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 | Frequently Asked Questions |
About Chiropractic What is a Chiropractic technique? How is a Subluxation Corrected? Does Effective Adjustment have to make Noise?
About the Chiropractor What Type of Education do Doctors of Chiropractic receive?
About the Facilities and Practice Chiropractic Techniques practiced
About Payment
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Chiropractic is the Science, Art and Philosophy that concerns itself with the restoration of good health by restoring and maintaining a properly functioning nervous system, without the use of drugs or surgery. Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body. The skull protects the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine protect the vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots. If the nervous system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Doctors of Chiropractic call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. The Chiropractic adjustment has been proven to increase motion, increase circulation, reduce swelling and pain, and remove nervous irritation. Once this nervous irritation is removed, your body is able to do what it is designed to do - heal itself.
What is a Chiropractic technique? While the fundamentals of chiropractic care are the foundation of the profession, chiropractic colleges, teach many different techniques that may be used in certain conditions. A founder of a successful technique will also set up training seminars for doctors.
Chiropractors help in restoring nervous system function. Many chiropractors also focus on the biopmechanics of the body such as joint motion. Helping to restore proper spinal bio-mechanics and improved nervous system function begins with a case history. Your case history is vital, as it reveals the background about your health such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details which brought you into the office. After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-ray may be taken which will help uncover structural and functional problems. Then, once the examination is complete, your chiropractor will explain the findings and outline a treatment plan. Progress is then monitored with periodic examination and follow-up reports.
What Type of Education do Doctors of Chiropractic receive? Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is extremely well educated. The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, bio-mechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to be primary care providers. The responsibility of a primary care provider is to properly access the current state of the patient and determine what type of care is necessary. This could mean using a variety of therapies or even a referral to another specialist. Before beginning Chiropractic school, chiropractic students need to complete 2 to 4 years of undergraduate education to obtain the necessary prerequisites or degrees. A chiropractic student then completes 4 years of graduate school to receive a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Each student must then pass both Federal and Provincial board examinations in order to receive a license to practice chiropractic. It takes about 7-8 years of post-secondary schooling to learn how to be a chiropractor!
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction to aid in restoring proper function to the body.
There are literally thousands of published scientific studies proving chiropractic's safety and effectiveness. In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, chiropractic care is "remarkably safe."
The word "subluxation" comes from the Latin words meaning "to dislocate" (luxate) and "somewhat or slightly" (sub). A subluxation means a slight dislocation (misalignment) or biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (bones of the spine). These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and blood vessels which branch off from the spinal cord between each of the vertebrae. This irritation may cause dysfunction in the normal body processes.
A fall, injury, sudden jar, trauma, or sometimes an inherited spinal weakness can cause a subluxation. Other causes can include organ related problems, chemical irritants, poor posture, occupational hazards, incorrect lifting practices, obesity, lack of rest and exercise, and emotional stress.
How is a Subluxation Corrected? Doctors of Chiropractic are specialists in correcting subluxations. They do this by utilizing the chiropractic procedure known as "the adjustment." Your chiropractor, will use his or her hands or an adjusting instrument to apply a corrective thrust in a specific direction and location. The thrust helps restore the normal functions of the nervous system. The adjustment also aids in restoring the natural alignment and mobility of the vertebrae.
Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. Many patients actually enjoy receiving the adjustment. In cases of recent trauma, such as whiplash, mild discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation.
Does Effective Adjustment have to make Noise? It is a common misconception that your joints must make a noise to be properly adjusted. However, more often than not when your vertebrae are adjusted, the smooth articular (joint) surfaces become separated, creating and then releasing a small vacuum, making a noise. This is the sound made when you crack your knuckles. Your chiropractor is concerned with the position of your vertebrae, not with the noise that may occur.
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This website ChiroDirectory is designed to help you choose the chiropractor who can best help you attain your goals of health improvement and maintenance. By taking just a few minutes, you can access The National Directory of Chiropractic's years of accumulated data, categorized by chiropractor, location, and available complementary therapies. There is even a section on techniques, which describes the many different methods that chiropractors use, so that you can make a truly educated choice.
The first step in finding the right chiropractor for you is honestly assessing your situation. Are you in need of Symptom Management/Acute Pain Relief, or do you live with Chronic Pain? Are you generally in good health and (just) want Maintenance Care? Perhaps you have an interest in Lifestyle Modification, or maybe it is a Primary Care physician you seek?
Once you know what your personal goals are, the primary question becomes; "Which clinic should I go to?". The individual clinic's services can vary greatly as well as the goals and philosophy of the clinic. Even though chiropractors have a standard formal education, their specialties and post graduate emphasis may vary greatly. Learning about the chiropractic techniques as well as other earned Honors/Certifications will shed additional light on a clinic's style There are many methods of chiropractic care; some Techniques are intuitive, some are more analytical, and where one uses a more intensive manipulation, another will use a gentle, non-force movement. The gender of the doctor is very important to some, as well as the years that doctor has been in practice.
We have a financial plan that works with your insurance, no matter how extensive or minimal your coverage might be. It’s called Unlimited Chiropractic Care At A Fixed Fee(UCCAFF). This plan enables patients to get the care they want without the financial burden and has made services so affordable that we do have a large percentage of cash paying patients. The major insurances that we participate with are the Traditional Plans of Horizon Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Landmark, United Healthcare, Aetna, Oxford and GHI. We do participate in many other smaller insurances as well. If coverage is a concern, the best way to check is to call your insurance company or call our office to confirm whether or not we are a participating provider.
