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

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Are you pregnant and experiencing agonizing and unrelenting back pain?  You’re not alone; Pregnancy and Back Pain almost always go hand-in-hand.  The reasons why this happens is due to the following: you’re gaining weight, you’re walking in a different way, and your hormones are relaxing the muscles and ligaments in your body. 

How to ease back pain at home

There’s absolutely no reason to do nothing about the back pain while pregnant.  Here is a list of some common things to perform at home to reduce the effects: sleep on your side holding a body pillow between your legs and arms, sit and stand appropriately, always practice good posture by tucking the buttocks under bringing the chin and head to anatomical position, when lifting lift with your legs and also only objects that aren’t too heavy, wear proper fit shoes with a good arch support, exercise regularly but not strenuously, perform pelvic tilt exercises, and try heat or cold compresses at home. 

How to ease back pain outside of the home

While performing at home regimens is necessary, sometimes it’s just not enough to ease the pain and discomfort of back pain.  Some women choose to seek out the care of Chiropractors, Massage therapists, and Acupuncturists.  Some Chiropractors are skilled in the Webster technique, a technique which stabilizes the women’s pelvis by adjusting the sacrum and performing soft tissue techniques to the ligaments of the pelvis like the round, broad, and the sacro-tuberous ligaments.  Massage therapists may receive additional training in the art of pregnancy massage.  In these classes, the massage therapists are trained in proper bolstering of pillows, proper draping, and techniques to not only reduce the patient’s back pain but also the therapist who is performing the massage session.  It is always important to obtain clearance from the OBGYN before administering massage therapy, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.  Skeptics claim that it could possibly cause a spontaneous abortion and must be contraindicated.  However, this has not been proven recently.  In addition, Acupuncture may provide the pregnant patient with reduced back pain and a sense of calm as well.  Acupuncturists will help to balance the patient’s chakras and meridians.  In the third trimester upon the delivery date, they will be able to induce delivery by applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet.  These points may also reduce the pain that the pregnant women feels while laboring.   

Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.  Millions of people experience pain at some point in their day.  The most common condition linked to neck pain and tension is a cervical subluxation.  Chiropractic treatment for the neck improves the mobility of the spine and restores loss of motion.  Physical therapy and massage therapy for the neck will increase flexibility and strengthen weak muscles in the neck and shoulders.  Nerve Impingement Syndrome and Pain can be evident within the lower back.  Unfortunately, 80% of the population will experience some sort of back pain within their lifetime.  Most cases of back pain are mechanical in origin.  Spinal subluxation and muscle weakness are key elements that are linked to chronic lower back pain.  Chiropractic and physical therapy can alleviate many symptoms associated with such low back conditions such as the following: Sciatica, disc herniation, Scoliosis, spinal degeneration, stenosis, pelvic imbalance, and core strengthening.  The primary causes of Nerve Impingement Syndrome and Pain include the following: auto accidents, pregnancy, repetitive stress, poor posture, lack of exercise, and sports injuries. 

Auto accidents

When you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, the extent of the physical injury to your spine can not be linked to the amount of damage to your vehicle.  Whether you are involved in a minor “fender bender” or a rear-end collision, you should have your spine evaluated for subluxation and abnormal curvature of the spinal column. 

Pregnancy

In contrast, pregnancy can be a wonderful blessing in a women’s life; however, this process involves a physical change in a women’s body which may result in long term effects to her spine and pelvis.  The effects of pregnancy can result in the following: exaggerated spinal curves, an irritated sciatic nerve, overstretched and weakened abdominal muscles, and loosened pelvic joints.  Chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists are trained in providing safe and comfortable care to women before and after their pregnancy. 

Repetitive stress

Nerve Impingement Syndrome can be caused from repetitive stress.  Whether you’re at work or play, doing the same activity over and over again can produce repetitive stress injuries.  Some symptoms of repetitive stress injuries include: stiffness, pain, weakness, and loss of motion.  Muscles, tendons, and joints that are not properly treated will result in chronic problems. 

Conclusion

Chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists are all skillfully trained in the art and science behind the musculo-skeletal system and can aid in much-needed relief to Nerve Impingement Syndrome.

How it works

MRI is an abbreviation for Magnetic Resonance Image.  It is different from an x-ray because it takes pictures of organs, bones and muscle tissue without using radiation.  Instead of radiation, the MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio frequency energy that generate images which can be viewed on a computer.  The MRI creates images that allow patients to view a healthy and unhealthy image of the affected area.  Before the test begins, the patient must fill out a medical history information sheet and remove all metal jewelry from their body.  Some things that may affect the test are pacemakers, metal implants, dentures, aneurysm clip, or a neurostimulator.  It is important that the patient tell the doctor if he/she has ever had surgery on involving the heart, eye, ear, brain or blood vessels.  Once he/she is ready they will lie on a narrow bed and the doctor will push them into a machine tube.  It generally takes 20-30 minutes for the procedure, but it depends what the doctor is screening for.  The patient may be asked to wear earplugs because certain scanners may produce loud noises.  The loud noises are completely normal and the patient should not be alarmed.  The MRI is painless and the machine never touches the patient’s body.  Once the images are complete the doctor or radiologist will review them with the patient.  Chiropractors use images from MRI’s to get a better understanding of the medical condition with the patient.  The high quality images are helpful when chiropractors are deciding on which method of treatment to use for the patient. 

Benefits and Risks of an MRI

An MRI is a non-invasive technique that does not expose the patient to harmful radiation.  The images from an MRI are very detailed and can help identify problems with soft tissue structures more accurately than an X-ray.  This is a valuable took when it comes to early diagnoses for serious conditions like tumors or cancer. 

