Ours is a society that demands instant gratification. We all want to experience the quick fix. Treating symptoms takes much less work and effort than seeking the actual cause of our symptoms. Unfortunately, when you only address the symptoms, the underlying problem often persists and, therefore, the symptoms are likely to continue. Furthermore, left unaddressed, the underlying problem often becomes worse.

The pharmaceutical industry is a huge money machine that has taken excessive control over medicine and has made sure that the standard way virtually all of our heath concerns are addressed involves medication. This illogical approach to “health”care has been fueled and exponentially increased by pharmaceutical advertising. The blitz of ads for medicines continues unabated and is everywhere: television, online, print, radio. We simply cannot avoid it.

While we cannot turn back time and say “no” to letting the pharmaceutical companies advertise their drugs, we can take the time to notice that the bulk of the time of these commercials is devoted to sharing the myriad of worrisome side-effects. Somehow, the fact that these side-effects are listed while we are treated to an idyllic, tranquil scene such as a couple walking hand-in-hand through a field of flowers and butterflies while classical music plays apparently leads us to believe that these side-effects are of no concern.

Logically, healthcare should mean, first and foremost, being preventative and focusing the majority of our attention on maintaining our health and preventing illness and disease. That being said, insurers, including “health maintenance organizations” (HMOs), rarely pay for gym memberships, guidance in proper lifestyle, nutrition or exercise, massage therapy, etc. They do, however, pay for prescription of medicines, surgeries and other after-the-fact treatments. Such is the way of America’s “health” insurance system. Ironically, these companies would make more money if they would help people stay healthy and avoid the need for expensive diagnostic and surgical procedures.

The sensible way to address injury, illness or any condition is to begin with the least invasive form of treatment and to exhaust various less invasive treatment options before moving to more invasive treatments that may come with various negative potential side-effects. Doctors too often jump to harsh treatments, stronger medicines or surgery before trying less dangerous treatments first. This is what drew me to the field of chiropractic. Too often, expensive tests such as MRIs and CT scans are done before thorough hands-on examination or x-rays. This is due in part to our fascination with technology, in part to laziness and in part to the fact that more money can be made from the fancier, costlier, more invasive procedures and shorter doctor visits.

Anytime your doctor says, “we are going to do” this diagnostic procedure or that treatment, ask why, what the potential side-effects are, what the options are and exactly what is expected from doing it. In the end, you are your true “primary care physician” and the one looking out for yourself. You have one body and one life, so stand up for it!