There are several online chiropractor directory websites that are helpful for people who are trying to locate or research chiropractic physicians in their areas. These directories list current chiropractors state by state and their purpose is to create an easy to find database for current and prospective chiropractic patients. Chiropractic associations, such as the ACA, have websites that not only provide a directory of chiropractic physicians but also provide current chiropractic health information for both practitioners as well as for patients. A person can search these directories by entering a specific doctor, clinic, location, city, state or zip code. Some directories may also provide detailed maps and directions to the chiropractic clinics as well. A chiropractic directory can also include a detailed list of chiropractic associations, past and current chiropractic articles, alternative health care news, blogs by various chiropractic physicians and past and current research news and updates. Patients may also view chiropractic physician reviews through a directory, giving them a better idea as to the kind of experience and care other patients have received from certain doctors. Some directory websites may also provide information about specific health conditions and disorders that chiropractic physicians can possibly help to treat in their clinics. These listings can help by allowing a search for specific treatment options such as acupuncture, massage therapy, sports therapy, decompression treatment, nutritional counseling and traction.

Chiropractic Physicians and Chiropractic Students

Chiropractic physicians can use chiropractic directories to advertise their clinics. These directories help them to get the public more aware of their services and specialties. Both chiropractic physicians and chiropractic students can search directories for continuing education courses, employment postings, available equipment listings, reviews for chiropractic products, professional practices that are for sale and lists of chiropractic schools. Chiropractic directories are useful for both physicians and patients as they connect one to the other. They can help prospective patients learn more about the profession, read about specific doctors, what to expect at a visit and how to choose a chiropractor that fits well with their individual health care needs. Health insurance companies also provide a directory of chiropractic physicians that are networked with their company. These directories are useful in helping a patient to find what chiropractic offices will accept their health insurance plan. Because of these online search tools, no matter where a patient lives, they will be able to search and locate a chiropractic physician that is able to meet their health care needs.

References Cited in this Article

www.chirodirectory.com

www.chiropractor-pages.com

www.chiropracticdirectories.org                    www.chirohub.com

Chiropractors are physicians that specialize in treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They are referred to as chiropractors, doctors of chiropractic and chiropractic physicians. Depending on which educational institution they graduated from, the style in which they practice will vary. There is a distinctive ideology divide within the profession that stems from different teachings about the role of chiropractic within the medical community. Some chiropractors believe that chiropractic manipulations are the only necessary treatment for the improvement of all bodily ailments. They attribute all forms of dysfunction as the end result of subluxations of the spine. They believe that when a subluxation has been corrected with spinal manipulation, the specific health issues will resolve. This form of chiropractic is based upon the belief that subluxations in the spine lead to dysfunction of the nervous system which in turn will cause health problems. The other type of chiropractic physician practices as an evidence-based physician. They will refer to other specialties when necessary and offer services such as physical therapy exercises, rehabilitative programs and nutritional counseling. This type of chiropractor generally works within a group of other physicians or other providers. Depending on what type of  chiropractor you feel most comfortable with, it is important to research the chiropractic physicians in your area to find out who you feel will be the best able to help with your specific health care needs.

Initial Chiropractic Consultation

An initial chiropractic consultation will begin with filling out an intake form, detailing your past and current medical history. A discussion with the chiropractor about any health issues will better enable them to create a treatment plan if it is decided that chiropractic care is indicated and appropriate. Following the discussion of the health history, a physical examination will be performed to help reach an accurate diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging may be necessary for some patients. After the health history and physical exam are completed, the following care you receive will vary at this point depending on what type of chiropractor you have chosen. It is generally advised to avoid a chiropractor that recommends a high number of visits and requires a patient to sign forms agreeing to the high amount of visits and possibly requiring payment in advance for treatment. As with any health care practitioner, if treatment is providing no improvement or if symptoms are worsening, speak to the doctor to discuss other forms of treatment that may be more beneficial.

References Cited in this Article

www.bls.gov

Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to an increased risk of fracture due to the bones being weak and brittle.  In this condition, the BMD (Bone Mineral Density) is greatly diminished as shown on a bone-scan known as DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry).  This condition is most common in women after menopause; however, it can occur at any age and may also occur in men.  Sometimes, individuals may also get Osteoporosis from certain medications like glucocorticoids.  Other factors that may lead to Osteoporosis include over-consumption of dietary protein, and diseases of the parathyroid like Hyperparathyroidism.  Fortunately, OA is a preventable disease.  Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and supplements can greatly reduce a person’s chances for contracting OA.  There really aren’t any signs and symptoms of OA; some people won’t even realize they have this condition until they suffer from a fall and/or fracture.  Since elderly people have an increased risk of falling as they age, prevention is the key. 

