Chiropractic was founded in 1895. It is based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body. The brain and the spinal cord are protected by bones, specifically the skull and vertebra. When the vertebra lose their normal position or move improperly, they irritate the nervous system. This irritation can effect the nerves which supply the tissues and organs causing a lack of function. This lack of function is called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Chiropractors locate and correct the areas of the spine not functioning properly. The correction is done through a procedure called an adjustment. The word adjustment describes a specific movement that is directed with specific force. This gentle force allows the vertebra to return to a more normal position and movement.
Doctors of Chiropractic go through a five and a half year graduate program after completing medical school prerequisites. That's a total of eight years. They receive thousands of hours of scientific education in anatomy and the function of the human body. The training also teaches Chiropractors the skill to use just the right amount of pressure at the proper time. This process makes Chiropractic an art. You can't learn it at a weekend seminar.
The philosophy of Chiropractic states that the body has an inborn ability to heal itself. By correcting Vertebral Subluxations through the adjustment, the nervous system can work properly to allow the body to heal. The doctor doesn't "heal" your body, only you can heal your body. Most medications, for example aspirin and other pain relievers, don't correct your problem, they just cover up your symptoms and in some cases cause other problems.
Therefore, Chiropractic is not just a science, but also an art and philosophy. Chiropractors look to correct the cause of your problem.
Q: Are Chiropractic practitioners doctors?
A: Yes in the United States of America. Board-qualified and licensed chiropractic practitioners are entitled by law to the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). To become state licensed, the candidate must complete a minimum of eight years of college study and clinic internship before entering into private practice.
Q: Do Doctors of Chiropractic utilize drugs and surgery as part of their treatment?
A: No. Doctors of Chiropractic follow the concept that the body is capable of maintaining and restoring health given the proper food, water, rest, and properly funcitoning nervous system. Sometimes supplements are called for but these are just concentrated food.
Q: Is chiropractic treatment painful?
A: No. Reaction to treatment depends on the patient. It is rarely painful; sensations can vary from temporary soreness in the spinal joints or in muscles to a sense of exhileration and relief.
Q: Do Doctors of Chiropractic treat only spinal conditions?
A: No. Practitioners indeed emphasize the treatment of spinal conditions since correct spinal alignment can affect the proper function of other bodily areas and systems. However, it would not be unusual for a practitioner to provide a patient with appropriate nutritional advice or supplentation to augment recovery. Additionally, some Chiropractic Doctors specialize in the treatment of more unusual musculoskeltal conditions such as those involving sports injuries.
What if I have a slipped disk?
There is actually no such thing as a "slipped" disc. The spinal discs are a cushioning piece of tissue that lie between each bone of the spine. There are two parts to the disk, the annulus (the tough part, like gristle) and the nucleus (a soft center, about the consistancy of peanut butter). If the spinal vertebra tilt and create a wedge, the nucleus can bulge toward the open end of the wedge area. This can cause undue pressure on the spinal nerve roots or on the spinal cord. If the annulus becomes torn (partially or fully) the nucleus can migrate into the tear, putting even more pressure on spinal nerves or on the cord. The correct terminology for this is "herniated" disc. Chiropractors can (gently) treat a herniated disk, within all but the most severe tears.
When can I expect to feel better?
Different patients have different healing times. Some experience relief within 1-2 weeks; others notice changes before the end of the first month. Healing is dependent on the length of time a patient has had the subluxations and the severity of their problem.
Do I have to keep coming back forever?
No! In our office we have three types of care: relief care, corrective care and maintenance care. Pain usually subsides in the first 4-6 weeks. However, correcting the cause of a problem takes longer. You have the option of discontinuing care when the pain subsides, when you complete the corrective procedure, or you can continue with what we call maintenance care. It is completely up to you
. The purpose of maintenance care is to keep your spine healthy and to avoid a reoccurrence of a spinal-related problem. Just as you go to the dentist for regular checkups, having your spine checked by the doctor is as important, if not more so. But the choice is always yours.
Will chiropractic improve my posture?
Some patients have seen their posture improve as a result of chiropractic care.
How long will each appointment take?
The first visit make room for an hour. After that 30 minutes, depending upon what you need done and the day of the week.
Do I have to have x-rays?
The doctor will determine if films are necessary during the examination and then will discuss this with you. Usually no.
If I bring my own, fairly recent x-rays, do I have to take new ones?
If you have them, please DO bring them, as they will help the doctor with his examination. If the doctor determines at the end of the examination that new films are necessary, he will advise you and discuss why he feels they are necessary.
Will chiropractic straighten my spine?
It depends on what is causing the spine to NOT be straight. If the cause is a lot of arthritis and degeneration, it is unlikely that the spine can be straightened. If the cause is related to muscle tightness, there is a much greater chance that the spine can be straightened.
Does chiropractic cure cancer or other diseases?
Chiropractic treats the misalignments of the spine and the interferences in the nervous system caused by the misalignments. Chiropractic does not cure cancer or any other diseases. The chiropractic adjustment can help relieve the pain associated with different conditions. There are a number of different health conditions which have been helped through chiropractic care. As a result of chiropractic care, many patients experience improvement due to the body's innate ability to heal itself.
Is chiropractic good for children or elderly people?
Chiropractic is good for all patients, because chiropractic care centers on the spine. Different techniques are used for children and the elderly due to their spine's delicate nature. Children need chiropractic care so they do not develop the problems we see in most adults, like nerve compression and arthritis. It is especially important to have children checked by the doctor after they have had a fall. Chiropractic care can help the elderly from developing more serious complications from their longstanding spinal and nerve related conditions. Personally I have treated babies a few days old to patients 102 years old.
How long does a chiropractor go to school?
After completing the same prerequisites for medical school, chiropractors attend chiropractic college for five and a half years. Eight years total.
Why are there so many techniques used in chiropractic?
Let me answer this question politely. Many techniques are based on opinion and, I think, imagination. The techniques used at Green Chiropractic are Cox Flexion-Distraction and Trigger Point Release Techniques (not exclusively a Chiopractic technique) Cox technique is one of the few Chiropractic treatment methods that has stood up to peer-reviewed research. If your Chiropractor is putting things on your tongue or belly button and pulling on your arm, they might actually be pulling your leg.
Can I come in whenever I feel like it and not stick to a regular schedule?
The doctor will recommend a treatment plan for you which will best benefit your health. For you to obtain the best results from chiropractic care, it is important that you stick to the schedule the doctor recommends.
Can I just drop in without a scheduled appointment?
The doctor is available to see a patient in an emergency, otherwise, the patient should follow the schedule that the doctor has prescribed.
Does the doctor get adjusted?
Yes. As a practitioner of chiropractic, the doctor is also a patient of chiropractic.
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