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Glossary
Why Chiropractic?
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Why ChiropracticHow do I know if I have a problem that can be helped by chiropractic?The study of chiropractic is unique and the training a chiropractor receives to specifically correct functional problems of the spine is unique to the chiropractic profession. A doctor of chiropractic goes through curriculum as rigorous as the one required for a general medical practitioner. The major difference in the training of a D.C. and an M.D. is the method of treatment rendered to the similarly diagnosed conditions. As a result only a chiropractor is really able to tell you whether or not chiropractic can help you. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to correct or restore misaligned vertebrae by a procedure called a "spinal adjustment." The areas of misalignment that are treated are referred to as "subluxations." Subluxations are a slight dislocation or misalignment of two adjoining segments of the spine aka "vertebrae." What does a doctor of chiropractic do?Chiropractic has a different role in the health care system than the medical model that many people are accustomed to. The medical approach emphasizes the repairing of the body through external means. Chiropractic is different. It is different because it does not use the outside-in approach of fixing a body with drugs or surgery. Chiropractic focuses on correction and restoration of health through more natural means. Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that the spine and nervous system are directly linked to health. The brain is protected by the skull and the spinal cord is protected by the 24 moving bones of the spine. Nerve impulses flow from the brain, down the spinal cord, and to every organ and tissue in the body. Nerve impulses respond back to the brain to confirm that the body is functioning properly. If there are problems with the function of these movable spinal bones a variety of symptoms and pain syndromes can arise. A chiropractor looks to the spine and possible neurological involvement to determine the cause of the patients’ symptoms. If necessary chiropractors also will refer patients to other health care professionals. A chiropractor corrects the mechanical problems in the spine and thereby alleviates the interference with the nervous system. When these mechanical problems are corrected the patients’ body is able to heal itself, without drugs or surgery. The body has been created with the ability to self-regulate and to self-heal. These functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and the other nerves of the body. Top |
What is it?Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly. The conditions which doctors of chiropractic address are as varied and as vast as the nervous system itself. All chiropractors use a standard procedure of examination to diagnose a patient's condition and arrive at a course of treatment. Doctors of chiropractic use the same time-honored methods of consultation, case history, physical examination, laboratory analysis and x-ray examination as any other doctor. In addition, they provide a careful chiropractic structural examination, paying particular attention to the spine. The examination of the spine to evaluate structure and function is what makes chiropractic different from other health care procedures. Your spinal column is a series of movable bones which begin at the base of your skull and end in the center of your hips. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves extend down the spine from the brain and exit through a series of openings. The nerves leave the spine and form a complicated network which influences every living tissue in your body. Accidents, falls, stress, tension, overexertion, and countless other factors can result in a displacements or derangements of the spinal column, causing irritation to spinal nerve roots. These irritations are often what cause malfunctions in the human body. Chiropractic teaches that reducing or eliminating this irritation to spinal nerves can cause your body to operate more efficiently and more comfortably. Chiropractic also places an emphasis on nutritional and exercise programs, wellness and lifestyle modifications for promoting physical and mental health. While chiropractors make no use of drugs or surgery, Doctors of chiropractic do refer patients for medical care when those interventions are indicated. In fact, chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists and other health care professionals now work as partners in occupational health, sports medicine, and a wide variety of other rehabilitation practices. Top |
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Why Should I Go?Researchers tell us that over 80% of the general population will suffer from one of the great variety of vertebrogenic disorders for certain periods of their life. Vertebrogenic disorders mean disorders of the body that are caused in whole or in part by spinal faults. In addition to pain and discomfort in the neck and back, these disorders include tension headaches, migraine headaches, dizziness, neuralgia, pain in the shoulders and arms, certain types of pain in the chest and abdomen, pain in the hips, knees and legs (sciatica), disc disorders, certain digestive disorders and problems with menstrual cycles. The connection between these seemingly unrelated conditions and the spine is that the nerves, which serve all areas of the body, can be irritated directly or indirectly by spinal disorders. Even people suffering from arthritis find great relief with chiropractic care. Frequently spinal problems start in childhood, years before clinical symptoms appear. Identified early, most of these disorders are reversible, and it is for this reason that spinal examinations for children are imperative.
