About Chiropractic

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a healing discipline firmly grounded in science. Although its main focus is the relationship between the skeleton (particularly the spine) and the nervous system that runs through it, chiropractic is concerned with the care of the entire body. A chiropractor uses various diagnostic methods, including x-rays, to discover the state of your health, paying particular attention to your spine and bone structure. Spinal manipulation and other manual adjustments are their primary methods of helping your body heal itself.

What do chiropractors do?

Doctors of chiropractic are primary care/primary contact health care professionals. A chiropractor focuses on the spine in relation to the total body and specializes in the understanding and treatment of its component bone structures, muscles and nerves. No referral is necessary to consult a chiropractor. As holistic practitioners, they believe in treating the whole individual, practicing natural healing without drugs or invasive surgeries. Central to treatment is the chiropractic adjustment, a gentle, directed pressure  that restores the spine's ability to function. Doctors of chiropractic recognize that dynamics exist between lifestyle, environment and health. In addition to clinical treatment, your chiropractor can be a good source of information on beneficial exercise and nutrition.

Do many people see a chiropractor?

Alternative and non-medical health care is on the rise in this country and chiropractic is by far the most popular form. According to current research, approximately one third of the population recognizes the benefits of alternative health. The majority of these alternative healthcare users choose chiropractic. The non-surgical, drug-free healing nature of chiropractic provides benefit to the health of millions of people worldwide each year. Most chiropractic patients experience real relief and general well being and continue to make regular visits a part of their healthy lifestyle choice.

Benefits of chiropractic care

Patients often report experiencing feelings of relief, greater mobility and a general sense of well-being after a treatment from their doctor of chiropractic. The chiropractic adjustment is thought to restore the body's powerful ability to heal itself, so it is not surprising that many patients say they sleep better and have more energy following their treatments.

Chiropractors can play a major role in preventative care, protecting against future pain and health problems. A wealth of independent studies support the effectiveness of chiropractic care. And most importantly, patients express a high degree of satisfaction with the benefits. The number of people including chiropractic as part of their total health care program is increasing steadily.

Is chiropractic care safe and effective?

Yes. chiropractic care is safe and effective. Scientific evidence proving that chiropractic care works is overwhelming. Over the past 20 years, many controlled and independent research studies have shown again and again that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the spine. Based on these scientific studies, the consensus is that chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for most spinal problems

What happens during a chiropractic treatment?

During your first visit, the chiropractor will want to know about your health history as well as your current complaint. Your home and work life as well as your level of physical activity may also affect your health, so don't be surprised  to be asked questions about these. Although chiropractors use their hands for most treatments, they also use other methods such as heat, light, specialized adjusting instruments, ultrasound, electrotherapy, personalized exercise programs, muscle-testing and balancing. Your chiropractor can also give you information and guidance on how you can stay healthy through proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes.

How often do I need to see a chiropractor?

A common question is how long chiropractic treatment should continue. Your chiropractor will discuss the need for ongoing care with you, and it will depend on your specific problem. For some people chiropractic treatment is like a regular physical tune-up, to help deal with the daily wear and tear of life. For others, it's simply an effective treatment when back pain or other health issues strike. Take the time to discuss with your chiropractor the level of care that's best for you.

Chiropractic Assessment

Doctors of chiropractic are highly trained in a variety of diagnostic techniques, including physical examination, orthopedic and neurological testing, radiographic interpretation and direct palpation of joint movement. These techniques allow the doctor to determine areas of the spine that are not functioning properly.

Your chiropractor may take X-rays or employ more complex imaging systems to diagnose your condition. However, one of the chiropractor's most reliable diagnostic techniques is physical examination involving some or all of the following: testing your range of motion, observing your posture or doing a leg length check.

Your condition and concerns will assist in determining the most appropriate assessment for you.

Chiropractic Techniques

Chiropractic care assists your natural curative processes through the use of manual adjustments and related therapies such as­ mobilization, massage, heat, light, ultrasound, electrotherapy, specialized exercise programs, muscle testing, nutrition, lifestyle counseling and general fitness.

The primary treatment ­known as a chiropractic adjustment, is a gentle, controlled and directed pressure that helps to restore the spine's ability to function and relieve nerve interference.