Contents
This is the advice from Dr. Eric Balderree of ACC Chiropractic Clinic regarding the situation where many people treat musculoskeletal conditions with painkillers, which cause side effects to other internal organs.
Sitting across from Dr. Eric Balderree, a 30-year-old man (from Bình Thạnh, HCMC) expressing concern about his low back pain. He showed the doctor a bag of medication containing several kinds of pills.
Previously, the patient had visited a medical facility in Ho Chi Minh City and was prescribed various medications. After taking the medicine for a few days, the young man reported that his back pain had improved, slightly, but started to feel fatigue. In addition, the pain was still lingering, preventing him from sitting for long periods; he was referred to ACC Chiropractic Clinic.
X-rays revealed that the patient was suffering from disc degeneration, causing nerve compression and resulting in painful symptoms that hindered his movement. In this case, Dr. Eric Balderree chose to recommend a treatment plan that combined Chiropractic adjustments with physiotherapy. The goal of this approach is to realign the misaligned discs and joints, alleviating the nerve compression, which is the primary cause of his symptoms.
After more than a month of treatment, the patient’s condition improved, with no more back pain, and his movement returned to normal.
“I was really shocked when I saw the patient’s bag of medication. If these medications relieve the back pain, they could affect other internal organs like the liver and kidneys. This is not healthcare; it creates a vicious cycle of pain shifting from one area to another, increasing the burden of illness and treatment costs,” Dr. Eric shared.
This is something Dr. Eric frequently witnesses, and it has been a concern for him throughout his more than 8 years of practice in Vietnam.
A Passion for Chiropractic
Dr. Eric Balderee providing treatment to Nguyen Thi Anh Vien, Vietnam’s top swimmer.
Dr. Eric Balderree grew up in a family with a tradition of chiropractic care. His great-grandmother was also a chiropractor. Guided by her teachings on diet, exercise, and therapy, the young man developed a passion for this field.
He studied Chiropractic Therapy at Life Chiropractic College in the United States. Dr. Eric also holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, specializing in Pre-Physical Therapy from San Diego State University.
Since 2013, he has practiced in the United States, Singapore, and Indonesia. ACC clinic in Vietnam is where he has been most impressed by the facilities and treatment methods for musculoskeletal conditions—combining Chiropractic medicine with physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
According to Dr. Eric, the spine is the central organ that governs the body’s activities. Nerves that branch out from the spinal cord affect internal organs and other parts of the body. When joints are misaligned, they can press on the nerves, causing numerous problems. Therefore, if possible, a chiropractor can adjust the joints and relieve the nerve compression, which often leads to significant improvement. This fascinating aspect of chiropractic care motivated Dr. Eric to pursue this profession as a career.
Chiropractic Care for Hard-to-Treat Conditions
Dr. Eric shared an example of a 35-year-old female patient from Hanoi who frequently experienced migraines and nausea. She would have to stop her motorbike while riding because of dizziness, fearing she might have an accident. She had been treated in various places and taken many types of medications, but nothing worked. She was referred to ACC clinic.
“I had the patient undergo X-rays. As initially diagnosed, the patient had an issue with a vertebra in her neck that was compressing the nerves and causing the headaches. After adjusting the vertebra, the patient’s condition improved significantly,” Dr. Eric explained.
“Always Be Honest with Patients”
Having treated thousands of patients over more than five years of working in Vietnam, Dr. Eric is dedicated to improving healthcare quality for both expatriates and locals.
In addition to chiropractic treatment, Dr. Eric is also concerned about the high incidence of flat feet among children in Vietnam.
“Compared to other countries, the rate of flat feet among children in Vietnam is quite high. Screening results in schools show that flat feet account for up to 75-80%,” Dr. Eric shared.
Since 2015, Dr. Eric has treated over 4,000 cases of flat feet out of a total of 11,000 patients.
“I hope to contribute towards reducing the rate of flat feet among children in Vietnam. It’s important to change the perception many Vietnamese parents have about flat feet being a harmless condition, so that early treatment can be provided to prevent complications in the spine,” Dr. Eric expressed.
Whether treating flat feet or providing chiropractic care, Dr. Eric’s principle is always be honest with his patients and never promise what he cannot deliver.
“For severe cases, if chiropractic medicine cannot treat them, I advise hospitalization for surgery or other interventions. I never promise what cannot be done for the patient. My professional principle is always to be truthful with patients,” Dr. Eric concluded.
—
Book Your Appointment Today
If you are struggling with pain or musculoskeletal issues, consider exploring the benefits of chiropractic care. Contact us via WhatsApp at +84 946 740 066 to schedule your consultation today.