Risk Factors

There are some risk factors that may predispose someone to getting Osteoporosis and include the following: excessive alcohol, tobacco smoking, excessive Vitamin D deficiency, malnutrition, heavy metals, caffeine consumption, or someone who is either underweight or inactive.  Risk factors that are unfortunately non-modifiable include: being female, of advanced age, having an estrogen deficiency, and those with European or Asian descent. 

Diseases associated with Osteoporosis

In addition, there are a host of diseases and disorders that have been linked to Osteoporosis and include the following: immobilization, a Vitamin B or K deficiency, renal insufficiency, Hematologic disorders, Scoliosis of an unknown cause, malnutrition, Hypo-gonadal diseases, and some inherited disorders.  If you have any of the above mentioned diseases or disorders it crucial to speak with your primary care physician to know your risk for getting Osteoporosis and have a DEXA scan preformed to check the bone density. 

Chiropractic Care and Osteoporosis

Chiropractors need to be extremely careful when treating Osteoporotic patients because their bones are so weak and brittle.  It is necessary to use a light-force technique such as the Activator tool or SOT (sacral occipital technique) to adjust the patient’s spine, especially where it is Osteoporotic.  Once the patient exhibits the signs of Osteoporosis they cannot be reversed.  The doctor can only help to stop the progression and reduce any signs and symptoms the patient may have.

Do you experience any type of numbness in your extremities?  Unfortunately, there are many causes for Numbness.  Some of the causes include: sitting for extended periods of time, nerve injury, pressure on local and peripheral nerves, shingles, herpes zoster, lack of blood supply, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Seizures, Stroke, Migraines, lack of B12 in the diet, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. 

Herniated Disk

The vertebral column is made up of bones called vertebra.  In between these bones are fibrocartilage jelly-like disks which absorb the shock of the spine.  When were young, these disks are well-lubricated with water; however, as we age wear and tear can cause the breakdown of these delicate disks causing possible disc herniations.  Disc herniations may be contained or non-contained.  In addition to these criteria, they may also be a sequestration, involution, or extrusion.  Herniated discs may cause a number of signs and symptoms not limited to: muscle weakness, pain, inflammation, reduced reflexes and sensations, numbness, and tingling.  Diagnosis of a herniated disk is performed with a through case history and physical exam, this may also include special diagnostic imaging such as an x-ray or MRI.  An MRI is the most sensitive test for a disk herniation.  This will show the exact location and severity of the disk bulge, in addition to determining whether the bulge is pressing on the spinal cord.  When a disk herniation is present in the cervical spine, the patient may experience numbness and tingling down one or both arms; however, if the disc herniation is present in the lumbar spine, the patient will experience numbness and tingling down the posterior leg into the calf and possibly down to the foot.  This will mimic the symptoms of a relatively common condition known as Sciatica. 

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care is essentially for patients suffering from any type of numbness or tingling.  This is almost always nerve-related and may be treated through manual manipulations to the spine and/or extremities.  Chiropractors are trained in the art of the nervous system, the most important organ system in the entire human body which controls and coordinates every organ and body part.  They will use static and kinetic palpation to effectively determine the level of subluxation within the spine and/or extremities.  They will then deliver a HVLA (high velocity low amplitude) thrust in the plane line of the facets to correct the mis-alignment.  They may also incorporate the use of physiotherapy modalities to speed up the recovery process and reduce the numbness and tingling symptoms.

As you drive through a city, a town, a suburb or even a small rural town, you may see many local businesses. Without a doubt,  included in these businesses you probably will see a local chiropractor. You may wonder what it is that this local chiropractor does.  A chiropractic physician (or ‘practitioner’ depending on the state language) is a doctor, who, by conservative means, evaluates and treats many ailments that one may encounter. The term chiropractic literally means “to do by hand”. This translates more generally to a treatment method in which doctors of chiropractic utilize a ‘hands-on’ approach to healthcare. Specifically, a chiropractor will use a spinal manipulation to affect the ailment, in historical cases a vertebral subluxation complex. The subluxation complex results in a misalignment of a vertebral segment which results in altered nerve function. Nerve dysfunction may result in anything from decreased organ function to pain to nerve symptoms to altered joint mechanics. It is largely disagreed upon what the subluxation is or if it even exists, however there is much literature about the effects of spinal manipulation itself. 

