|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is
chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon
the understanding that good health depends, in part,
upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially
the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to
all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the
Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment
by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause
of many disease processes begins with the body's
inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to
address these diseases not by the use of drugs and
chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a
musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning
improperly.
What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?
Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve
back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a
variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck
and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia,
and infantile colic.
Does Chiropractic hurt?
Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The
patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort
during the adjustment which lasts only seconds.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely
safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of
one million to one.
What kind of education and training do doctors
of chiropractic have?
Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes
neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for
the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three
areas of learning; basic training in the biological and
health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology,
biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis);
specialized training in the chiropractic discipline
(theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and
applications); and extensive clinical training.
Have any studies been published showing what
chiropractic is effective for?
Several studies have documented the effectiveness of
chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies
have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating
infantile colic and migraine headaches.
What can I expect on my first visit?
The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about
the health complaints about which you are chiefly
concerned. The DC will also ask about your family and
dietary habits, other care you may have had
(chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job,
and other questions designed to help determine the
nature of your illness and the best way to go about
treating the problem.
A physical examination will be performed in accordance
with your DC's clinical judgment, which may include
x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic
procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination
and analysis will be performed to detect any structural
abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your
condition. All of these elements are important
components of your total health profile, and vital to
the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.
|
