Reaching the Finish
Line with Chiropractic
How chiropractic care led one elderly runner back to track,
and away from back pain
By Edwina Parks
What brings a chiropractor and a medical doctor together on common ground? For
Paul Marston, D.C., and George Studzinski, M.D., Ph.D it was a love of the road,
and specifically, cross-country running. These men found running to be the first
of several factors that would unite them in a relationship that has proven itself
over time.
Dr. Paul Marston practices in Butler, N.J., not far from his childhood home.
His plans to become an engineer took an unexpected turn after he developed a
severe case of sciatica resulting from a football injury. Through chiropractic
care, Marston recovered completely, avoiding surgery and gaining a new career
interest in the field of chiropractic. That injury and eventual recovery thanks
to chiropractic led Marston to attend Life Chiropractic College in Marietta,
Ga. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in June 1990 with a B.S. in clinical nutrition
and a doctorate degree in chiropractic. He was certified as a chiropractic sports
physician in August 1991.
Marston’s passion for his work comes, in part, from the personal experience
of having a serious health challenge that was resolved through chiropractic
care some years ago. In his leisure time, Marston’s love for sports inspired
him to join a local running club, where he met up with local medical doctor
Dr. George Studzinski. A competitive runner, Studzinski founded the club as
a coach and mentor for running enthusiasts to become healthier through exercise.
When he’s not racing, Studzinski, now in his early 70s, is a medical doctor,
professor of pathology and clinical researcher at the University of Medicine
and Dentistry of New Jersey. But in spite of his medical training and years
of running experience, Studzinski claims no expertise on the effects that running
has on the biomechanics of the foot and how it impacts the rest of the body.
It was from Paul Marston that Studzinski sought advice about a year ago when
he returned to running after being off for a while. He admits that he may have
overdone it and run too many races, suffering a recurrence of back spasms that
had bothered him in the past. Knowing Marston was a chiropractor, Studzinski
enlisted his help.
After a week in what Studzinksi described as “a deep agony,” he
began seeing Marston for the back problem. “I finished up with considerable
back pain to the point that Dr. Marston had to treat me three times a week so
that I could walk without pain,” said Studzinski. Marston’s chiropractic
care improved Studzinski’s condition so that he could run again. During
sessions with Marston, the subject of orthotics came up. Studzinski had been
prescribed orthotics by a podiatrist and was accustomed to using them. In spite
of these orthotics, some injuries developed while running; and Studzinski was
interested in the type that Marston used in his own running shoes.
Marston notes that when Studzinski came in for a regular chiropractic visit,
he also noticed a display of orthotics.
“He asked about them,” said Martson. “I explained that the
orthotics that podiatrists recommend are usually the casted ones that are very
firm.” Marston then explained to Studzinski that the foot was more dynamic,
especially during running
“He usually changes his orthotics every 1 to 3 years because of all the
running he does,” recalled Marston. “He wanted to try the ones I
use because I had showed him what I had in my shoe, actually, and he liked a
couple of the different features that it had compared to his old ones.”
With his back spasms gone thanks to chiropractic care and running on a regular
basis, Studzinski had Marston fit him for orthotics—Studzinski uses custom-made
Foot Levelers “Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers.” The overall result for
Marston’s program of care is that Studzinski has noted that his time improved
in his races as he trained for an upcoming 5-kilometer national championship
race.
When he competed in the USATF National Master’s Championship in Holmdel,
N.J., the outcome impressed everyone, even Studzinski. At the age of 71, he
won first place in the male, age 70-74 category, with a time of 23:29.
Comparing this with prior races, Studzinski commented, “About 20 years
ago, just when I turned 50, I was doing well. I was ranked 16th in the marathon
in men 50 and over, (category) and fourth in the half marathon in the United
States Masters level competition. This particular one (Holmdel) was the best
achievement I ever had.”
Dr. Marston works with professional athletes in his practice and has watched
their accomplishments in the Super Bowl, NBA and NHL Championship games. However,
he was particularly amazed at Studzinski’s athletic performance. “He
improved his time and missed the course record by 10 seconds,” he says.
“He didn’t know it while he was running, but maybe he could have
beat the course record for 70-and-older. This was a national event; he’s
the national champion.”
Studzinski reflected on his achievement: “Well, it’s like everything
else, one can be simplistic about it, but I think that (one of) the major factors
was Dr. Marston’s care,” says Studzinski, “and I think I was
very pleased with the orthotics because, unlike before, in spite of the intensive
training after his treatment, I didn’t have the recurrence of any of my
muscle injuries.”
Currently, Studzinski is training for a 15 kilometer race coming up this May,
a national event that he won in his age group last year. He hopes to repeat
that per-formance. In coaching other runners, he recommends Dr. Marston for
care and orthotics. He also advises them to replace their running shoes every
six months for best results. “At this point in my life, it’s not
just what I can do, it’s what I can help other people (do) to continue
a healthy lifestyle, improve the general level of health,” he says.
Marston is also a big fan of his patient and mentor: “He’s kind
of like a coach to all of us for running. I’m going to be doing the New
York marathon this year for the first time and, hopefully, get a good time;
so he’s like a personal coach also. It’s a very mutual, symbiotic
relationship,” says Marston. “I might help him for a sprain/strain
here and there, get him the orthotics, but then he helps to motivate us to keep
us running. He looks great for any age; so if running does that for you, that’s
a good thing. A seven-minute mile is impressive for anyone, but at 71-years
old years old, it’s amazing. Dr. Studzinski is a true inspiration for
everyone.”
Provide your feedback on this
article.
© Copyright 2004 Today's Chiropractic