64 Podcast

Dr. Julie Wei

Dr. Julie Wei is a pediatric ENT surgeon, professor, clinical researcher, author, and speaker.

Dr. Aaron Fritts discusses Better Neck Health on the BackTable 64 Podcast

Dr. Aaron Fritts

Dr. Aaron Fritts is a Co-Founder of BackTable and a practicing interventional radiologist in Dallas, Texas.

Show Notes

First, Dr. Mattia recounts his journey to becoming a chiropractor, beginning with his medical history of aortic stenosis fixed by a chiropractor, his decision to enter chiropractic school, and starting his independent practice after graduation. Then, he explains how he deals with patients presenting with degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis, which was the issue he resolved in Dr. Wei. A herniated disc is the most common cause of degenerative disc disease. The standard chiropractic treatment is cervical decompression to help the disc restore itself. Dr. Mattia also uses a level 4 laser to rehydrate the disc. For optimal results, he recommends that patients see him 4 times a week for 6 to 8 weeks in order to fully lift the pressure off of the brachial plexus. He notes that good chiropractors will use the correct formulas and appropriate technology while adjusting the patient gently.

Next, the doctors delve into why many physicians are wary of chiropractors, which is rooted in a 1988 legal case that prohibited doctors from referring their patients to chiropractors. Dr. Mattia encourages physicians to seek therapy before medical issues develop into very severe conditions. Additionally, Dr. Wei notes that medical culture often encourages physicians to put the health of their patients before theirs.

Then, Dr. Mattia discusses how younger people and surgeons can improve their neck health. He notes that excessive cell phone use can reverse the cervical curve, causing people to lose their normal lordotic curve, a structure which usually prevents compression. He also recommends strengthening the muscles in the neck and shoulders, sleeping with a cervical pillow, and going to a good chiropractor to get routine adjustments. Dr. Wei recommends avoiding slouching and adjusting screens to eye-level in OR. Both Dr. Wei and Dr. Mattia agree that maintaining a healthy body weight will have positive benefits on spinal health.

Finally, Dr. Mattia recommends which qualities to focus on when finding a good chiropractor. He recommends looking for an experienced, passionate family practice chiropractor. As a word of caution, he warns listeners to never let a chiropractor adjust them without reviewing their X-ray imaging first.

Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.

backtable-earn-free-cme.jpg
backtable-plus-vi-cta.jpg
Become a BackTable Sponsor

Up Next

Chronic Invasive Fungal Sinusitis: Diagnosis & Management with Dr. Ashleigh Halderman on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Evolving Paths: Navigating Career Transitions in Medicine with Dr. Jennifer Villwock on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Pediatric Open Airway Surgery: It’s All About the Decision-Making with Dr. Sohit Kanotra on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis Evaluation & Management with Dr. Stephen Schoeff on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
What I Wish I Knew My 1st Year Out in Practice with Dr. Christopher Gentile on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Balloon Sinuplasty: Evolution, Efficacy & Expert Insights with Dr. Ayesha Khalid on the BackTable ENT Podcast)

Articles

Topics

Learn about Wellness on BackTable ENT

Get in touch!

We want to hear from you. Let us know if you’re interested in partnering with BackTable as a Podcast guest, a sponsor, or as a member of the BackTable Team.

Select which show(s) you would like to subscribe to:

Thanks! Message sent.

bottom of page