Introduction
Chiropractic is a system of Complementary Health and Medicine in which wellness is promoted which results in relief of pain through manipulating the body and causing realignment of the spine. Chiropratic works on the basic principle that all systems of the body aim to achieve balance as they are meant to work together and that proper structure of the body will ultimately afford proper function, which is occasionally deterred by stress and injury.
“Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between your spine and nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves exiting the spine) and how that relationship affects the restoration and preservation of health and well-being.” (New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association)
Dr. Michael Harvey, is a chiropractic practitioner, primarily based in Eden Gardens, but who also has offices in Negril and Mandeville. He is a Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate and practitioner of over three decades of experience.
Methodology
My visits to Dr. Harvey were primarily observation based, but which encompass participant observation as Dr. Harvey is always eager to involve visitors to his office in chiropractic knowledge and understanding. He often educates patients on the benefits of the system and shows them on his displayed charts how the systems of the body are affected when the spine is misaligned.
Results and discussion
Dr. Harvey operates an informal setting in which patients are usually greeted by him and given forms to fill out by him if they are first time patients. He interacts well with patients and often seems to develop a keen knowledge of his patients, getting to know them well and being open enough to allow them to get to know him. His patients are often pleased to establish and maintain this personal relationship which seems to give them a sense of certainty that their well-being is always primary in his consideration.
Patients seen at this center vary greatly in age, sex as well as conditions which affect them. Dr. Harvey sees a number of male and female patients whose age on visits seemed to range from anywhere between mid 20’s to over 60. Some visited as a result of accidents they were involved in, pinched nerves as a consequence of physical activity and restriction of movement due to a variety of illnesses.
The waiting time at the center could range from no time at all to twenty minutes at most. However it is important to note that patients are greeted by Dr. Harvey and the waiting time is established so that new visitors can take the time to fill in the necessary forms. Patients who are regular visits to Dr. Harvey are aware that he sees them in order of appearance with the exception of appointments previously made, but are also aware that treatments usually do not last for more than twenty minutes which the doctor gauges on the severity of the case. However after some time patients also seem to become aware of the natural flow of the office and slate their times as appropriate to lessen the waiting time if necessary.
The patient practitioner experience is unparallel. Dr. Harvey seeks to involve the patient in their care by educating them on their conditions. He also has free and open dialogue with them enabling him to develop a personal knowledge of their lifestyles and conditions so as to determine how various factors may impact on their conditions. He also teaches patients exercises which may assist in their development. Dr. Harvey also keeps in contact with the patients to ensure the progress of their condition. The patients always seem to be pleased to dialogue with Dr. Harvey on a wide range of topics often times unrelated to their conditions and almost always the patients exit the room in the middle of bubbling light-hearted dialogue with a smile on their faces.
Dr. Harvey usually manipulates the spine manually, with the occasional use of a hand held machine which has varied speeds and forces and helps to “free” some areas where manual application is insufficient. This machine however is never used without the patient’s permission and feedback as to how the stimulation affects them whether negatively or positively. Patients who require diagnoses are often referred for x-ray to return to the doctor for evaluation and manipulation.
Dr. Harvey does not sell or dispense any medication or herbal preparations. His practice is run solely on the basis of chiropractic manipulation. However if patients discuss with him other modalities they may be using, he is often alert, open to the discussion and makes notes to form part of the patient history. He discusses several options that patients can use and often can inform patients of where they can go to get additional required services, but he does not make any pronouncement or decisions for the patient. He will however refer his patients to see other chiropractors if necessary, for example if they are moving outside of his reach.
He usually sees patients who are referred to him by other practitioners. He does however also see patients who simply walk in. A fair amount of his patients are also referred to him by other patients. He also makes sure to make patients feel comfortable enough about other modalities employed by other practitioners, for example, while we discussed the potential of reflexology Dr. Harvey shared how reflexology had helped him in the past without giving any direct referral.
To the best of my recollection Dr. Harvey’s credentials are adequately displayed on his walls. It is my belief that Dr. Harvey’s relationship with the Ministry of Health would be established through his relationship with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, when setting up his practice here in Jamaica.
I have had the opportunity to experience treatment by Dr. Harvey. I found in my experience that he is friendly, humble and keenly interested in his field of knowledge. Our discussions raged from an education on my spinal alignment to personal feelings on several CAM modalities. We’ve talked much about herbal preparations which I use as a sleep aid, the use of reflexology, the possibilities of colloidal silver etc. Dr. Harvey did not suggest that I use or discontinue any system I currently employ, but encouraged me to further my education on the modalities and to always seek discussion and proper diagnoses form a traditional health care provider. The treatments received also assisted with my pinched nerve and resulted also in assistance with sleep and migraine headaches.
I found Dr. Harvey to be well informed and passionate about his field. He could often tell me symptoms I was feeling based on his analysis of my spine. My experience resulted in a general feeling of well being and relief of pain and it was a pleasure to have met Dr. Harvey.
Summary and conclusion
Chiropractic seems to be a growing field in Jamaica. Dr. Harvey could name at least six different practitioners for me, which I could appreciate as he did not seem in any way to be withholding any information. The information garnered gave me a fuller understanding of how chiropractic is applied and assists with everyday health to the extent that Dr. Harvey even has documents posted about driving positions necessary for road conditions in Jamaica. It would seem to me that several persons are becoming keen on their overall health and how this particular modality assists in their wellbeing. To this extent they refer other patients to the practice.
Written by Danielle McNally
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