May 28th, 2024
COMPLEMENTARY AND
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE (CIM)
LECTURE
1. WHAT IS CIM?
To start I will canvas the room, and ask who knows what CIM is, if they’ve ever heard of
it, and if they’ve used any of the modalities.
A. CIM definition
Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) encompasses a range of medical
and healthcare practices that complement conventional medical treatments.
These practices include acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal medicine, yoga,
meditation, and more. CIM aims to treat the whole person—body, mind, and
spirit—by integrating conventional treatments with alternative therapies (U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, 2021). This approach emphasizes
personalized care, preventive measures, and the promotion of overall wellness.
By combining traditional and alternative methods, CIM seeks to enhance the
effectiveness of treatments, improve quality of life, and address physical,
emotional, and spiritual health needs comprehensively.
2. BENEFITS OF CIM
A. By integrating various therapies, CIM can improve the effectiveness of conventional
treatments. CIM addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health,
promoting overall well-being. This comprehensive approach helps patients achieve
better mental health and stress management.
B. The different modalities offered provide non-pharmaceutical options for pain relief,
reducing dependency on pain medications and their associated risks.
C. Emphasizing lifestyle changes, nutrition, and stress reduction, CIM helps prevent
illness and maintain health.
D. CIM offers additional tools for managing chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes,
and cardiovascular conditions, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
i. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021)
3. WHY USE CIM?
A. Given the high rates of physical injuries and stress-related conditions military
members face, and veterans have had untreated; why not explore all available
options? Especially when there are good outcomes, and it can get people off
prescription medications.
B. IT’S FREE FOR US!! It can be offered within many military and veteran healthcare
systems, or you can get a referral from your primary care provider, although some
other things like physical therapy may have to get utilized first. (VA Chiropractic
Care Fact Sheet handout)
C. This is an available resource that can be extremely underutilized due to lack of
awareness on members and physicians.
i. (Gannotta, R., Malik, S., Chan, A. Y., Urgun, K., Hsu, F., & Vadera, S., 2018)
4. WHAT IS SPINAL MANIPULATION?
A. Procedures used by chiropractors, osteopaths, and physical therapists to improve
spinal function and alleviate pain.
B. It involves applying controlled force to specific joints of the spine, typically using the
hands or a specialized device
C. It helps correct structural alignment, enhance mobility, and relieve pressure on the
nerves.
D. When performed by trained professionals, spinal manipulation is generally safe.
However, it is not suitable for everyone, and individuals with certain medical
conditions.
i. (Green B., Johnson C., Lisi A. & Tucker J., 2009)
5. BENEFITS OF CHRIOPRACTIC CARE
A. Spinal manipulation is a non-surgical treatment option that can provide relief
without the risks associated with invasive procedures or long-term medication use.
B. Spinal manipulation is effective in reducing pain, particularly in the back, neck, and
shoulders. It can also help alleviate headaches and migraines that are related to
spinal issues.
C. Manipulation can relieve muscle tension and spasms, which often contribute to pain
and discomfort in the spine and surrounding areas.
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D. Proper spinal alignment can improve the function of the nervous system, potentially
leading to better overall health and well-being.
E. It can be used alongside other treatments such as physical therapy, exercise, and
medication to enhance overall treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.
F. By managing pain effectively, spinal manipulation can help reduce the need for pain
medications, including opioids, thereby decreasing the risk of dependency and side
effects.
i. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2022)
6. WHO WANTS TO DEMONSTRATE/GET A FREE ADJUSTMENT?
A. At this time, I will ask for a volunteer to get an assessment and adjustment from a
trained Chiropractor that works at a clinic in San Diego who takes referrals from
Tri-Care (the military and veterans medical insurance company). While determining
an appropriate candidate and filling out an assessment form the Chiropractor will
give a brief description of their background, qualifications, and summary of the
assessment they’ll do on the individual as well as brief what they’re doing as they
proceed with the adjustment.
7. THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME/WORK TO HELP
PREVENT/MANAGE PAIN OR MUSCULOSKELETAL ISSUES
A. Engage in activities that strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance
overall fitness. Include aerobic exercises, strength training, and stretching routines.
B. Pay attention to posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping. Use ergonomic
furniture and supports to maintain proper alignment. (10-minute desk stretching
handout)
C. Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity. Take breaks to move around and stretch,
especially if you have a sedentary job or lifestyle.
D. Use heat packs to relax tense muscles and cold packs to reduce inflammation and
numb acute pain.
E. Other CIM practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage
stress, which can contribute to muscle tension and pain.
i. (Office of Disease Health and Prevention, 2024)
ii. NASA Deskfit booklet handout
iii. Chiropractic Life-Desk stretches handout
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References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021. National Center for
Complementary and Integrative Health. Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative
Health: What’s In a Name? https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/complementary-
alternative-or-integrative-health-whats-in-a-name
Green B., Johnson C., Lisi A. & Tucker J., 2009. Chiropractic practice in military and
veterans health care: the state of the literature. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic
Association, 53(3), 194–204.
Gannotta, R., Malik, S., Chan, A. Y., Urgun, K., Hsu, F., & Vadera, S., 2018. Integrative
Medicine as a Vital Component of Patient Care. Cureus, 10(8), e3098.
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3098
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2022. National Center for
Complementary and Integrative Health. Spinal Manipulation: What you Need to Know.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/spinal-manipulation-what-you-need-to-know
Office of Disease Health and Prevention, 2024. My Health Finer.
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/safety/prevent-back-pain#the-
basics-tab
