What is Chiropractic? Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is concerned with human health and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who consider man as an integrated being and give special attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships. The practice and procedures which may be employed by Doctors of Chiropractic are based on the academic and clinical training received in and through accredited chiropractic colleges and include, but are not limited to, the use of current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Such procedures specifically include the adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the human body, particularly of the spinal column. Included is the treatment of intersegmental aberrations for alleviation of related functional disorders. Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and, as such, does not include pharmaceuticals or incisive surgery. Due regard shall be given to the fact that state laws, as well as the nation's antitrust laws, may allow Doctors of Chiropractic to utilize ancillary health care procedures commonly referred to as being in the common domain. What is a Doctor of Chiropractic? Although Chiropractors are first-contact physicians who possess the diagnostic skills to differentiate health conditions that are amenable to their management from those conditions that require referral or co-management. Chiropractors provide conservative management of neuromusculoskeletal disorders and related functional clinical conditions including, but not limited to, back pain, neck pain and headaches. Chiropractors are expert providers of spinal and other therapeutic manipulation/adjustments. They also utilize a variety of manual, mechanical and electrical therapeutic modalities. Chiropractors also provide patient evaluation and instructions regarding disease prevention and health promotion through proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle modification among others. What are the educational requirements to be a Doctor of Chiropractic? Have you ever wondered just how well educated your Chiropractor is? The facts may surprise you!
What conditions do Chiropractic Doctors treat?
What can I expect on my first visit? After setting an appointment, and arriving for your first visit, you'll enjoy the friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere. After completing some simple paperwork to help the doctor understand the history of your health, you'll meet the doctor. Your doctor will review your health history and determine if your problem is likely to be helped with chiropractic care. If it is not, the doctor will tell that he cannot help you and will refer you to the appropriate practitioner. If it is, a thorough examination usually follows. Your reflexes will be tested, your ability to turn and bend, and other standard orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic tests will be conducted. If necessary, x-ray views of your spine may be taken. Your doctor will study the results of these examinations and explain what they mean. If x-rays were taken, you'll see them and have all your questions answered. Then, the doctor will recommend a care program designed for your unique health problem. By following their doctor's advice, millions of chiropractic patients have enjoyed relief and better health. What is an adjustment? An "adjustment," as doctors of chiropractic use the term, means the specific manipulation of vertebrae which have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. Doctors of chiropractic spend years learning motion palpation (the art of examining by movement or touch) and other forms of spinal examining procedures, so that they can administer specific and appropriate spinal adjustments. Once the DC has identified the problem, he/she will begin care by way of these adjustments or "manipulations." Particular attention will be paid to that area of your spine where a spinal derangement or "subluxation" has been detected. The adjustment is usually given by hand or "activator" type instruments, and consists of applying pressure to the areas of the spine that are out of alignment or that do not move properly within their normal range of motion. Doctors of chiropractic use many sophisticated and varied techniques, and the specific procedure to be used will be determined and explained completely to you following a careful evaluation of your radiographs and physical findings. Do Adjustments hurt? Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds. Adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of 1 million to 1.  Site Design by LYNX Technology Development Corporation |