Lower back aches are  commonly felt by adults and the elderly.  They can be caused by a strain or sprain within the back, or even a previous underlying medical condition.  In some cases lower back pain can mean that a patient has arthritis or even spinal stenosis.  These conditions or other underlying conditions can become very serious if they are left untreated. It is important that you seek treatment before your lower back pain becomes debilitating.  In acute cases lower back pain can be very manageable and corrected within a short time. 

Treatments

Chiropractors offer a safe, natural approach to treating low back pain that does not involve medication. The chiropractic approach consists of gentle adjustments to affected vertebra, as well as associated therapies and at-home stretching activities.  This treatment works to correct the physical cause of the back pain, thereby correcting the root of the problem.  On the other hand, medical doctors will typically prescribe a lower dose pain killer to relieve the lower back pain.  Patients have a lot of different options available to them.  Depending on the severity of the low back ache/pain, chiropractors may recommended supplementing their treatment with massages, physical therapy, or an acupuncturist. 

Gonstead chiropractors will find the problem, determine proper medical care, fix the issue and then leave it alone.  They do not require patients to come back for further visits.  The theory of Gonstead Chiropractic states that the body is a foundation, and any change in the foundation can lead to a collapse.  The foundation in the body is formed by the pelvic girdle, and maximum stability and balance is located in the spinal column.  When the pelvic girdle becomes misaligned, negative changes occur throughout the body.  Misalignments can cause a large amount of pain in various parts of the back. 

Subluxation

 Chiropractors refer to a subluxation as a misalignment of the vertebrae that builds up pressure on a disc, causing it to swell.  Chiropractors are able to detect a misaligned vertebra in the spine, especially those in the upper part of the back.  Recognizing and correcting the misaligned spine is an important part of the Gonstead theory.  All parts of the spine should be adjusted to completely correct the subluxation.  If the top and bottom of the vertebra are misaligned, but only the top is corrected, the patient will only experience limited relief.  For complete and long lasting results, all parts of the vertebrae must be identified and adjusted to restore them back to normal.  The purpose of the Gonstead concept is to find the subluxation(s) and correct the problem.  

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.   

Salary Range

In April of 2009, the average salary for a chiropractor was reported at $85,273.  Chiropractors in the 75^th percentile made $103,218 per year, and those in the 25^th percentile made $68,791 per year.  The salary for a chiropractor practicing in IL averages roughly $40 per hour.  Like many other professions, earnings are generally low in the beginning, but increase as the chiropractor builds experience and a positive reputation in the community.  On average, chiropractors who work for an employer earn less than those who own their own practice.  Chiropractic salaries are influence by various components such as geographic location, education, and experience.  The more education and experience the physician has, the more money he/she can make.   

Career Outlook

Chiropractors are viewed as natural healers because they avoid surgery and prescription medications.  Many health-conscious Americans are utilizing chiropractic care as an alternative treatment for neck or back pain.  For this reason, chiropractic careers are expected to increase by 14 percent through 2015.  There are more than 55,000 practicing chiropractors in the U.S. and the profession is expected to expand.  A small number of chiropractors work as college instructors or conduct research at facilities.  As this field grows, it may become harder for some people to find a job, therefore it’s important that chiropractic students advance their education as much as possible.           

When applying to a Chiropractic college they will require you to do some homework, if you will.  First, many institutions will ask for the following as Chiropractic education requirements: a personal history and indication of why you want to be a Chiropractor, an indication that you understand the field you would like to enter into, your academic background and how it has prepared you for future success, and your academic strengths.  They will also expect a letter of recommendation from a Chiropractor, massage therapist, health care professional, or college instructor, all high school and college transcripts. 

Chiropractic Education

A chiropractic education can be divided into a 10-trimester or 12-trimester program and some schools offer quarterly programs.  While in school each student will finish a various, rigorous classes and 4, 575 clock hours.  This does not include any elective technique courses the student chooses to take.  While in school the student must also pass entrance and exit OSCE’s.  These are objective subjective clinical examinations which prepare the student for the clinical setting as well as the part 4 practical examination given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE).  The NBCE enforces Chiropractic students to take these examinations because every state accepts them.  They include Part I which covers the basic sciences and consists of 6 tests at 110 questions each, Part 2 which covers x-ray, diagnostic and clinical procedures which has the same number of tests as Part I, Part 3 which is 2 individual tests about clinical application and x-ray, and Part 4 which is the practical exam where you put all the skills together.  The NBCE also offers a Physical Therapy examination.