A Natural Approach to Healthcare

There are many varying treatment techniques that one chiropractor may do versus another that you may encounter in a given town. For example one chiropractor that you may visit will utilize treatment via spinal manipulation only to have a desired effect on a given ailment. Contrast this with another chiropractor who may utilize spinal manipulation in conjunction with other therapies ranging from physiotherapy modalities including electric stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, diathermy, micro-current, heat, cold and many more. In addition to modalities, such a chiropractor might use exercise and rehabilitation and various soft tissue techniques or a mixture of all of the above depending on the patient. Over the past 20+ years, chiropractic has been viewed as part of CAM (complimentary alternative medicine) therapy and in many cases integrated into mainstream medicine. There are varying philosophies and divergent views within the profession, but regardless of these facts and diversity, at the heart of the profession is a natural approach to healthcare which is treatment without drugs and surgery.  It has been successful as well, at least in the public opinion, as according to a 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a survey of CAM. Approximately 8 percent of adults and 3 percent of children (which is more than 2 million) had received a manipulation either done by an osteopathic or a chiropractic physician over the course of one year. If you seek out treatment for muscle, joint, nerve pain, chiropractic treatment is a viable option which does not include the side effect of drugs or surgery.

References Cited in this Article

Definition of Chiropractor    http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2707

Chiropractic as spine care: a model for the profession  Chiropractic and Manual Therapies.  Nelson, Lawrence  http://www.chiroandosteo.com/content/13/1/9

Chiropractic: An Introduction from the NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)    http://nccam.nih.gov/health/chiropractic/introduction.htm

Chiropractic medicine is a beneficial complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. The profession has become more widely embraced by patients and other healthcare providers as a legitimate conservative treatment option for people who suffer from musculoskeletal problems. When a patient chooses a physician for their healthcare needs, they want to make sure that they are choosing the best specialist for their individual health needs. It is difficult to say who the “best” chiropractors are because that opinion is just that, an opinion. Because within the chiropractic profession there are many different forms of care provided, as a patient, it is a personal choice as to who they would like to choose as their chiropractic physician. Chiropractic physicians hold different practice philosophies and employ different techniques when treating their patients. For these reasons, prospective patients who are considering chiropractic care for treatment often times ask their primary care physician or family and friends for recommendations. Doing an online search of chiropractic physicians in an area is a good choice as well. This search will allow the patient to view pictures of the clinic, read about the doctor and their education, to see which forms of care they offer and what types of payment options are available.

Ask Questions

 When looking for an appropriate chiropractic physician to treat individual health needs, a patient should ask questions about the doctor’s treatment style. Are the spinal manipulations low force adjustments? Does the chiropractor use an activator tool more often than a manual adjustment? Is the chiropractic physician well experienced in treating the disorder that you are seeking help for? Does the chiropractor work well with other healthcare providers that you may be referred to? There are several statements that are red flags for a patient if they hear them from the chiropractic physician. If a chiropractor claims to a patient that their spinal manipulations can cure cancer, arthritis or other chronic health conditions, this would be a reason to choose a different chiropractor. Some chiropractors will offer spinal consultations to new patients and then ask them to sign up for prolonged treatment plans that are not medically necessary. These prolonged plans include signing up for 3 chiropractic visits per week for 6 to 12 months followed by 2 visits per week for an additional 6 to 12 months and then once per week for another 6 to 12 months. This would not be the best chiropractic physician choice. Once a patient is educated on the chiropractic profession and the differences between doctors, they will be able to confidently choose a provider that is a good fit for them.

References Cited in this Article

www.spine-health.com

www.consumerresearchcncl.org

According to the medical dictionary on WebMD’s website, physical therapy is the treatment of pain, disease, or injury by physical means. Physical therapy can be performed by chiropractic physicians for their patients who complain of varied musculoskeletal disorders due to trauma or because of mechanical overuse injuries. The goals of physical therapy are to decrease any pain and to promote and maintain function and movement of the human body by means of passive and active physical exercises. Passive physical therapy is designed to begin the therapy process by decreasing pain in the patient. This therapy includes the use of heat and ice therapy, to decrease inflammation and pain, ultrasound, which is a deep heat that applies sound waves that reach to the soft tissues to help decrease acute pain and also may promote healing in those tissues, and a TENS unit, a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, which is a small handheld device that attaches to the skin with electrodes that deliver high to low frequency stimulation to areas of the body that are causing pain to the patient. These modalities of passive physical therapy usually begin the process and are then followed by active physical therapy.

