Many people do not realize that a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) is very similar
to a "regular" medical doctor. Nor do they know that there are about 45,000
D.O.s currently practicing in the United States. Like an M.D., a D.O. has four
years of medical training. D.O.s are also licensed to prescribe medication and
to perform surgery. In many provider networks and health care facilities, D.O.s
work along side their M.D. colleages to provide primary care to their patients.
There are, of course, some differences between M.D.s and D.O.s. One is that
D.O.s are trained in manipulative therapies, and use this approach frequently.
Another difference is their basic understanding of health and healing.
Doctors who practice osteopathy emphasize that all parts and systems of the
body are connected. They all think that good health comes from sound body
structure. The body's structure is made up of the skeleton, muscles, ligaments,
and connective tissues. When there are troubles in the body's structure, health
declines. For example, anxiety causes muscle tension, which then may lead to
further disease or illness. Bones injured during sporting activities eventually
disrupt the health of other areas of the body. Osteopathic treatments have been
effective for numerous kinds of health problems, especially back pain, neck
pain, joint pain, and headaches. It has also been helpful for conditions like
carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and digestive difficulties. Osteopathic
medicine also stresses preventive health care.
If you visit an osteopathic doctor, keep in mind that a D.O. treats the whole
person. Therefore, he or she will begin by asking lots of questions. After that
your posture and joint movements will be examined. The doctor will also look for
tissue tenderness or pain. If necessary, X-rays may be taken. He or she will
likely prescribe manual manipulation, medicine, or surgery. An osteopathic
manipulative treatment session can last from a few minutes to an hour or more,
depending on the cause of illness. The number of visits required for
manipulative therapy also varies; chronic problems usually take longer.
If there is no improvement after three treatments, most osteopaths will refer
patients to a specialist.
Many health insurance policies will pay for osteopathic treatment. To find a
D.O., you can call the American Academy of Osteopathy at 317-879-1881. You can
also visit the AAO's Web site at www.aao-medguide.net. Another resource is the
American Osteopathic Association at 800-621-1773 or online at
www.aoa-net.org.
Glossary
Chronic: refers to an illness or disease that develops slowly and is
persistent (often lifelong)
References
An Integrative Medicine Primer by IMC
Alternative Medical Therapies for Pain by IMC
The Integrative Medicine Consult, May 15, 1999
"What Is a D.O.?" and "Osteopathic Medicine" from the American Osteopathic
Association's Web site, located at
www.aoa-net.org.
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