Chiropractic care for mesothelioma patients
Cancer patients may choose to visit a chiropractor as part of their treatment routine. According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic doctors “have a deep respect for the human body’s ability to heal itself without the use of surgery or medication. These doctors devote careful attention to the biomechanics, structure and function of the spine, its effects on the musculoskeletal and neurological systems, and the role played by the proper function of these systems in the preservation and restoration of health. A doctor of chiropractic is one who is involved in the treatment and prevention of disease, as well as the promotion of public health, and a wellness approach to patienthealth care.”
In order to help manage pain and ease headaches, tension and stress, many cancer patients have incorporated chiropractic care into their course of treatment. Patients interested in alternative treatment, who strongly believe in the body’s capability to heal itself, may find chiropractic care appealing. Alleviating severe headaches and movement pains during cancer treatment may make the treatment process more comfortable for cancer patients, including those batting mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused primarily by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of this type of cancer have an unusually long latency period and can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to become noticeable. Typically, by the time mesothelioma is diagnosed it is already in advanced stages and treatment options are limited.
Two studies published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics observed the cases of two patients fighting cancer. A 57-year-old man diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer experienced considerable pain relief and was able to decrease the amount of medication needed following chiropractic care. He also reported a boost in his quality of life during cancer treatment after a visit to a chiropractor.
A 54-year-old man diagnosed with lung cancer (a cancer often related to asbestos exposure) began seeing a chiropractor after experiencing little pain relief one year after he underwent surgery to combat his cancer. The man experienced pain relief immediately after beginning chiropractic care and stopped using all of his pain medications after two visits to his chiropractor. The Journal noted, “These clinical examples offer two specific instances of how chiropractic may improve the quality of a cancer patient’s life.”
This article was written by Richard Moyle, National Awareness Coordinator. For more information please visit www.asbestos.com
