Chiropractic
is a natural method of health care with the proven ability to relieve
back pain, increase vitality, and promote well-being. For over a
century, doctors of chiropractic have successfully helped millions of
individuals recover from spine-related health problems. As a result,
chiropractic has earned its place as the largest drugless and
non-surgical health care profession in the
The
human body possesses a natural ability to restore itself. This ability
depends on a healthy nervous system. Life's events such as automobile
accidents, sports injuries, repetitive work, and home stress are just
some of the factors that can overwhelm the body's ability to adapt. The
joints of the spine 'lock up' when these sorts of events occur,
limiting range of motion. Spinal joint restriction and/or misalignment
results in irritation and/or pressure at the spinal nerve.
Chiropractic
care can correct these structural distortions, known as subluxations,
restoring the body to its optimal form and function. Local symptoms of
subluxations may include pain, tenderness, swelling, tingling,
numbness, or spasm around the joints of the spine, back, and neck. Many
times these sensations extend further into the shoulders and arms,
around the rib cage, or into the hips and down the legs. Subluxations
can even lead to headaches, stomach and digestive problems, and loss of
overall health.
Impaired nerve coordination causes the whole
body to suffer. Vital instructions flow between the brain and the body
by way of spinal nerves. These instructions inform and direct the body
as to when, where, and how it needs to heal itself. By irritating
nerves, subluxations interfere with the essential brain/body exchange,
thereby compromising the normal function of the body's organs and
tissues. Chiropractic care clears the path for the body to maintain its
own health.
Doctors
of chiropractic are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment
of spinal conditions, which is why an increasing number of back pain
sufferers are turning to them for fast, effective, and reliable care.
Similarly, more and more hospitals and private practices are now
working closely with doctors of chiropractic in order to ensure the
best quality of care for patients who suffer from spine-related
injuries and dysfunction.
The benefits of chiropractic care
have also been shown to extend beyond reduction of back and neck pain.
In fact, chiropractic has proven itself as useful in the reduction of
headache pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, jaw pain, sciatica, and tingling
in the arms and legs. The rewards of chiropractic care are numerous.
People under chiropractic care report better health and well-being and
many families have realized the benefits of chiropractic care for their
children.
Nerve
interference can affect anyone, which is why people of all ages
experience relief and improved health through chiropractic care. A
qualified doctor of chiropractic will best determine the
appropriateness of care for you or your family.
No method of
health care has proven itself to be more effective than chiropractic in
helping those who suffer from back and neck pain. Doctors of
chiropractic are the most highly qualified professionals in evaluating
and caring for these, as well as many other health problems.
YES.
Its non-surgical, drug-free approach to health places chiropractic
among the safest of all health care practices. Remember, chiropractic
takes nothing out of the body and puts nothing in. As a result,
chiropractors enjoy one of the lowest malpractice rates of all health
care professionals.
Like
all primary health care providers, doctors of chiropractic undergo
extensive education and training before becoming licensed
professionals. Students begin by fulfilling undergraduate degree
requirements, with a strong emphasis on the core sciences such as
chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and physics.
The professional
program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree is very demanding.
Chiropractic students continue their study of the sciences, including
pathology and biochemistry, at a highly detailed level.
Their
education continues into the advanced clinical sciences including
orthopedics, neurology, examination procedures, differential diagnosis,
and X-ray interpretation. During this entire process, aspiring doctors
of chiropractic gain knowledge of the philosophy and practice of health
care and chiropractic.
Doctors of chiropractic refine their
technical adjusting skills in technique classes. During clinical
internships student doctors perfect these skills.
Finally, all doctors of chiropractic must pass the rigorous national board exams and state exams before entering the field.
Your initial visit will begin with a consultation. Your doctor will take a case history and ask about your present condition.
Next,
the doctor will perform an examination to evaluate the nature of your
problem. This examination generally includes a series of basic physical
tests, as well as a specialized chiropractic evaluation of spinal
movement and posture.
If necessary, your doctor may recommend
X-rays or diagnostic tests to obtain further information about the
mechanics of your spine and the details of your condition.
After
completing the analysis, your doctor will explain your problem and map
out an appropriate plan of action with you. If necessary, you may be
referred to another health care specialist for further evaluation or
treatment. Doctors of chiropractic work with a variety of health care
professionals in the best interest of their patients.
Your doctor will discuss your care plan with you, taking into consideration your health habits, stress, and activity levels.
Over
the course of your care, your doctor will monitor your individual
response and may also recommend changes to your lifestyle, work
environment, dietary, and exercise patterns.
Following consultation
and examination, a program of care will be designed
and customized to your specific needs.
This program is centered around the chiropractic adjustment,
a method of treatment unique to chiropractic, which corrects
spinal subluxations and dysfunction. The primary goal of an adjustment
is to improve spinal alignment and motion, thereby relieving nerve
irritation, pressure, and pain.
You may feel immediate
improvement after an adjustment, although most people experience
gradual, progressive relief of symptoms. Since adjustments restore
motion to previously locked joints, ligaments and tendons begin to
stretch back to their normal length. This lengthening may cause slight
muscle soreness similar to that brought on by rigorous exercise.
If you experience these sensations, be assured that within days you’ll
likely be enjoying the benefits of improved spinal motion with less
pain that results from a healthier spine. For the best
results, follow the plan that your doctor of chiropractic
recommends for you.
The
number of visits you make to your chiropractor depends on the nature of
your condition and your personal goals. Many people use chiropractic as
part of a preventive health care routine, scheduling chiropractic
appointments on a regular basis to keep their bodies functioning at
their best. Others seek care and treatment for specific conditions with
the primary goal of treatment being pain relief. It is important for
you to discuss your objectives with your chiropractor in order to
develop a treatment plan that works best for you.
Keep in mind,
healing rates vary from person to person. Children tend to respond more
quickly to treatment, whereas adults and seniors may respond more
slowly. A good rule of thumb is that the longer the spine has not been
working properly, the more extensive the care plan may be to achieve
desired results.
Chiropractic
has demonstrated itself to be one of the most cost-effective forms of
care in all of the health care market. As with any product or service,
fees vary by provider and location.
Many health care plans
provide coverage for chiropractic care. Check with your benefits
manager to find out what coverage you may have with your health plan.
Also, talk with your prospective doctor of chiropractic to learn about
your payment options. Many patients pay directly for care, as they
discover chiropractic to be extremely cost-effective and affordable.
When
selecting a health care provider, whether a primary care physician, a
dentist, or a doctor of chiropractic, take the time to consult with a
few different possibilities before settling on the one of your choice.
Evaluate
your needs and health care goals. Talk with your friends and family;
find out whom they recommend. Then speak to your prospective doctor of
chiropractic. A healthy relationship can develop if you two have the
same goals in mind