Local chiropractor trusts science and art

 Dana Berthiaume, a new wellness provider on the block in Miramar Beach, would like his patients to think of chiropractic care in somewhat the same way they think of their relationship with their dentist. While less fear and loathing than is traditionally associated with dental procedures would be involved, he would like to see the standard six-month check-ups patients expect in dentistry practiced in chiropractic care.

"I use the pied piper approach, not the lion-tamer," said Berthiaume. "Sometimes patients tend to view the doc as a sparring partner. I try to get them to understand that we're on the same team, fighting a common enemy."

A down-to-earth philosophy embracing collaboration and even diversity of opinion within his own practice characterizes Berthiaume's pragmatic approach to wellness. Opening his office in Miramar Beach at 12671 U.S. Highway 98 seven months ago, he wasted no time in combining expertise with David Fisher, M.D. They now share office space and patients.

Fisher, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, provides medication and pain management care for acute injuries.

The two medical professionals don't always agree on every aspect of treatment, but Berthiaume said they do respect one another's turf. Berthiaume said patients love their collaborative approach.

"Boomers are questioning alternative as well as traditional healthcare themselves," said Berthiaume. Purposely steering away from the spa or boutique approach to wellness, the office of Berthiaume's practice, Destin Chiropractic Arts & Wellness, presenta a no-frills appearance, with a bare table holding several instruments and standard office swivel chairs the only seating in view.

"Instrumentation has made the practice of chiropractic care safer," said Berthiaume, noting that he has been using machines for the past 17 years to accomplish treatments previously done by hand. The benefits of the scientific approach, according to Berthiaume, are that the treatments are reproducible, precise and elicit better responses than the older methods. Berthiaume said the mechanically measured treatments are easier on both patient and practitioner.

Noting that risk is still inherent in any treatment regimen, Berthiaume indicated that malpractice insurance for his profession is surprisingly low ($1,500 annually), giving an actuarial endorsement to the relatively low risk of harm induced by chiropractic.

"It's certainly much safer than driving on U.S. Highway 98," said Berthiaume.

Economy, stress factors drive chiropractic referrals upward

Treating the seven signs of stress - head, back and neck pain, stomach, sleeping, allergic or digestive disorders - is the core business of chiropractic, according to Berthiaume. After the events of 911, chiropractic business boomed. With the recession, he is again seeing more extreme signs of chronic stress.

"We may not be able to treat the source of the stress, but we can improve the body's ability to manage it," said Berthiaume.

Children, unfortunately, are as vulnerable to stress as adults and are also seen as patients for chiropractic treatment. Incidents of domestic violence, including child abuse, are up at the present time.

 Berthiaume, a father of 10-month and five-year old children, views his young patients as structurally miniature adults, with the exception of having fewer pain nerves developed. Berthiaume cited a number of pediatric stress factors, including posture-degrading fashions, computer use, ear infections, sports injuries and depression as contributing to the possible need for chiropractic evaluation.

With no decline in environmental stress on the horizon, Berthiaume is nonetheless determined to pursue a low-volume practice in Miramar Beach. He offers weekly and monthly public seminars to give prospective and new patients a basic orientation to chiropractic neurology, Atlas Orthogonal therapy and all of the other brain-based therapies offered by his practice.

"Find it, fix it, leave it alone is being replaced by test, treat and re-test," said Berthiaume, adding, "There is an artistry involved with chiropractic, as well as in dentistry."