what is chiropractic?
The term “Chiropractic” comes from the Greek word “cheiro and praktikos” meaning “done by hand”. Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science which considers the human body as an integrated being. Although most Chiropractors believe that medicine and surgery are necessary in certain situations, conservative treatment is used first based on the persons symptomatology and conditions.
Chiropractic treatment can be both preventive and corrective. It is important to educate people on how to prevent problems from occurring and also correct them if they do occur. There are three phases of Chiropractic care:
Chiropractic treatment can be both preventive and corrective. It is important to educate people on how to prevent problems from occurring and also correct them if they do occur. There are three phases of Chiropractic care:
- Relief - to reduce or eliminate pain;
- Correction - to restore the body to normal or maximum function; and
- Wellness - to prevent relapse of previous conditions and to address new conditions prior to becoming symptomatic.
back facts
- 31 Million Americans have low back pain at any given time
- 1/2 of all working Americans admit to having painful back symptoms each year
- 1/3 of all Americans over age 18 had a back problem in the past five years severe enough for them to seek professional help to alleviate the pain
- $50 Billion is the estimated annual cost of this care
what's that cracking noise?
A joint contains fluid that helps keep it healthy and lubricated (like oil for the joint). This “synovial fluid” contains gas (like carbonation in soft drinks). When an adjustment is made, you may hear a noise (called an “audible release”). The audible release or “crack” is simply the release of gas in the joint much like when you open a can of soda.
chiropractic and sports
Chiropractic treatments are very effective in treating sports related injuries. Injuries to the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrists, back, and knees are commonly seen in sports. These injuries should be treated before they become chronic in nature which can lead to a decrease in performance.
what level of education is required of chiropractic physicians?
Most Americans are unaware that today’s Doctors of Chiropractic undergo an intense educational process that is similar to medical doctors over the first two years of schooling. Medical students and chiropractic students alike spend a tremendous amount of time studying anatomy, physiology, neurology, and other “basic sciences”. The main difference during the first two years is that medical students have a heavy emphasis on pharmacology (study of prescription drugs) and the chiropractic curriculum emphasizes nutrition and natural alternatives to drugs. During the second two years in medical school, medical students prepare for their “trade” by rotating each month to a different medical specialty such as pediatrics, orthopedics and family medicine. The second two years of education for chiropractic students focuses on learning the tools of their “trade”: manual and physical methods of treatment. This is learned through chiropractic manipulative therapy (CMT or “adjusting”), physiotherapy devices (such as electrical muscle stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound) and rehabilitative techniques.
Both doctors of medicine and chiropractic are very well trained to treat their respective patients utilizing the skills of their profession. The most promising and encouraging changes in today’s treatment environment is that many healthcare clinics provide both chiropractic and medical care for their patients.
Both doctors of medicine and chiropractic are very well trained to treat their respective patients utilizing the skills of their profession. The most promising and encouraging changes in today’s treatment environment is that many healthcare clinics provide both chiropractic and medical care for their patients.