BackTable / VI / Podcast / Episode #226
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.
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BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2022, July 19). Ep. 226 – Better Neck Health [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
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Podcast Contributors
Dr. Gerry Mattia
Dr. Gerry Mattia is a chiropractor and the director of rehabilitation at ViscoGen Clinic in Orlando, Florida.
Dr. Julie Wei
Dr. Julie Wei is a pediatric ENT surgeon, professor, clinical researcher, author, and speaker.
Dr. Aaron Fritts
Dr. Aaron Fritts is a Co-Founder of BackTable and a practicing interventional radiologist in Dallas, Texas.
Synopsis
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.