Chiropractors use a combination of treatments for your condition. They are specialists in using exact, gentle manipulations of your spine to make you feel great. Chiropractic treatment also includes diet and exercise programs to get you back into tip-top shape. Top |
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Myths About ChiropracticFACT: Chiropractic care is safe, comfortable, and benefits everyone -
including infants, the elderly, and pregnant women.
The Chiropractic PhilosophyThe chiropractic perspective on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental concepts:
Although chiropractic shares much with other health professions, its emphasis and application of philosophy distinguishes it from modern medicine. Chiropractic philosophy gravitates toward a holistic ("total person") approach to healing which combines elements of the mind, body and spirit and maintains that health depends on obedience to natural laws, and that deviation from such laws can result in illness. Chiropractic Philosophy includes:
Chiropractic philosophy blends an effective combination of conviction, critical thinking, open-mindedness, and appreciation of the natural order of things. Chiropractic focuses on the establishment and maintenance of a relationship between patients and their environment which is most conducive to functional well-being. Top |
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Safety of TreatmentsThe scientific practice of chiropractic has been well documented as to not only the effectiveness but also the safety. It is safer than taking muscle relaxants or having back surgery. The profession is delivering millions of adjustments daily to satisfied patients all around the world. Chiropractic care is non invasive therefore the bodies response to it is more predictable than its reactions to drug treatments or surgical conditions. Chiropractic treatment should only be rendered by a professional with proper training and experience in manipulation which is a doctor of chiropractic How safe is chiropractic?Chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest types of health care in the world. Numerous studies, including those funded by governments, universities and nonprofit research institutions, have proven it to be a successful primary therapy for neuromusculoskeletal conditions -- a therapy that is safer, in fact, than most medical procedures used to treat the same conditions. Chiropractic is also widely used as a complementary mode of care for a variety of other conditions and diseases and to promote overall health and well-being. Is there a connection between stroke and chiropractic treatment?Would you think twice about cradling the phone on your shoulder, checking your blind spot while backing into a parking space or getting your hair shampooed at a salon? The risk of stroke from chiropractic care is no greater than it is from any of these everyday activities. The source of public concern in this regard is a condition known as vertebral artery syndrome (VAS), which occurs when sudden head movements disrupt the blood flow in the vertebral artery, possibly leading to stroke. As the above examples illustrate, the risk of this complication arising from upper cervical (or neck) manipulation by a chiropractor is extremely remote. Up to 75% of chiropractic patients receive cervical manipulation as part of their individual chiropractic care. It may be performed as part of your care for total spinal health and wellness, or for specific causes such as muscle tension and stiffness, headache or injury. After a detailed history and examination, if there is any indication that you would be at risk, your chiropractor will not include a neck adjustment in your treatment. How does the safety of chiropractic compare to other medical procedures?In comparison to allopathic medicine, which uses drugs and surgery as an integral part of treatment, chiropractic presents far less risk. Consider, for example, that in the United States an estimated 140,000 people die each year from drug-related reactions. And the risk of death due to gastrointestinal complications from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen is 400 times greater that the complication rate for people who receive cervical manipulation, while the mortality rate for people who undergo cervical spine surgery is 7,000 times higher. Human error is another factor that tilts the safety balance in chiropractic's favor. In the United States, it is estimated that up to 98,000 Americans die yearly from medical errors -- a doctor accidentally making the wrong incision, a nurse administering the wrong medication, and so on. But with all forms of treatment, whether allopathic or alternative, any risks, however slight, should not be ignored. While the methods used by chiropractors have proven to be safe in almost all cases, it is a constant concern for chiropractors to evaluate their patients to determine if treatment will cause an adverse reaction. Top |
