Introduction
Chiropractic is one of the Western world's three major healing professions. The other two are medicine and osteopathy. Chiropractors specialize in the neuromusculoskeletal system (nerves, muscles, and bone). Chiropractors identify and correct misalignments of the spine (vertebral subluxations). Subluxations adversely affect the nervous system and cause disease in the body.
Doctors of Chiropractic treat patients of all ages and conditions. We are particularly known for treating back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Chiropractors also care for patients with other injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system including muscles, ligaments, and joints. The nervous system can be affected causing referred pain (pain distant to the region of injury). Chiropractors are also trained in counseling on diet, nutrition, exercise, and occupational/lifestyle modifications to help you feel better and be healthier.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) are educated as primary-contact health care providers in 4 year graduate institutions. We are trained with an emphasis on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal system (muscle, ligament, and joint) conditions. Doctors of chiropractic also have 4 years of undergraduate education, most often in pre-medical programs, biology, chemistry, athletic training, etc. While in chiropractic college, DCs have a minimum of 4,200 classroom, laboratory, and clinical hours. We are highly educated in human anatomy, neurology, physiology, and clinical diagnosis including diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI), laboratory procedures, exercise, nutrition, and orthopedics. Because we are highly skilled in skeletal manipulation/adjusting techniques, a large amount of our time is spent refining and mastering our skills in class and in clinics as interns.
There are three basic causes of subluxations: physical, emotional, and toxic traumas. Physical causes could include the birth process, slips, falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Toxic or chemical causes include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.
Yes! Chiropractic has been shown to be a safe, effective alternative for neck, back, and extremity pain. As with any treatment (medical or chiropractic), there are risks, however, chiropractic is a low risk option. The American Chiropractic Association has great information related to this question, visit:
http://www.acatoday.org/Patients-Why-Choose-Chiropractic-Chiropractic-A-Safe-Treatment-Option
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of introducing a precise force in a specific direction to a vertebra that is subluxated or out of place. The chiropractor identifies the location of the subluxation, determines the exact direction and best way to correct the positioning. The adjustment assists the vertebra in moving back into its normal alignment and restores proper motion in an effort to relieve nerve interference.
With high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) adjustments of a joint, it may result in gas being released between joints. The difference in pressure between joints during an adjustment causes the gas to be released. Other techniques like Activator or drop-piece often don’t cause the popping sound you typically hear with HVLA adjustments. The sound is often louder during neck adjustments because it is close to your ear.
Yes, often times an adjustment doesn’t result in the cracking sound, but that doesn’t mean a proper adjustment wasn’t delivered.
More and more patients are seeking chiropractic care for their children. Many spinal problems seen in adults began as early as birth. The doctor of chiropractic will take a case history and perform a chiropractic exam to determine if spinal subluxations exist. Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to fit a child's size, weight, and unique spinal condition. They are both gentle and specific to the child's developing spinal structures. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and look forward to subsequent visits. They also report that their children experience a greater level of health while under regular chiropractic care.