I cannot count the number of times I have patients who blame their ailments on "genetics." In some ways, it has become more of an excuse than a valid reason. "Well, my Dad had a bad back. I must have inherited it from him," or "Everyone in my family is overweight. It's just in my genes." When performing a patient interview, it is important to remember that there is a big difference between genetics and the reality of life. They are not always interchangeable.
What does not get discussed in the pages of Guyton's book is the impact of environment. Genes may dictate our body type, our hair color and how we respond to our environment. However, they do not dictate our environment, and sometimes that is just as significant a factor.
A personal example would be my mother's family, in which most of the women are overweight. It becomes very easy to dismiss this general family trait as simple genetic expression, as it is a uniform problem. However, when you look back and realize that my great-grandmother believed the mantra that "a fat baby was a healthy baby," and that my grandmother also lived by this philosophy, the effect of family environment becomes much more apparent. It can certainly be argued that genetics may have contributed, but I would argue that my grandmother's attitude toward food had a lot to do with conditioning her children for a lifetime of obesity, regardless of genetics.
Another example could be the patient who comes in with lower back pain. He blames his bad back on his father, because his father also has back problems and has been diagnosed with multiple disc herniations. On further inquiry, you find that the son took over the family farm from Dad, and now does many of the chores the same way Dad taught him, including lifting and throwing hay bales. Did he inherit genes for a bad low back, or did he just learn bad work habits that caught up with him?
I think the point I am trying to make is pretty clear. Genetics certainly contribute to who we are, but our environment and life experiences can be just as significant. When you consult with a patient, don't let them pass off their complaints on "bad family genes." Instead, dig deeper and look for other factors, such as diet, activities, habits and postures, that contribute to their presenting symptoms. Taking the time to root out a full history is not always easy, but most patients will trust you more and respect you if you take the time. This also provides you with valuable insight into what is actually going on. As always, make sure you take the time to document what was said. That information is part of the clinical record. If you take the time to fully evaluate the patient so that your diagnosis is correct, your treatment will be appropriate, and your patient will thank you for your quality care.
Click here for more information about Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM, EMT.