Chiropractice, also known as Chiropractic, care should only be performed by real Chiropractor. Chiropractors have to go through seven years of Chiropractic schooling and take all the necessary state board licensure testing in order to practice Chiropractic care.  You should never receive adjustments from a massage therapist or friend, unless they are also a state licensed Chiropractor.  Chiropractic care has been around for thousands of years. It started out in 1895 by Dr. Palmer and has evolved over the years. 

Today’s Chiropractic care

Today, there are several different machines and extra tools that can be used to assist the patients in their recovery time.  Today there are moist heat machines that help to assist the patients in relaxing before receiving their adjustments.  There are also traction devices which assist in the adjustments holding better along with other machines to assist in the removal of built up scar tissue around the joints.  Each Chiropractor will have different machines and extra tools available to the patient if needed.   Chiropractic care is recommended for all age groups, babies, teenagers, the elderly, and adults.  They can all benefit from receiving chiropractic care and adjustments.  Most Chiropractors also take all major insurance cards.  Most insurance companies support Chiropractic care and have an allotment you can use each year.  Some Chiropractors also have in house massage therapists on staff.  This is another benefit to the patient as some insurance policies also allow for an allotment for massages through your Chiropractor.  You can call your insurance company to get more information on the allotment you are allowed per year, and which doctors are covered through your insurance policy.

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 chiropractic manipulation is essentially an adjustment of the vertebra or bone in a specific line of drive, using a streamlined depth and amplitude to correct a misalignment or “subluxation.”  A chiropractic manipulation is only performed by a licensed, skilled Chiropractor with years of education. 

Misalignment

A Chiropractor determines a misalignment or subluxation by using static and kinetic palpation through the use of their own fingertips.  Once the subluxation is determined the Chiropractor will then choose the most appropriate technique fit for the area of the spine and the body type of the individual patient.  Certain body areas take much more force or less force depending on the underlying soft tissue and size of the bones themselves. 

Safe

The goal of the chiropractic adjustment is to deliver high velocity low amplitude thrust in most cases.  This decreases the chances of injury and doesn’t allow the body’s muscles to react by splinting like a muscle spasm.  Chiropractors are proficiently trained in the art of manipulation with their hands by studying over 75 courses and 4,500 hours of instruction in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting.  Once they complete this feat, they must complete continuing education each year to retain their licensure in the state in which they practice.  This ensures the safety of the public and the competency of the practicing Chiropractor.  Moreover, a chiropractic manipulation is safe and effective when performed correctly but there can be associated risks with manipulation.  Some of the population believes that Chiropractors are known to cause strokes, which is entirely untrue.  Most individuals who suffer a stroke after a manipulation had the signs of the stroke prior to the manipulation and they weren’t read as red flags by the practicing doctor.     

Over the years Chiropractic health care has risen in every community and is becoming a modern health care alternative to allopathic medicine.  Chiropractic began in 1895 with Daniel David Palmer (D.D Palmer) in Iowa.  He is known as the developer of Chiropractic, and started Palmer College in 1897.  His first patient was a janitor names Harvey Lilliard, who was deaf.  In 1906, D.D Palmer’s son B.J Palme,r fondly known as the developer, of Chiropractic took over the college.  B.J accepted using x-ray in conjunction with chiropractic, contrary to his father. 

Chiropractic College

Currently, there are 16 accredited colleges of Chiropractic by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).  Chiropractic students take over 75 courses and 4,500 hours of instruction to receive the doctorate of Chiropractic degree.  After completion of their coursework or while in school, students sit for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) examinations.  There are 4 primary tests in addition to Physiotherapy and an elective test for Acupuncture.  Students must have a satisfactory score set by this board or the exams must be re-administered.  Every state accepts these scores and some states require further testing in their individual state along with background checks. 

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic health care is now prominent in independent offices, hospitals, gyms, wellness centers, physical therapy centers, and sports rehabilitation facilities.  Chiropractic is one of the fastest growing careers according to “Health Guide USA, America’s Online Health Resource Guide.”  Chiropractic can assist in the treatment of common conditions like low back pain, headaches, ear infections, sinusitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, disc herniations, scoliosis, whiplash, and many more. 

