|
How does chiropractic care work?
Chiropractic helps to remove postural
imbalances and structural misalignments that can accumulate in our bodies
over time. Our spines change and develop problems just like our teeth,
eyes and heart. Left unchecked, these changes may lead to pain, stiffness
or other more serious problems.
The nervous system is a key part of your
body. It is the communication system between your brain and all of your
body's muscles, organs and tissues. For your body to remain healthy, your
nervous system must function well. For your nervous system to function
well, it must be free of interference. The spine is the most common site
of nervous interference because nerves travel from the spinal cord through
openings on either side of the spine to get to all of your cells and
organs.
Each of us is born with the ability to
heal and recover from illness. Our bruises heal, cuts mend and common
colds are overcome. Your nervous system regulates this inborn healing
ability.
Think of your brain as a central command
post sending and receiving information through telephone wires (your
nerves), which branch out to connect all areas of a city (your body). A
short circuit in a wire cuts off communication just like misalignments in
your spine can put pressure on the nerves. This pressure interferes with
your nervous system, affects your ability to self-heal and may prolong
injury or illness.
The customized care you receive from your
chiropractor can help to improve your posture, muscle balance and
mobility. It can also restore the integrity of your nervous system and get
rid of pain quickly, so you can get back to feeling good today!
-back to top-
Is chiropractic effective?
Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and effective. Scientific evidence
proving that chiropractic care works is overwhelming. Over the past 20
years, many controlled and independent research studies have shown again
and again that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low
back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the
spine. Based on these scientific studies, the consensus is that
chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for most spinal problems. The
extent to which a person can benefit from care varies depending on their
problem and how long it has existed.
-back to top-
Do many people see chiropractors?
The non-surgical, drug-free healing nature of chiropractic
provides benefit to the health of millions of other people worldwide each
year. Most chiropractic patients experience real relief and improved
general well being, and continue to make regular visits a part of their
healthy lifestyle choice.
-back to top-
Why should I see a Chiropractor?
From professional athletes to homemakers, engineers to
electricians, young people to seniors, chiropractic care has been the
answer to optimum health. Many people see a chiropractor for back, neck or
other joint problems. Still others find that regular visits to their
chiropractor keep them in peak condition.
Regularly a dentist checks our teeth, an
optometrist checks our eyes and a doctor checks our blood pressure and
heart. Yet, we take the spine - a crucial component of our body - for
granted. Call your family's chiropractor today because regular checkups of
your spine can help you maintain better health.
-back to top-
What is Subluxation?
A subluxation - short for Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) -
is an abnormal condition commonly involving several vertebrae. It occurs
when vertebrae in your spine lose their normal position and/or motion.
Subluxations most often occur in response
to the daily stresses placed on our bodies. Common things such as
emotional stress, poor posture from sitting in front of a computer or
standing at a workstation for a long time may lead to subluxations. Car
accidents, improper lifting or work injuries are other common causes of
VSC.
Many health problems, including
subluxations, are subtle in the early stages of development. In the same
way that a cavity or heart problem can be overlooked before causing pain
or other warning signs, a spinal problem may develop and exist for years
before causing difficulties.
To detect the possible onset of a VSC,
your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination, including a
detailed history, orthopaedic, neurological and postural evaluations, and
possibly an X-ray (radiographs) if he or she deems these to be necessary
to fully assess your condition.
Your chiropractor is uniquely qualified
to recognize and diagnose spine related injuries. He or she is the only
Doctor with specialized training to correct spinal problems and their
multiple effects.
-back to top-
What is a chiropractic adjustment? Is it safe?
An adjustment is the main method of treatment used by your chiropractor.
It is a specialized, controlled and safe pressure applied to your spine to
restore the proper motion and position of your vertebrae. It is a precise
procedure that your highly skilled chiropractor has learned and perfected
over years of training at a Chiropractic College and in clinical practice.
Every health procedure, from taking
aspirin to giving blood, involves a level of risk. Chiropractic
adjustments are among the safest of all health care interventions because
they are non-surgical, drug-free and present an extremely low risk. And
they work!
-back to top-
What can I expect from my visit to a chiropractor?
As a licensed practitioner, it is the duty of your chiropractor to do the
following:
-- A thorough review of your specific problem is conducted, including
relevant past history and overall health.
--You will be asked to perform physical tests and movements to help
identify the problem.
--In certain situations, an X-ray may be used to confirm the history and
examination findings and to investigate for the presence of any underlying
bone conditions or pathological developments.
--A diagnosis is made, with treatment options for its resolution outlined.
If it is, a plan of treatment is communicated. If it is not a chiropractic
problem, an appropriate referral is arranged.
--A prognosis is made, taking into account your general health habits,
occupation, stress and activity levels.
--Your response to treatment is monitored by your chiropractor, who looks
for an improvement to your specific condition, as well as for changes in
your overall health. Two of the basic components of chiropractic care are
wellness and prevention. Utilization of exercises, along with nutrition
and lifestyle modifications may also be suggested to improve your overall
well-being and promote active, patient-centered care.
-back to top-
What results can I expect from treatment?
That depends on your condition. The length of time you have had the
problem, your age and the degree of your disability all affect the length
of your treatment. Your Doctor of Chiropractic should be able to give you
an estimate of the extent of relief you should receive from the
recommended treatment and how long you can expect it to last. One of the
main reasons people choose chiropractic is that they often get quick
results. Individual cases vary and chronic conditions obviously need more
treatment. However, Workers' Compensation Board studies show that people
with low back pain return to work much faster with chiropractic care.
-back to top-
How long do Doctors of Chiropractic go to school?
Today's graduating Doctors of Chiropractic have studied and
trained in a post-secondary college or university for at least seven
years. Just like medical or dental students, they must first complete
undergraduate study before applying for admission to a chiropractic
college.
Becoming a chiropractor is a demanding
and highly rewarding path that includes a minimum of 4,500 hours of
intense academic study including classroom learning, clinical science and
internship training. During the course of their training, he/she will have
studied the following three areas:
-- Basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology (the study of
diseases), biochemistry, clinical sciences, X-ray interpretation and
differential diagnosis.
-- Training in the philosophy and practice of chiropractic.
-- Clinical internship with emphasis on hands-on practice.
Your chiropractor is a primary contact provider just like your family
physician, optometrist or dentist. You do not need a referral from your
medical doctor to see a chiropractor.
-back to top-
|