With Chirodirectory you can be informed what Insurance is accepted, as well as other forms of payment such as credit cards or personal checks.
The Location of a clinic is of the utmost significance; if it is close by, you are more likely to visit often. Modern Equipment can make a world of difference, too. For example, there are new breakthroughs in X-ray machines that use a fraction of the radiation than in the past. Do you want to have your treatment first thing in the morning, or do you prefer to have it after your day is through? The Hours of Operation will assist in this part of your decision.
Many chiropractors perform complementary therapies, or have additional practitioners in their clinics who offer these complementary therapies. There are a multitude of choices, including, massage, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, cleansing programs, rehabilitative services, exercise plans, acupuncture, and more.
Chiropractic Techniques practiced Thompson Terminal Point Technique is built around the research of Dr. Derifield of Detroit Michigan. Dr. Derifield noticed that the same adjustment on two patients with the same analysis did not always give the same results. As he gained more experience, he found that the answer lay in determining through analysis whether the subluxation was lower spine or cervical. Analysis of the patient's subluxations, using the Derifield Technique, depends upon a very accurate leg check. Dr.Derifield created a set of rules for checking the legs to determine the point of the subluxation in the pelvic and lumbar area. It was further determined that turning the head in certain ways helped to balance the legs. Later Dr. Niblo added testing various trigger points on the side of the short leg, and adjusting the anterior ischium, producing astonishing results. Using a Thompson terminal point table, which is especially designed for the Derifield technique, a special weighing mechanism in the terminal point table instantly weights the patient and adds only enough tension to hold the patient in the "up" position before the thrust is given. Diversified Technique is the classic chiropractic technique, developed by D.D. Palmer, DC. and taught in all chiropractic colleges. Diversified Technique was refined and developed by the late Otto Reinert, DC, to address biomechanical failure in each section of the spine, as it relates to specific subluxation. The focus is on restoration to normal biomechanical function, and correction of subluxation. In addition, Diversified methods have been developed to adjust extremity joints, allowing for beneficial applications in treating sports injuries and other injuries. Diversified adjusting of the spine uses specific lines of drives for all manual thrusts, allowing for specificity in correcting mechanical distortions of the spine. X-rays and case histories are used in analysis and diagnosis. No instruments are used in the adjusting procedure. Motion palpitation and full spine, hands-on techniques are used to deliver a deeper thrust, which makes an osseous (popping) sound as the adjustment is given. Sacro Occipital Technique of Chiropractic (SOT) and Chiropractic Craniopathy is grounded in scientific research. Since the early 1900's, SOT has consistently delivered exceptional results while emphasizing patient comfort. SOT is a total body technique. Its broad scope includes not only the back and neck but also the internal organs, extremities and cranial structures. In SOT the primary focus is upon structural stability and integrity as well as neurological function. The basis of the human structure is the pelvis and the cranium. The spine, shoulders, neck and head sit upon the pelvis and are subject to the stresses and strains of gravity. These structures, as well as the rest of the body, are functionally maintained and controlled by the brain through the nervous system. Brain function is dependent upon optimal motion and alignment of the cranial bones and cranial dura. Located below the pelvis is the locomotion system: the legs and feet. All structures of the body are essential to the integrity of the whole. Additionally, organ function depends upon proper nerve supply from the spine. The spine in turn receives nerve reflexes from the organs that can compromise spinal mechanics. Therefore, the alignment, balance and optimal function of the cranium, pelvis, each spinal segment, organs and all of the extremities are essential to optimal health. Cox Technique founder, Dr. Cox explains Cox Technique / Flexion-Distraction as a marriage of chiropractic principles with osteopathic principles. These principles were set forth by Alan Stoddard, DO, in his book, 'Manual of Osteopathic Technique' written about the manipulative procedures developed by John McManis, DO, in the early 1900's. Since the early 1970's, Dr. Cox has refined the technique; developed a manipulation instrument for effective use of the technique; conducted clinical, as well as participated in experimental, research; lectured around the world; and written well-received articles, chapters for textbooks, and textbooks. Cox Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-force adjusting procedure that works with the body's natural design to aid it in healing. Dr. Cox has developed a special table for effective use of the technique. The Cox Table, a Flexion -Distraction table, is used to apply the distraction spinal manipulation adjustment. What to expect from this technique: Tractioning the spine and then flexing it can resolve pain from joint and disc problems painlessly. It is a powerfully effective, conservative approach to low back and leg pain, and an alternative to explore before recommending surgery. For patients with non-disc related conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional vertebra, sacroiliac subluxation, stenosis), Cox Flexion-Distraction provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to place spinal joints into normal movements to restore spinal motion without pain.
Family Practice is a term that indicates the Chiropractic doctor serves the entire family for their chiropractic needs. Extremities is a subspecialty in which the doctor, in addition to working with the whole spine, works with the different joints of the body such as elbows, shoulders, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. Low-Force is a style of adjustment whereby the adjustment is performed using low force. Typically, there is not a popping sound from the body using this specialty, as minimal force is used in the treatment. |
