What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a natural method of healing using a non-surgical, non-invasive and drugless approach to the treatment of patients. Focusing on spinal health and well-being, the individual is viewed as an integrated being.

Because the body's various systems are interconnected, spinal mechanics - including the vertebrae, corresponding nerves, and soft tissues - play a major role in the health of the whole body. Structural or mechanical abnormalities in the spine, which cause pain, dysfunction, and loss of mobility to thousands of Americans each year, can be successfully treated.

What Does a Doctor of Chiropractic Do? Spinal dysfunction (spinal misalignment or subluxation) is primarily treated by a procedure known as vertebral adjustment (or spinal manipulation). The chiropractor applies pressure to an area of the spine or other joint that is not functioning properly or is out of alignment. The procedure is usually (although not always) applied manually, and results in a reduction of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function and mobility in the injured area.

In addition to adjustment or manipulation, the treatment plan may include ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, controlled exercise, nutritional counseling, and other professional advice that may improve overall health.

Patient progress under chiropractic care will be carefully monitored. Subjective improvements and objective clinical findings will be noted and treatment will be modified to meet the patient's changing condition. Should it be found that another type of health care would benefit healing, a referral to the appropriate provider will be made.

Is Chiropractic Right for You?

The choice of health care provider is a highly personal one. Concerns for most people include the education of the practitioner, the ability of the practitioner to make an accurate diagnosis, and whether other patients would recommend that doctor. Chiropractors can easily hold their own and in some instances surpass their colleagues from other health care professions.

A Study of Education -- This study examined the education provided in medical school to that provided in chiropractic school. The researchers found that "considerable commonality exists between chiropractic and medical programs." Surprisingly it was found that more time is spent in basic and clinical sciences in chiropractic education. Not surprisingly, chiropractic education spends more time in nutrition, while medical education spends more time in public health. In addition, little time in medical school is devoted to the study of the neuromusculoskeletal system and related ehalth problems: this is a major focus in chiropractic education."

The Abt Study -- Abt Associates of Cambridge, MA convened two expert panels (one panel primarily of medical doctors and the other entirely chiropractic) and asked the panels to investigate the role of the Doctor of Chiropractic as a primary health care provider. Both panels agreed that with respect to a list of 53 primary care functions found to occur in daily medical offices, chiropractors are capable of making diagnoses in 92% of these activities. The researchers concluded that "the overriding sense of agreement between allopathic and chiropractic physicians in terms of the scope of primary care activities, suggesting that there is opportunity for chiropractors and medical doctors to work together on patient care and organizational strategy."

The IPA Study -- A survey of patients of Chiropractic in an independent physicians' association found that, when asked if they would recommend their Doctor of Chiropractic to others, 95.5% of the patients said "yes."

Other results were as high:

• Length of time to get an appointment --84.9% said Excellent
• Access to office by telephone -- 95.5% Excellent or Very Good
• Length of wait at the office -- 92.4% Excellent or Very Good
• Time spent with doctor -- 95.5% Excellent or Very Good
• Explanation of what was done at the visit -- 95.5% Excellent or Very Good
• Technical skills of the provider -- 98.5% Excellent or Very Good
• Personal manner of the chiropractor -- 100% Excellent or Very Good
• Overall Visit -- 100% Excellent or Very Good

While research is helping the scientific community to consider the effectiveness of the chiropractic method of treatment for various conditions, thousands of individuals all over the world are finding restored mobility and relief from pain at the hands of their Doctor of Chiropractic. As health care choices become increasingly diverse, and as consumers take more responsibility for designing a personal plan for optimal health, it is clear that chiropractic will be a choice for many. How about you?