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TreatmentsChildrenChiropractic care for children can be likened to dental care for kids: just as regular checkups with the dentist can help prevent cavities, regular checkups with the chiropractor can help prevent problems in the spine. It should come as no surprise, then, to learn that doctors of chiropractic are well-trained to examine, diagnose and manage infants and children. When it comes to treatment, children's health can be influenced by numerous factors that lend themselves to chiropractic care. Physical injuries, for example, are common in childhood. If not treated properly, these injuries can lead to muscle imbalances, where some muscles become tight while others become weak. In other cases, injuries can cause spinal joint dysfunction, which can affect spinal biomechanics and other bodily functions. Another area for early chiropractic care is posture-related disorders. A growing source of patient visits to chiropractic offices, these are often born out of poor childhood habits. Thus, correcting poor posture and promoting good spinal hygiene in children is of utmost importance. TeenagersAs with children, the examination and treatment of teenagers is of critical importance to chiropractors. During puberty, numerous changes taking place in a teen's body can place significant demands on muscles, joints and bones. During this period, bones tend to grow fast while muscles grow slowly by comparison. These changes can cause muscle imbalances and injuries. The transition from teen to adult also brings significant changes to actual bone structure and composition. Before the teen years, many bones in the body are soft and flexible. This is because much of the bone is actually made of cartilage. As a teenager, the cartilage hardens into true bone. During this period, the bones and associated ligaments are more vulnerable to fractures, strains and sprains. Therefore, the detection of subluxations and associated muscle imbalances can be helpful in the prevention, restoration and maintenance of health. AdultsAdults are by far the most frequent consumers of chiropractic health care. This is not surprising. For many, fast-paced lifestyles have led to an alarming increase in stress and stress-related disorders. Muscle, nerve and joint dysfunction are common manifestations that often produce lower back, neck and headache symptoms. In addition to stress, lack of physical exercise leaves many adults vulnerable to injuries. Injuries are often caused by repetitive movements, either in the workplace or at home. Less frequently, injuries can be caused by sudden falls. In either case, without regular exercise, adult bodies will be less forgiving, yielding to injuries much more easily than children's. Regardless of the injury, joint dysfunction and muscle imbalance can occur. Lack of exercise also leads to changes in posture. The extent of these changes depends largely on what people do for a living. All activities, though, can lead to imbalances in the neck, back and upper torso that weaken some muscles and tighten others. These imbalances will cause the head to point forward, the upper back to slump and the shoulders to tip lazily forward. Over time, joints are stressed, muscles become tighter and serious symptoms develop. SeniorsAs we get older, wear-and-tear on our joints begins to manifest. This is commonly called osteoarthritis, which is like rust to our joints. It may cause pain and limit one's range of motion. Chiropractic care has been shown to have an impact in alleviating pain associated with this degenerative process as well as restoring function, mobility and overall health. But chiropractic treatment for seniors is not limited to arthritis. Chiropractors can also address nutrition, depression, exercise and other health concerns. Top |
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AdjustmentsWhat is an adjustment?A Chiropractic adjustment is the use of a specific force in a precise direction that helps normalize spinal function. The adjustment is applied to a joint that is fixated, "locked up", or not moving properly. Adjustments help return the bones to a more normal position or motion, restoring body's natural healing. What does it do?Adjustments help normalize spinal function and avoid bone and soft tissue degeneration. When nervous system function improves in this way, the body can begin the natural healing process. What do adjustments feel like? After the adjustment, many patients report a sense of well-being or a feeling of calmness. Others feel improved mobility. Inflammation or muscle spasms may delay these positive effects. Chiropractors excel at making adjustments comfortable and effective. Is it safe?YES! Chiropractic adjustments are so safe, even newborns and children receive adjustments to repair the damage caused from the birth process, learning to walk, or other childhood trauma. Each adjustment is tailored to each patient's age, size, and unique spinal problem. After years of training, each Chiropractor has selected a variety of methods and become skilled in their delivery. In fact, adverse effects of medical treatment is the principal cause of death in people under 45 years of age, as well as being the leading cause of morbidity and permanent disability. Costing Australians $401 million dollars per year and consumed 16% of Australia’s total annual health system expenditure for injury. 17% of hospital admission results in adverse events, 5% results in death, and 50,000 people per year are permanently disabled as a result of their medical treatment (from The report, Health System Costs of Injury, Poisoning and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Australia 1993-1994). Yes! A New Zealand government study concluded that Chiropractic adjustments are "remarkably safe." Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever is about 100 times more risky. Why an adjustment?A Chiropractic adjustment corrects Vertebral Subluxations. An adjustment helps your body to restore itself to optimum health! When the 24 bones that protect the spinal cord lose their normal position or motion, delicate nerve tissue can become choked or irritated. If a thorough examination reveals malfunctioning areas of the spine, Chiropractic adjustments are recommended to help correct this malfunction. Each day millions of delighted people choose Chiropractic over drugs or surgery, as a common sense approach to better health. Top |