There are thousands of Chiropractic clinics available around the world.  Every chiropractor’s approach is unique and different.  Some Chiropractic clinics focus on sports injuries or sports rehabilitation.  They may work on athletes or people who train for marathons or triathlons more than others.  You may want to consult with your friends, neighbors or family to acquire a referral for a chiropractor in your area, as they may know of a good local Chiropractor who can be trusted. 

Locations

Chiropractic clinics are located within a number of different areas.  A chiropractor can be located within doctors’ offices, rehabilitation centers, physical therapy clinics or even some hospitals or back specialty care clinics.

Therapies

Every Chiropractor’s approach is different.  Some Chiropractors will use different machines to assist in the recovery time, while others only use adjustments and traction devices to hold the adjustments.  Some Chiropractors may also assist in diet and nutrition.  They may have different programs available to patients who are struggling with their diet and nutrition needs.  Some Chiropractic clinics also offer on-site massage therapy. This is great before or after receiving the adjustments.  The massage therapist works side by side with the Chiropractor.  Your chiropractor can communicate the areas that need further assistance or attention. 

Insurance

Massage and chiropractic care may be covered by most your insurance policy.  You can call ahead to see if your Chiropractor or in house massage therapist will be covered by that particular insurance company.   Usually co-pays range anywhere from ten dollars and up depending on the actual insurance policy allowance for Chiropractic care.  You can call your insurance to find out how much is covered yearly or monthly for your chiropractic needs.

A chiropractic adjustment consists of a precise thrust given in a designated line of drive at a defined depth and amplitude.  A Chiropractor is the only skilled professional who can deliver such a thrust safely and effectively.  There are many different Chiropractic techniques that re-align the vertebra including but are not limited to: Diversified, Thompson, Blair, Hole-in-one, Sacral-Occipital technique, Activator, Gonstead, and Chiropractic Bio-Physics. 

Subluxation

Chiropractors determine what needs to be adjusted in the human body by assessing for subluxations.  According to www.chiro.org, “subluxation” originates in the Latin words “luxare” which means to dislocate and “sub” which means somewhat or slightly.  Chiropractic exists as the first profession to coin the term subluxation and it still surrounds the philosophy today.  Chiropractors believe that a subluxation is caused from trauma or tight muscles that pull the bones of the spine or extremities out of its proper alignment.  Subluxations cause the bones to press on the nerves, which in turn disrupt nerve conduction to crucial bodily organs.  This causes diseases to manifest within the body and typically causes symptoms within the individual. 

Conditions Treated

Chiropractors treat many conditions including low back and neck pain, sinusitis, headaches, whiplash, scoliosis, sciatica, canal stenosis, disc herniations, ear infections, and many more.  Chiropractors are proficiently trained in college completing over 75 different courses and over 4,500 contact hours in classroom/lab and clinical experience.  They use the art and science of palpation to statically and kinetically find subluxations accurately.

There are many types of spinal doctors that deal with spinal issues and dysfunction. It may be confusing as to whom you should seek for care when experiencing a problem with your spine or any other sort of musculoskeletal disorder. Depending on what type of health issue, it is important to be evaluated by the correct physician for optimal health restoration and a quicker recovery time.

When to see a Chiropractor

A chiropractic physician is a licensed doctor that practices healthcare more preventatively and conservatively than most medical doctors. A chiropractor focuses mainly on the anatomy and function of the spinal column but also on musculoskeletal disorders as well. Generally, a chiropractor treats a wide variety of patients suffering with anything from mild muscular strains to non-surgical neurological disorders. They are also available to offer nutritional counseling, modalities such as traction, heat and ice therapy, electric stimulation, ultrasound, and typically provide massage therapy services at their office as well. If a patient seeks care from a chiropractic physician and it is found that they suffer with a more serious underlying health condition that requires a different form of treatment from a different type of doctor, they will be referred to the proper specialty immediately.

