7202 Giles Rd, Ste 7

La Vista, NE 68128 USA

402-932-6006

Replacement Parts: What You Need to Know

If you've ever been involved in a motor vehicle collision, you're probably familiar with the term "replacement parts" or "crash parts". Your auto insurance company will usually offer to repair your car using after-market bumpers, door panels, wheel assemblies, and other parts. Or, you may prefer to have the repair done with parts from the original manufacturer. Regardless of the source of the parts, your car will not be the same as it was in its original condition. It's important to bear the auto analogy in mind if a surgeon has recommended a hip, knee, or shoulder replacement as a solution to a problem of chronic pain.

The frequency of joint replacement procedures of all types is dramatically on the rise within the last 20 years.1 For example, in the United States there has been a 58% increase in total knee replacements from 2000 to 2006. There has been a 50% increase in total hip replacements from 1990 to 2002. Unfortunately, the revision rate (repeat procedures) for total knee replacement more than doubled and revision total hip replacements increased by 60% within the respective, above-noted intervals.

The simple fact is that although your body may appear to be a machine, it is rather an exceedingly complex entity whose whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. Thinking of your body as a machine may be a useful metaphor, one that may aid considerably in medical practice. But the metaphor is not the reality, and forgetting this crucial distinction may lead to substantial and possibly irremediable problems for a patient. Manufactured joints are never as good as your actual physiological structures, no matter the quality of the replacement components.

Of course, there are many circumstances in which joint replacement is indicated and provides great benefit for a patient. However, such procedures should probably be a last resort and never considered standard of care. A best practice would be to reserve joint replacement for situations in which pain is unrelenting and the person has failed several forms of conservative care.

Optimally, in most cases measures are available to avoid such radical outcomes. The best steps for each of us to take is to begin ongoing programs of regular vigorous exercise and healthy nutrition.2,3 Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient rest will assist all our physiologic systems to achieve peak levels of performance. By making such beneficial lifestyle choices, we help diminish the likelihood of chronic, debilitating pain and loss of function. As a result, we help ourselves avoid the need for replacement parts.

1Singh, JA: Epidemiology of Knee and Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review. The Open Orthopaedics Journal 5:80-85, 2011
2Marley J, et al: A systematic review of interventions aimed at increasing physical activity in adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain--protocol. Syst Rev 2014 Sep 19;3(1):106. [Epub ahead of print]
3Tanaka R, et al: Effect of the Frequency and Duration of Land-based Therapeutic Exercise on Pain Relief for People with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Phys Ther Sci 2014 Jul;26(7):969-75. doi: 10.1589/jpts.26.969. Epub 2014 Jul 30

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Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I was very impressed with Dr. Nick's knowledge of how the central nervous system works and how clearly he explained the entire process with me. It just really makes sense that my spine has to be aligned for all of my body's functions to work properly."
    Tara B.
  • "I appreciate the time Dr. Nick takes to thoroughly examine me and explain my treatment and condition to me in detail. The staff is very friendly and down to earth. It has definitely helped my symptoms so that keeps me coming back."
    Michelle A.
  • "When I first came to the office everyone was very welcoming. Dr. Nick was very passionate about what he does and very willing to do whatever it is to help his patients maintain their care."
    Deanna B.
  • "The knowledge and information I received here led me to make proper changes in order to prevent long term damage/pain."
    Tyrel
  • "I really liked the fact that Dr. Nick didn't just adjust me and then send me on my way. Everyone in the office works to help correct my health problems and not just help it for the time being."
    Sam D.
  • "Dr. Nick and staff are always so sincere and personable. Their dedication and caring goes well beyond the skeletal correction performed on a regular basis. They care about your total health and well being which plays a huge role in your immediate recovery."
    Kathy E.
  • "I love Dr. Lindsay! She has helped my back and sciatic nerve pain so much. I highly recommend them to anyone who has any issues!"
    Meghan Elizabeth S.

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