Active Physical Therapy

The modalities of active physical therapy are a bit more specific to individual needs compared to the passive form. A therapist or chiropractic physician will perform a physical examination and take a health history to determine the amount of pain, the duration and location of the pain and the ability of the patient to perform activities based on their pain. Physical therapy for the treatment of back pain and dysfunction is an essential option for the rehabilitation of the spine and its stabilizing muscles. The rehab involved includes stretching and strengthening exercises as well as low-impact aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking or bicycling. Exercises and stretches that are taught to a patient in the medical office will most usually be prescribed for the patient to perform at home, once the patient is familiar with the format and feels comfortable going through the program on their own. This at-home program is necessary for the patient to achieve success and also teaches the patient to focus on the correct exercises and strengthening to prevent future injury. In general, physical therapy has a number of specialties for patients of all ages presenting with many different types of musculoskeletal ailments related to trauma/injury, age, disease and improper body mechanics.

References Cited in this Article

www.webmd.com

www.wikipedia.org

www.spine-health.com

Spinal Decompression Therapy

People suffering from a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and face joint syndrome should consider seeking a spinal specialist for spinal decompression therapy.  Patients can avoid back surgery if they choose to receive this treatment.  Back surgery is often a painful experience and has many risks and complications that could follow.  It is best to avoid surgery if possible.  This type of treatment has been a breakthrough in the medical world because of its effective results and long term pain relief.  Spinal decompression therapy works by gently massaging and stretching the spine, removing strain off the discs and vertebra.  You should consider spinal decompression treatment if you are dependant on pain medications, limited to daily activities, received epidurals but don’t feel any pain relief, and/or considering surgery. 

Costs

Spinal Decompression Therapy costs can range between $2000 – $6000 dollars, depending on where you go.  This seems expensive, but when you consider the other options, it is relatively inexpensive.  If you considered having back surgery you would have to pay for the hospital and therapy costs and not to mention all the time off work you would have to take.  With spinal decompression treatment, you will not miss a day of work and you won’t have to cover hospital bills.  In addition, the risks of back surgery are very high and could cause complications.  The Journal of American Medical Association says there is no proof that surgery is more effective than non-invasive methods for patients with herniated discs and back pain.   

There’s a vast array of Chiropractic techniques available for the student and practicing Doctor of Chiropractic.  They include but are not limited to:

• Activator Methods
• Blair
• Chiropractic Bio-Physics (CBP)
• Diversified
• Flexion-Distraction
• Full-spine specific
• Gonstead
• Graston
• Hole-in-one technique (HIO) 
• Sacral-Occipital technique (SOT)
• Thompson

These techniques can all be discussed in great detail but I will choose one, Thompson technique.  One component of the Thompson technique describes a Bilateral Cervical Syndrome as an AS occiput.  This is one of the 3 possibilities when the patient’s legs are even in extension.  It could also mean they have an X-Derefield, or they have no Thompson-Derefield listings that visit.  The Bilateral Cervical Syndrome is possibly the result of the suboccipital muscles pulling inferiorly on the posterior occiput resulting in an AS occiput.  As the posterior aspect of the occiput goes inferiorly, the anterior aspect of the occiput goes anterior and superior.  The analysis of the Bilateral Cervical Syndrome is as follows: the patient’s legs must be even in the extended position, rotating the head to the left causes the left leg to go short and rotating the head to the patient’s right causes the right leg to go short.  You must observe both to qualify as a Bilateral Cervical Syndrome.   

A subluxation is known as a misalignment in the vertebrae which can cause a lot of back pain for some people.  Chiropractors complete full examinations to locate a subluxation and will proceed to perform the appropriate chiropractic adjustment.  In order for a chiropractor to fix a misalignment, they must apply pressure to the bone.  The bone will then realign itself in the proper position.  It may take several treatments for the correction to take place because the muscles have a tendency to restore the bone back to its old position. 

Techniques

There are many different techniques a chiropractor can use to perform an adjustment.  Some physicians will ask their patients to lie down, while others will require that patients sit up for treatment.  Some physicians will use movable tables with adjustable head and foot rests, and some will use stationary tables.  Whichever technique the physician chooses to use, it is important to remember that every chiropractor has studied and practiced adjustments very precisely to give the patient the most pain relief possible. 

What to expect

Very few patients feel discomfort from a spinal adjustment because there is little pressure applied and minimal force is used.  Patients may hear a popping sound, but there is no reason to worry.  The popping noises are completely normal and are caused from tiny pockets releasing gas.  The treatment may cause discomfort for patients who are tense, but are typically pain free for most individuals.