FAQ from the American Chiropractic Association Website
What is Chiropractic?
The art, science and philosophy of chiropractic emphasizes the nervous system's interaction with the whole body. Rather than focusing on symptoms, chiropractors have a holistic approach to wellness that utilizes therapeutic techniques and lifestyle changes to correct neuro-musculoskeletal disorders and promote the body's natural healing ability.
When was chiropractic founded?
Chiropractic as we know it today was founded in Iowa in 1895 by Dr. David Palmer, coincidentally the same year X-Rays were invented.
Are Chiropractors real doctors?
Yes, Chiropractors are certified doctors, trained to practice chiropractic care. Chiropractic training requires 4 years of post-graduate education, just like your family physician. Following graduation from a degree program, chiropractic doctors must pass National Board Examinations and state licensing tests before they may practice. There are only 9 chiropractic colleges in North America, meaning the coursework is rigorous and extremely selective.
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.
How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain, and restore or enhance joint function. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.
Does Chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are painless; in fact, the adjustment may feel good and can be relieving. If you've had a recent injury, however, adjustments can irritate inflamed tissue and cause some discomfort. Some people also experience odd sensations in their extremities after adjustments. This is a normal reaction to the relieving of pressure on nerves and is usually no cause for concern.
How will the adjustment help me?
Chiropractic adjustments help eliminate interference that prevents your body from healing itself. Misaligned vertebrae interfere with your nervous system, which affects organs and muscles throughout your body. Your chiropractor treats the underlying problem, which can alleviate painful symptoms.
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound – it’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released. There is no pain involved.
How does chiropractic relieve headaches?
An often overlooked cause of headaches is the malfunction of spinal bones in the neck or upper back. Nerves and blood vessels to the head can be affected when spinal bones lost their normal motion or position. Chiropractic adjustment can bring correction and relief.
Can chiropractic reduce neck pain?
Yes. Pain is a symptom of an underlying problem. Pain relievers, such as aspirin, simply cover the pain without treating it. Massage may feel good but doesn’t address the cause. Chiropractic treats the underlying causes. After reviewing your exam results and health history your chiropractor will use specific adjustments to improve the motion and position of your spinal vertebrae. With improved function and structure your neck pain may diminish or disappear completely.
Can chiropractic treat “whiplash”?
If caught early enough, inflammation and scar tissue can be minimized, leading to faster and fuller recovery. Whiplash is usually caused by collisions during auto accidents, sports, slips and falls. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth it can cause muscles and ligaments to be torn or stretched. Spinal discs can bulge, tear or rupture. Vertebrae forced out of their normal position have reduced range of motion.
Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
No, a patient does not need referral by an MD before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are first contact physicians, and are so defined in federal and state regulations. Following a consultation and examination, the doctor of chiropractic will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.
Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e. taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.
How long does the first visit take?
The first visit to our office will usually take about 45 minutes to evaluate your condition and to see what kind of care you require.
Dr. John can be reached by phone at 303-521-0130
or via email at drjohn@elevation-chiro.com