Chiropractic Care
Our Board-Certified Chiropractor is specially trained in orthopedic and neurological testing, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, Thompson Terminal techniques, and Palmer Gonstead techniques. The doctor can help you find relief from your symptoms with a variety of non-surgical, non-medication methods including gentle chiropractic manipulation, massage, and exercise. You will benefit from our doctor’s experience and expertise with over 25 years in practice.
What is Chiropractic Medicine?
Chiropractic is the third largest area of medicine and the largest Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) profession. Chiropractic is based on the philosophies that all bodily functions are connected and that healing involves the entire body; a healthy nervous system and spine is the key to a healthy body; and that the body can maintain health and healing when all of the body systems are in harmony.
Chiropractors believe that misalignment in the spine, termed subluxation, is one of the main causes of pain and disease. After a thorough medical history review and physical examination, they use a “hands on” treatment approach that carefully incorporates manipulation, pressure, traction, and massage to relieve nerve pressure, pain, and restore movement and homeostasis. In addition to gentle manual adjustments, chiropractors use a variety of treatment modalities, including ultrasound, physiotherapy, lifestyle and nutrition counseling, and exercise.
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What are the benefits of Chiropractic Medicine?
Chiropractic Medicine employs a variety of treatment methods to relieve musculoskeletal and nerve related pain and discomfort while increasing joint mobility. Chiropractic Medicine does not involve surgery or medications. However, many chiropractors work closely with a medical doctor that may prescribe pain medication. Patients may be referred to a medical doctor if chiropractic care is not appropriate and if it appears that surgery may be necessary.
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Myths Dispelled
MYTH: Chiropractors only treat back problems.
TRUTH: Chiropractors do provide adjustments to help relieve back pain, but they also provide a full spectrum of services including acupuncture, electrical muscle stimulation, nutrition counseling, stress management, therapeutic ultrasound, massage, and exercise therapy instruction. They treat a variety of diagnoses related to headaches, sinus problems, joint dysfunction, pain, and leg and arm disorders.
MYTH: Chiropractors are fakes, quacks, or not “real” doctors.
TRUTH: Chiropractors are highly educated professionals that are regulated by a national board and state licensure. Doctors of Chiropractic are distinguished by the letters DC following their names. Doctors of Chiropractic successfully complete an undergraduate study, usually in pre-medicine, and four to five additional years of advanced study at an accredited College of Chiropractic. The chiropractic curriculum focuses on biomechanics, radiology, adjustments, and natural medicine. Following the successful completion of didactic requirements, candidates must pass a stringent national examination by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, as well as separate state board exams. Licensure requirements also include yearly continuing education requirements. Chiropractors can earn Diplomat Certification in a variety of clinical special interest areas, such as neurology, orthopedics, sports injuries, or nutrition.
MYTH: Chiropractic adjustment will cause a stroke.
TRUTH: The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) states that neck adjustment is a safe procedure. Although there have been reports of a certain type of stroke, a vertebral artery dissection, during high-velocity neck manipulation, there is not a clear understanding of the association. The occurrence appears to be rare based on research to date—1 in 5.85 million manipulations.
MYTH: Successful chiropractic adjustment causes a loud popping noise.
TRUTH: In some cases, chiropractic adjustment may cause a popping noise as surfaces glide across each other. However, in most case a noise is not created during an adjustment procedure. Further, a loud popping noise is not necessarily the telltale sign that a treatment is a success.
MYTH: Chiropractors are glorified salespeople; they will try to get you to come back for unnecessary treatments because they are after your money.
TRUTH: Chiropractors are licensed professionals. Their goal is to help you attain symptom relief and optimal health and functioning. Your chiropractor will review your treatment plan with you, including the number of visits you can expect, the anticipated outcome, and the cost of services before you begin treatment. In many cases, treatment goals can be achieved after just one visit. In some cases, more than one type of treatment or several visits may be necessary.
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