Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic
Question: What is Chiropractic ?
Answer:
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating,
self-healing organism. These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the
body.
The skull protects the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine protect
the vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots. If the nerve system is impaired, it can cause
malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Doctors of Chiropractic call this the Vertebral Subluxation
Complex.
The Chiropractic adjustment has been proven to increase motion, increase circulation,
reduce swelling and pain, and remove nerve irritation. Once this nerve irritation is removed, your body is able to do what it
is designed to do - heal itself.
Chiropractic is the Science, Art and Philosophy
that concerns itself with the restoration of good health
by restoring and maintaining a properly functioning nerve system,
without the use of drugs or surgery.
Question: What do Doctors of Chiropractic do ?
Answer:
Chiropractors restore proper motion to joints that are not moving properly. Helping
to restore proper spinal bio mechanics and improved nerve system function begins with a case history. Your case history
is vital as it reveals the background about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other
details which brought you into the office.
After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough orthopedic,
neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-ray may be taken which will help uncover structural and functional
problems.
Then, once the examination is complete, your chiropractor will explain the findings and
outline a treatment plan. Progress is then monitored with periodic examination and follow-up reports.
Question: What Type of Education do Doctors of Chiropractic get ?
Answer:
Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated. The science of chiropractic requires a
special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, bio mechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and related
subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help
correct the resulting nerve system dysfunction.
|
Course in classroom hours
|
|
|
Chiropractic
|
|
Medicine |
|
| 540 |
Anatomy |
508 |
| 240 |
Physiology |
326 |
| 360 |
Pathology |
401 |
| 165 |
Chemistry |
325 |
| 120 |
Microbiology |
114 |
| 630 |
Diagnosis |
324 |
| 320 |
Neurology |
112 |
| 360 |
X-Ray |
148 |
| 60 |
Psychiatry |
144 |
| 60 |
Obstetrics |
148 |
| 210 |
Orthopedics |
156 |
|
| TOTAL HOURS |
| 3,065 |
|
2,706 |
|
| OTHER REQUIRED SUBJECTS |
|
| Spinal Adjustments |
|
Pharmacology |
| Nutrition |
|
Immunology |
| Advanced Radiology |
|
General Surgery |
|
| GRAND TOTAL CLASS HOURS |
|
|
Chiropractic
|
|
Medicine
|
|
4,485
|
|
4,248
|
Before beginning Chiropractic school, chiropractic students need to complete 3 years of
undergraduate education to obtain the necessary prerequisites. A chiropractic student then completes 4 years of
graduate school to receive a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. However the testing is not done. Each candidate must
then pass both Federal and Provincial board examinations in order to receive a license to practice chiropractic. It
takes about 7 years of post-secondary schooling to learn how to be a chiropractor !
A chiropractic education never ends. Most doctors continue to educate themselves by
taking postgraduate courses and staying current by reading the latest scientific research.
After undergraduate studies, today's chiropractic doctor completes
an additional four-year curriculum of about 4,500 classroom hours of health sciences.
Question: What is an Adjustment ?
Answer:
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction,
applied to a joint that is fixated, 'locked up,' or not moving properly. An adjustment adds motion to the joint,
helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is
improved spinal function, improved nerve system function, and improved health.
There are hundreds of ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor's hands or a
specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas
others require a slow constant pressure.
After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic
doctor becomes
highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.
Question: Do I Have a Pinched Nerve ?
Answer:
Many patients consult a doctor of chiropractic because they think they have a pinched
nerve. While commonly associated with the spine, a pinched nerve is actually rare. Research suggests that only
10%-15% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone on a nerve. Typically a 'pinched nerve' will
result in numbness, burning, or a 'pins and needles' feeling. When a bone pushes on a nerve, this is a serious
condition that requires immediate attention.
Several other possibilities exist that can also cause numbness and/or a burning
sensation. Nerves are more commonly stretched or irritated, which will produce a numbness feeling.
If you have numbness, see your chiropractor for a detailed and thorough
examination.
Question: Do I Have a Slipped Disc ?