In 2009, 16 Chiropractic colleges in the United States were granted accreditation by the Council on Chiropractic Education.  California contains four Chiropractic schools.  Texas contains two Chiropractic schools.  Missouri contains a Chiropractic school.  Kansas contains a Chiropractic school.  Oregon contains a Chiropractic school.  Minnesota contains a Chiropractic school.  New York contains a Chiropractic school.  Georgia contains a Chiropractic school.  Iowa contains a Chiropractic school.  Connecticut contains a Chiropractic school.  Finally, South Carolina contains a Chiropractic school. 

Requirements

Chiropractic colleges require a minimum of 4,200 clock hours of classroom, lab, and clinical application totaling a minimum of 75 different courses.  The last two years of college primarily focus on diagnosis, spinal manipulation, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, physiotherapy, and nutrition.  Some Chiropractic schools offer additional post-graduate training in areas such as:  neurology, sports injuries, orthopedics, radiology, nutrition, rehab, pediatrics, and family practice.  The majority of state licensing boards necessitate a minimum completion of 2 years of undergraduate education, and a growing trend suggests that most states will eventually require a four year bachelor’s degree.  Completion of a 4-year Chiropractic degree is required to practice in each state. 

Job Outlook

The job outlook for a Chiropractor is much faster than average, compared to other careers.  Chiropractic colleges prepare the student to take the National Chiropractic boards given by the National Chiropractic Board of Examiners (NBCE).  These boards include Part I over the basic sciences totaling 6 different tests at 110 questions each, Part 2 over x-ray and diagnosis also totaling 6 tests, Part 3 over x-ray, diagnosis, and clinical application, and Part 4 is a practical test over everything learned and applied in a clinical setting.  The NBCE also offers the Physiotherapy and Acupuncture examinations. 

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.

According to medicinenet.com, an arthrosis “is a joint, an area where two bones attach for the purpose of motion of body parts.  An arthrosis (joint) is usually formed from fibrous connective tissue and cartilage.” Researchers don’t know the exact number of joints in the human body because it’s hard to say; however, the human body contains 206 bones. 

Joints

Joints are grouped into the following categories:  pivot, ball and socket, condyloid, hinge, saddle, and gliding.  Joint movements consist of the following:  gliding, angular, circumduction, and rotation.  Gliding is where one bone moves along another.  Angular occurs only between long bones.  Circumduction occurs in the articular cavity and the bone head.  And rotation moves along a central axis. 

Arthristis

A very common condition known as Arthritis means inflammation of the joint.  Over 100 varieties of arthritis exist.  The most frequent types are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Osteoarthritis (OA), and Gouty Arthritis.  Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect all areas of the body but most commonly affect the wrist, hand, and knees.  The most common radiologic area to determine RA is the 2^nd and 3^rd metacarpal and the ulnar styloid process of the radius.  RA tends to be bilateral and symmetrical in orientation and exhibits swelling.  OA tends to be unilateral and asymmetrical.  OA typically affects bodily joints that bear a large degree of weight such as the knees, hips, spine, and hand.  Gouty Arthritis or Gout, is a painful condition where the body cannot eliminate the substance, uric acid.  The uric acid builds up and cause crystal deposition in areas of the big toe, wrist, and knee joints.  The uric acid build-up causes tophi to form around the joint.  Chiropractic care can help minimize the patient’s pain and inflammation in their body. 

During a spinal adjustment, a patient may feel a crack or hear a pop in their back.  Research shows that the popping noise is caused from small pockets of air in the tissue fluid that surround the joint.  The air pockets ‘pop’ when the joint tissue is stretched during a spinal adjustment.  The procedure does not cause any serious pain, but the patient may experience sore or tight muscles after treatment.  After 2 to 3 more sessions, the patient will experience an improved range of motion in the spine and more movement in the lower back.  Pain will subside in the problem areas as sessions continue.  Many chiropractors will explain different exercises and techniques for bending to prevent pain from reoccurring.

Benefits

Chiropractic spinal adjustments have proven to be safe and effective for treating lower back pain. Patients can look to chiropractic treatment as a natural method of healing as opposed to prescription drugs or surgery.  The chiropractor will apply force with his or her hands to the subluxed part of the spine.  The adjustment will correct vertebral subluxations and decrease pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, and tension.