Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Chiropractic Care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record that is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. Chiropractic care is safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers and even common aspirin!
Can I adjust myself?
Some people go to great lengths to adjust themselves, but you cannot effectively do this yourself! Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn, bend or twist in certain ways to create ‘popping’ sounds, like the sound of an adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady.
What is an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is performed by using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated – ‘locked up,’ or not moving properly. The adjustment adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of the adjustment is to improve spinal function, nervous system function and health.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Our doctors use a gentle, quick thrust with their hands to restore motion. We also use a specially designed instrument called an “activator.” The activator can be used for infants, elderly or the patient that is afraid of the ‘popping’ sound. The doctor will evaluate each patient’s unique spinal problems and develop an individual course for care.
Do children need chiropractic care?
Children are, simply put, little people. They are subject to spinal malfunctions just like an adult. Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for misalignments in their spine. Later as your child learns to walk, ride a bike and other childhood activities, spinal problems can occur. While a bandage and a kiss can help a wound at the time, the unseen damage to your child’s spine can lead to problems as an adult if uncorrected. 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 life. Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child’s spine. Most parents report that their child enjoyed their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other children.
How long will I need chiropractic care?
Spinal problems, neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimal spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage and degenerative changes to the spine, which require longer treatments. Those who are active, have stressful jobs or want to be at their very best, find that a schedule of preventative visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health. Some patients seek care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. This style of ‘crisis’ management is usually more costly and time-consuming. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
How much education does a chiropractor have?
Chiropractors spend thousands of hours and many years mastering the science and art of locating and correcting spinal misalignments. After college requirements are fulfilled, students spend four years of chiropractic study which includes classroom, laboratory and internship training. After graduating the chiropractor must pass national board exams and a state exam. Each state has its own laws and exams, as it does for dentistry, osteopathy, medicine, law and other professions.
Course (in classroom hours) Chiropractic
Subject
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 3,065
Total Hours
2,706 Other Required Subjects Spinal Adjustments
Pharmacology Manipulation
Immunology Advanced Radiolog
General Surgery