Answer:
No, it is not possible for discs to slip. The disc is a pad-like tissue located
between two vertebrae which acts as shock absorber for the spine. The center of the disc is made of a fluid, soft,
'jelly-like' substance. When discs become damaged, tears can occur through which the soft center can leak out and push
on the nerves. This is know as a ruptured or herniated disc and can be extremely painful.
While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a
dependency on pain pills, by choosing chiropractic care for their disc-related health problems. In fact chiropractic
adjustments are safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers, and even aspirin !
Discs do not 'slip,' however, if damaged they can leak or
rupture.
Question: Are All Patients Adjusted the Same Way ?
Answer:
No, each patient is adjusted according to their unique requirements and the particular
methods used by the individual Chiropractor. Dr. Allen is trained in several techniques and uses those that seem
appropriate for the individual patient.
Many chiropractors will adjust your entire spine, even though you don't have pain in that
area. Pain is a poor indicator of problems as many problems refer pain into other areas, and a lack of pain does not
indicate good health. Imagine a person who has a stroke or heart attack today. They may have felt just fine
yesterday, and been in no pain, but obviously a problem still existed. Other examples would be patients that have numbness or
pain in thier hands or feet may actually have problems in thier neck or back. Again, pain is a poor indicator of
health.
While visits may seem similar, each visit builds on the one before.
Chiropractic care is customized
to each patient's age, condition, and spinal problem.
Question: Can I Adjust Myself ?
Answer:
Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a
specific joint, it is impossible to adjust oneself; and also dangerous. Spinal adjusting may look easy when done by an
experienced chiropractor, but it has taken several years to master - just as a gymnast makes walking on a balance beam appear
easy.
Turning and twisting your back and neck may create a 'popping' sound, however this usually
causes an unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. Remember the goal of the adjustment is to get joints moving
that are not moving normally. Twisting your back will cause unstable joints to become more unstable. Spinal
adjusting is not for amateurs !
The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from
a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even Chiropractors must seek out the services of another colleague to help restore and
maintain proper spinal function.
Question: Is Chiropractic Care Safe ?
Answer:
There are literally thousands of published scientific studies proving chiropractic's
safety and effectiveness. In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, chiropractic care is
'remarkably safe.'
Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative
approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.
Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and
effective.
In fact, chiropractic adjustments are safer
than back surgery, muscle relaxers and even aspirin
Question: What Can I do to Help My Healing ?
Answer:
There's a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance for a quick
recovery.
Learn proper sitting and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be suggested to help
retrain the muscles that support the spine.
Proper rest is an important aspect of the healing process, too. Get the appropriate
amount of rest your body needs and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make sure you
eat balanced meals, and if you're overweight, now would be a good time to slim down and reduce unnecessary stresses to
your spine.
Perhaps most important of all, keep your appointments and follow your chiropractic
doctor's recommendations for optimum results.
Proper rest, exercise, and good nutrition are especially
important during the healing process.
Question: Do Children Need To Be Adjusted ?
Answer:
Children have brains, spines, and joints too!
Imagine a child starting exercising at an early age. Imagine a child learning to eat
"correctly" at an early age. Imagine a child learning good posture.
It doesn't take much imagination to assume this child will grow to be a healthier adult
for having learned these good habits early. In fact, it's a proven fact!
Children are not only good patients, but most often they respond better and quicker than
adults.
Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as 'growing pains' can often be
traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic check-ups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health
complaints seen later in adults.
Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child's spine. Most
parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other
children.
Chiropractic has been shown to be helpful with scoliosis
and many other so-called 'normal' childhood health problems
Question: Can I Be Too Old For A Chiropractic
Adjustment ?
Answer:
More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors,
especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various
prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity.
Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance and
appetite. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging
process.
The adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and
results.
As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes
more and more obvious.
Regardless of your age, chiropractic care can help
improve mobility and maintain vitality.
Question: How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care ?
Answer:
Spinal problems neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for
optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and
degenerative changes to the spine.
Most patients find that periodic chiropractic check-ups help keep them in tip-top shape.
Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventive visits are
helpful in the maintenance of good health.
Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable.
Unfortunately this style of 'crisis management' is usually more costly and time-consuming in the long run.
How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
Periodic chiropractic check-ups, like brushing and flossing your teeth,
getting regular exercise, and eating wholesome foods is part of a healthy lifestyle
|
