by Dr. Brad Shapero

    Imagine lying in what might appear as a Plexiglas box with an arm that sweeps over the body collecting data, which is then fed into a large computer, and in under a moment an assessment of your health status is available. Sounds almost like an episode from Star Trek or some other space classic, doesn’t it?

    We’ve come a long way in the last 25 years, but leaving the diagnostic interpretation up to a computer may be a bit further off than we think. As science and technology progress, and we continue to learn more about the workings of the human body, it would seem that new questions are asked quicker than can get answered. The more we find out about how the body functions, it becomes even more apparent how complex and variable we are, and not only from person to person, but from one environment to another. It is more comprehensible to compare health and disease as an organized chaos, than as the linear cause and effect relationship that was once thought.

    It is common knowledge that the brain is the control center for the body and that it monitors and coordinates all functions including the immune system. Most even readily understand that the body should, when working properly, heal itself. When this healing potential of the nerve system is interfered with it is the job of a chiropractor to intervene and remove interference on the nerve system to restore balance and thus health. 

Technological Advances

Improve Diagnosis 

    With advanced technology the change in nerve function and how that is affecting health can more accurately be shown. One of the more sensitive tests is the Infrared Thermography Scan, which uses laser technology to identify very minute changes in surface skin temperature. This alteration of temperature indicates areas of the nerve system that are imbalanced and not functioning properly. These imbalances indicate irritation to nerves that correlate to organs and organ systems. The research with this type of non-invasive test has proven that it is both extremely sensitive and very reproducible. I would say that dollar for dollar this is one of the best tests available.

  

  X-ray technology has been around since 1896, reported as the time the first diagnostic x-ray was performed. Since that time it has come a long way. Up until only a few years ago, however, we were unable to perform an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan in the standing position. Being able to do that is very helpful for patients who may have pain while standing that does not show up when lying down for an MRI examination.

    How many of you have had to drink that nasty liquid for an upper intestinal evaluation, or even worse if evaluating the lower intestine? Then be exposed to quite high levels of radiation, which are still used quite a bit these days? Is there an alternative, you may wonder? 

    A recent development in the CT (computerized tomography) area, also referred to as a CAT Scan, gives us the ability to view these areas in high resolution three dimensional pictures very much like a video journey through your intestines. Just think of what type of journey that may be! These new CT scans, known as Helical CT, use much less radiation and are non-invasive. It is a much better test, offering more screenings and would be appropriate for most, reducing the necessity of a more invasive test for a much smaller higher risk group.

    A new field, “Nutrigenomics,” is showing a new way to evaluate foods, by showing how the environment and nutrition effects the expression of your genes. Technology is now available to evaluate how your genes can be modulated with nutrition to improve your health potential. By understanding how nutrients or nutrient insufficiency affects health, patients can better be guided to a healthier lifestyle. With this new type of nutritional testing, it is seen that when it comes to optimizing health and maximizing longevity the RDA is grossly deficient in its recommendations. It also reveals that when it comes to nutrition; one size does not fit all.

    We are entering an exciting time with technology giving us a new look at the human potential. Remember there is no “silver bullet” or “magic potion”, however. It is important to keep in mind that it is the little things that make the big things big. Optimum health is a combination of good habits that reinforce one another, and correct knowledge properly applied has tremendous potential to help you live life to its full potential. b