References Cited in this Article

www.about.com

www.bls.gov

www.acatoday.org

There are many different Chiropractors a patient can choose from.  It’s important that the patient do thorough research before choosing an existing Chiropractor in the area.  A patient should first consult with their primary doctor before considering any Chiropractor.  They generally have a good reference of who is creditable and reliable within your area.  Patients can also chose to get a Chiropractic referral from their friends or family within the area.  Referrals are another great way to ensure the Chiropractor is dependable and credible.  A patient can also call in to speak to the Chiropractor before they schedule the appointment.  The Chiropractor may be able to do a quick assessment over the phone and talk with the patient about what methods will be used before they come into the office.   Every Chiropractor is different.  Each Chiropractor will offer different techniques and manipulations within their office.   It’s important to ask questions about what other tools the Chiropractor uses on top of their regular adjustments.  You may need other equipment or techniques to treat your issues.  It’s always important to ask before you schedule your appointment.  Some Chiropractors only use the traditional traction devices with manipulation techniques, while others use other equipment such as moist heat packs and other medical devices.  In house medical devices are also often used to help correct scar tissue damage within the neck or spine.  Many patients that have experienced whiplash may have extreme scar tissue buildup.  The in-house device will help to correct this underlying issue.   Chiropractic care is a great treatment option for someone who is having neck, back or spinal related issues.  Chiropractic care shouldn’t be abused.  It’s important that the patient clarify what ailment they are suffering.  Beware of Chiropractors that forecast yearly treatment plans.  It’s vital that your treatment plan is unique to your issues, and it’s important that it is changed when you start to feel relief. 

Chiropractic adjustments should only performed by licensed and certified chiropractors.  Each chiropractor has to go through extensive undergraduate program to learn how to properly adjust a patient.  You should never try to perform chiropractic adjustments at home. This should only be performed in office on the chiropractic table. Some Chiropractors may also go through additional graduate work depending on what state they are planning to practice in.  Each Chiropractor must also sit for the Chiropractic board test in order to become licensed within their state.  Chiropractic adjustments are used to help eliminate the pain and stiffness in the neck and back.  Patients will lie comfortably on the Chiropractic table while receiving the adjustments.  The Chiropractic adjustments don’t usually hurt the patient.  In some cases you may feel a slight sting, but the majority of people don’t feel any pain while receiving their treatment.  Chiropractic adjustments are typically performed on patients who have experienced a trauma such as whiplash or even a sports injury. Overall, the chiropractic adjustment helps to realign the spinal region back into place.  The spinal adjustment does take time.  Chiropractic adjustments will vary with each patient.  Their treatment plan may only consist of being seen a few times a week, while others need more care.  A Chiropractor may also use other in-house traction devices or medical devices to help correct your underlying issue.  It’s also important the patient follow the Chiropractors at home care instructions.  This will help the patients adjustments hold longer and it will promote the healing within the body.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is often caused by injuries or a strain in the back muscle.  This type of pain can occur for weeks and even months.  Many individuals are seeking chiropractors for treatment as opposed to prescription drugs or surgery.  Chiropractic treatment for lower back pain is said to be just as effective as medical treatments.  Lower back pain will typically improve in several weeks.  There is no instant cure for back pain, but visiting a chiropractor can make a patient more comfortable during the healing process.  A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is proven to relieve tension in the lower back and reduce sore or tight muscles.

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is used to fix the misalignment of the vertebrae in the spine.  When misalignment occurs, the patient will begin to have restricted movement in the spine and back.  Chiropractors believe that restricted movement in the spine is the cause of back pain.  In order to treat the constrained spine, chiropractors use the spinal manipulation technique.  The goal is to improve mobility within the spine, resulting in decreased back pain.  During spinal manipulation, physicians will apply force to the joint with their hands.  The forced applied by the physician will push the spine beyond its typical range of motion.  This is a painless process, but it can cause mild discomfort for some patients.