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 low 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 history, 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 judgement,
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.
What other services do you offer besides
chiropractic?
Our office offers a variety of alternative
health treatments, including acupuncture,
Massage therapy, herbal medicine,nutritional
consulting.We also have Medical Doctor on stuff.
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