Risks- If a patient has a metal plate in his/her body, it can distort the image.  Patients who have pacemakers or any metal implants near the eyes cannot be scanned by an MRI because the magnet can move the metal around.  Some patients may feel claustrophobic during an exam because they are in a magnetic tube.  Typically, the patient may hold a buzzer while being scanned and if they are not comfortable, they can push the buzzer to let the staff know they feel uncomfortable. 

What is Trigger Point Therapy 

During a trigger point therapy session, the massage therapist will apply pressure to sore muscles in order provide some relief.  It is not uncommon that masseuses will combine a Swedish massage with trigger point therapy to obtain the best results.  There are two types of trigger points, active and latent.  Active trigger points will pass on pain to another area of the body when pressure is applied to the original sore spot.  Latent trigger points are only painful when pressure is applied to the direct spot.  The pain does not travel to other areas unlike active trigger points.  Physicians believe latent trigger points are caused from stiff joints and a restricted range of motion.  Trigger points are also known as knots and are very common in many people.  Some causes of trigger points include: accident or falls, poor posture, and overexertion. 

Purpose 

The purpose of treatment is to reduce pain and retrain the muscles into painless habits.  After 3 or 4 treatments the tenderness and pain is reduced and range of motion is increased.  Many individuals will also see an increase in flexibility, coordination and circulation.  Some people who would benefit from trigger point therapy include: athletes, arthritis patients, individuals with carpal tunnel, migraine sufferers, or people recovering from accidents or trauma.  People who can perform trigger point therapy are physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors.  Medical doctors are not trained in this specialty.  This treatment is a great non-invasive alternative to prescription drugs or surgery. 

History of Trigger Point Therapy

Janet Travel is credited for creating many theories behind trigger point therapy.  She was John F. Kennedy’s personal physician and treated him for back pain with this method.  This was defiantly a first for women during this time period.  She published papers on trigger point and then published the first volume of The Trigger Point Manuel.  In 1992, a second volume was released. 

Chiropracter Career Outlook

Chiropractic care provides natural healing techniques for adjusting the misalignment of the vertebrae. Chiropracters believe that problems within the spine, nervous, and muscular systems, reduce an individual’s ability to fight disease. Since chiropracters are natural health practitioners, many people are seeking these physicians as an alternative to medications and treatment for injuries.  Chiropracters appeal to health-conscious Americans because they promote healthy lifestyles and don’t conduct operations.  Careers in the chiropractic industry are expected to increase through 2016, making the industry promising for aspiring doctors.    

Education

Chiropracters are required to have a license in all 50 states.  Agreements between different states recognize mutual requirements for licensure, despite each state having different education requirements.  To acquire a license, Chiropractors must complete a 2-year undergraduate degree.  Bachelor’s degrees are required in some states including Florida, Kansas, Montana, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.  In addition to a bachelor’s degree, various states require a degree from a 4-year accredited chiropractic college. Applicants in a chiropractic institution are also mandated 90 credit hours of undergraduate study. 

A Chiropracter is someone skillfully trained in the art of manipulation of the spine and extremities.  They complete an extensive education lasting over 7+ years with undergraduate studies included.  They take courses including human anatomy, physiology, embryology, genetics, radiology, biology, geriatrics, pediatrics, toxicology, functional assessment and kinesiology, physiotherapy, and clinical training courses. 

National Chiropractic Boards

A Chiropracter must complete over 7,500 hours of instruction in the classroom, laboratory, and clinic and complete over 75 courses like the ones listed above.  Upon completion of the doctoral program or during his/her education, the student must sit for National Chiropractic Boards by the NCBE.  There are four separate tests, plus physiotherapy and an elective Acupuncture board.  Next, the newly graduated doctor must submit all required information and transcripts to the state that he/she plans on practicing in to become licensed in order to practice in that particular state. 

Focus on the whole

A Chiropracter focuses on the body as a whole instead of just the parts.  They are extremely knowledgeable of the nervous system and how it controls and coordinates every organ and system in the human body.  When a subluxation arises, this puts pressure on the nerves that control that organ or body part.  A subluxation is a misalignment in the spine or extremity resulting in local inflammation and distal dysfunction.  A Chiropracter may choose to use several different techniques to adjust the spine or extremities including but not limited to: Diversified, Activator, Thompson, Gonstead, CBP, SOT, Graston, Blair, HIO, and Full-Spine Specific.    

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.     

There are many different choices available to patients who are seeking to find local board certified Chiropracters within their area. Each Chiropractor offers a different approach, and it’s vital that you do thorough research before you make your first appointment to be seen.  It’s essential that you only visit Chiropracters who are board certified.  Typically they will have an undergraduate degree with an additional 4 year Chiropractic degree. 

Licensed

Chiropracters can only be licensed within your state once they complete and pass their national boards or state examinations.  These examinations are extensive.  They consist of both practical examinations and written examinations.  The Chiropractor has to show that he or she can properly adjust a patient and complete all of the necessary written portions of the testing.  The written portions coincide with the anatomy and physiology of the body and other healthcare topics related to Chiropractic care.  Chiropracters are similar in that they all have to pass their board certifications within their state; however, their approaches to Chiropractic care and their schooling background can affect how they treat their patients.

Optional Treatments

Some Chiropracters believe in using additional resources such as acupuncture treatments, ultrasound treatments, water massage, traction devices or even electric machines that release a stream of currents.  Other Chiropractors will also assist in diet and health management.  They may offer a healthcare program to help with the patient’s nutritional needs.  It’s important to always call ahead to investigate whether the Chiropractor you are visiting also assists in these specific areas.  Traditionally Chiropractors will have an in-house table they perform adjustments on, along with a traction type of device.  Extra tools are optional and vary with each Chiropractor you see.

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.