FAQs. An Overview of Chiropractic Care.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a natural method of health care with the proven ability to relieve back pain, increase vitality, and promote well-being. For over a century, doctors of chiropractic have successfully helped millions of individuals recover from spine-related health problems. As a result, chiropractic has earned its place as the largest drugless and non-surgical health care profession in the United States.
How does chiropractic work?
The
human body
possesses a natural ability to restore itself. This ability depends on
a healthy nervous system. Life's events such as automobile accidents,
sports injuries, repetitive work, and
home stress
are just some of the factors that can overwhelm the body's ability to
adapt. The joints of the spine 'lock up' when these sorts of events
occur, limiting range of motion. Spinal joint restriction and/or
misalignment results in irritation and/or pressure at the spinal nerve.
Chiropractic care can correct these structural distortions,
known as subluxations, restoring the body to its optimal form and
function. Local symptoms of subluxations may include pain, tenderness,
swelling, tingling, numbness, or spasm around the joints of the spine,
back, and neck. Many times these sensations extend further into the
shoulders and arms, around the rib cage, or into the hips and down the
legs. Subluxations can even lead to headaches, stomach and digestive
problems, and loss of overall health.
Impaired nerve coordination causes the whole body to suffer. Vital
instructions flow between the brain and the body by way of spinal
nerves. These instructions inform and direct the body as to when,
where, and how it needs to heal itself. By irritating nerves,
subluxations interfere with the essential brain/body exchange, thereby
compromising the normal function of the body's organs and tissues.
Chiropractic care clears the path for the body to maintain its own
health.
How can a chiropractor help?
Doctors
of
chiropractic are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of
spinal conditions, which is why an increasing number of back pain
sufferers are turning to them for fast, effective, and reliable care.
Similarly, more and more hospitals and private practices are now
working closely with doctors of chiropractic in order to ensure the
best quality of care for patients who suffer from spine-related
injuries and dysfunction.
The benefits of chiropractic care have also been shown to extend beyond
reduction of back and neck pain. In fact, chiropractic has proven
itself as useful in the reduction of headache pain,
carpal tunnel syndrome, jaw pain, sciatica, and tingling in the arms
and legs. The rewards of chiropractic care are numerous. People under
chiropractic care report better health and well-being and many families
have realized the benefits of chiropractic care for their children.
Who should see a doctor of chiropractic?
Nerve
interference can affect anyone, which is why people of all ages
experience relief and improved health through chiropractic care. A
qualified doctor of chiropractic will best determine the
appropriateness of care for you or your family.
No method of health care has proven itself to be more effective
than chiropractic in helping those who suffer from back and neck pain.
Doctors of chiropractic are the most highly qualified professionals in
evaluating and caring for these, as well as many other health problems.
Is chiropractic safe?
YES. Its non-surgical, drug-free approach to health places chiropractic among the safest of all health care practices. Remember, chiropractic takes nothing out of the body and puts nothing in. As a result, chiropractors enjoy one of the lowest malpractice rates of all health care professionals.
How are doctors of chiropractic educated?
Like
all primary health care providers, doctors of chiropractic undergo
extensive education
and training before becoming licensed professionals. Students begin by
fulfilling undergraduate degree requirements, with a strong emphasis on
the core sciences such as chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and physics.
The professional program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree
is very demanding. Chiropractic students continue their study of the
sciences, including pathology and biochemistry, at a highly detailed
level.
Their education continues into the advanced clinical sciences including
orthopedics, neurology, examination procedures, differential diagnosis,
and X-ray interpretation. During this entire process, aspiring doctors
of chiropractic gain knowledge of the philosophy and practice of health
care and chiropractic.
Doctors of chiropractic refine their technical adjusting skills in
technique classes. During clinical internships student doctors perfect
these skills.
Finally, all doctors of chiropractic must pass the rigorous national
board exams and state exams before entering the field.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Your
initial visit will begin with a consultation. Your doctor will take a
case history and ask about your present condition.
Next, the doctor will perform an examination to evaluate the nature of
your problem. This examination generally includes a series of basic
physical tests, as well as a specialized chiropractic evaluation of
spinal movement and posture.
If necessary, your doctor may recommend X-rays or diagnostic tests to
obtain further information about the mechanics of your spine and the
details of your condition.
After completing the analysis, your doctor will explain your problem
and map out an appropriate plan of action with you. If necessary, you
may be referred to another health care specialist for further
evaluation or treatment. Doctors of chiropractic work with a variety of
health care professionals in the best interest of their patients.
Your doctor will discuss your care plan with you, taking into
consideration your health habits, stress, and activity levels.
Over the course of your care, your doctor will monitor your individual
response and may also recommend changes to your lifestyle, work
environment, dietary, and exercise patterns.
How does chiropractic correct my spinal problems?
Following consultation
and examination, a program of care will be designed
and customized to
your specific needs. This program is
centered around the chiropractic
adjustment, a method of treatment unique to
chiropractic, which
corrects spinal subluxations and dysfunction. The primary goal of an
adjustment is to improve spinal alignment and motion, thereby relieving
nerve irritation, pressure, and pain.
You may feel immediate improvement after an adjustment, although most
people experience gradual, progressive relief of symptoms. Since
adjustments restore motion to previously locked joints, ligaments and
tendons begin to stretch back to their normal length. This lengthening
may cause slight muscle soreness similar to that brought on by rigorous
exercise. If you experience these sensations, be assured that
within
days you’ll likely be enjoying the benefits of improved
spinal motion
with less pain that results from a healthier spine. For the best
results, follow the plan that your doctor of
chiropractic recommends
for you.
How much chiropractic care will I need?
The
number of visits
you make to your chiropractor depends on the nature of your condition
and your personal goals. Many people use chiropractic as part of a
preventive health care
routine, scheduling chiropractic appointments on a regular basis to
keep their bodies functioning at their best. Others seek care and
treatment for specific conditions with the primary goal of treatment
being pain relief. It is important for you to discuss your objectives
with your chiropractor in order to develop a treatment plan that works
best for you.
Keep in mind, healing rates vary from person to person. Children
tend to respond more quickly to treatment, whereas adults and seniors
may respond more slowly. A good rule of thumb is that the longer the
spine has not been working properly, the more extensive the care plan
may be to achieve desired results.
Is chiropractic care expensive? Will my insurance cover it?
Chiropractic
has
demonstrated itself to be one of the most cost-effective forms of care
in all of the health care market. As with any product or service, fees
vary by provider and location.
Many health care plans provide coverage for chiropractic care. Check
with your benefits manager to find out what coverage you may have with
your health plan. Also, talk with your prospective doctor of
chiropractic to learn about your payment options. Many patients pay
directly for care, as they discover chiropractic to be extremely
cost-effective and affordable.
Columbus, OH 43204
Questions and Scheduling: (614) 279-2525
