Chiropractic

 
Frequently Asked Questions...

What Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a complimentary and alternative health care profession, which focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, their effects on the nervous system, and on general health.

What Conditions Does Chiropractic Treat?

• Headaches/Migraines
• Back/Neck/Hip Pain
• Muscle Spasm/Joint Pain
• Work/Auto Injuries
• Scoliosis
• Sports Injuries
• Stress Related Injuries

What Modalities Are Used By A chiropractor?

• Spinal Manipulation
• Therapeutic Massage
• Muscle Rehabilitation
• Heat/Ice Therapy
• Myofascial Work

How Often Does One Need To See A Chiropractor?

Depending on the severity of the injury, and the responsiveness to the treatment, patients can be seen up to 3 times a week for extended periods, while others have seen improvements after the first treatment. The goal is to get patients back to their life, not to keep them coming back for more treatments. Life-long dependence on my care is not encouraged, and not taught.

What Can I Expect On My First Visit?

The first thing a chiropractor should do is to ask you about your health and find out what is concerning you. The D.C. will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to evaluating your problem.

Does Chiropractic Hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment, which lasts only seconds.

Does Chiropractic Treatment Require A Referral From An MD?

No, a patient does not need referral by an MD before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are first contact physicians, and are so defined in federal and state regulations. Following a consultation and examination, the doctor of chiropractic will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe?

Yes, chiropractic treatment is safe and effective. While any form of health treatment contains a degree of inherent risk, there is little danger in chiropractic care when administered by a licensed practitioner. To assure competency, all states require that DCs be board-qualified, licensed, and regulated according to stringent criteria. Statistics show that patient risk is substantially lower for chiropractic because the use of prescription drugs and surgery are not used.

Why Is There A Popping Sound When A Joint Is Adjusted?

Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound. It's exactly the same as when you "crack" your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released. There is no pain involved.

What Training Do Chiropractors Receive?

Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work.

Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding - four to five academic years of professional study is standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.

In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency, which is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.