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Subluxations"A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health." Instead of treating your symptoms, your chiropractor is primarily interested in detecting, reducing, and preventing the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. A subluxation, or more precisely, the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal position and motion from stress, trauma, or chemical imbalances. The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems. When one or more vertebrae lose their normal position and/or motion, they can interfere with the normal function of the nervous system that the vertebral bones were meant to house and protect. This interference can occur as pressure or irritation on the spinal cord, or on the nerve roots as they pass out of the spinal column. This nerve injury, or interference, is what doctors of chiropractic call the Vertebral Subluxation Complex - "vertebral" meaning relating to bones of the spine; “subluxation" meaning the improper motion or position of the vertebra; and "complex" meaning that the condition consists of many elements. Chiropractic is not the only health care discipline that recognizes the effect of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. The effects of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex are generally relied upon and accepted among different healing disciplines, and are being studied in many parts of the world. When the Vertebral Subluxation Complex is present, many things can happen to the spine, to its related soft tissues, and to the organs and tissues controlled by the affected nerves. The Vertebral Subluxation Complex usually has five major interrelated components. (Look for the common Latin roots in these words: kine - movement; patho - disease; neuro nerve; myo - muscle; histo - tissue.) This is a serious condition identified by its five parts: Spinal Kinesiopathology: This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components. Neuropathophysiology: Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body. Myopathology: Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments. Histopathology: A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage. Pathophysiology: Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction. The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal position and motion. Automobile accidents, improper lifting, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. The primary job of the doctor of chiropractic is to detect, reduce, and help prevent the Vertebral Subluxation Complex using chiropractic manipulation as the primary form of treatment. Applying a carefully and precisely directed pressure to the spine in a quick manner by hand or special instrument, the doctor of chiropractic is able to restore normal motion and function to the spine, thereby reducing or eliminating the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Top |
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The Stages of CareAll chiropractic care begins with an initial examination, after which x-rays may be recommended to determine the seriousness of your condition. In addition to being adjusted, you may be given exercises to do, diet suggestions and ways to improve your posture. Initial Intensive CareThe first phase of care is referred to as Relief or Acute Care. This is designed to eliminate or reduce the majority of the discomfort and stabilize the condition in the shortest amount of time. During this phase of care, visits will be frequent. Repeated visits will be required to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Rehabilitative CareOnce you have completed Initial Intensive Care the option of undergoing Rehabilitative Care will be available to you. The objective of the second phase of your treatment program is to correct any underlying spinal injury as well as strengthening the muscles, improve spinal function and provide more complete or optimum healing of tissues and organ systems. Visits occur at reducing frequency and care is supplemented by exercises and modification of your daily and work habits. Remember, many of the conditions for which people seek chiropractic care have developed over many years and therefore, it takes time to correct these conditions. Maintenance/Wellness CareThe third and final option available to you is Maintenance or Wellness Care. It is designed to maintain your improved health and spinal function, and prevent the return of the original condition once spinal correction has been attained. Regular attention catches small problems before they become serious. Prevention saves time and money by helping you stay well. Chiropractic visits, exercise and a sensible diet will help you enjoy the best of health well into the future. So now, if you do happen to become a grandparent, it really can be grand. Wellness CareMany think that health is merely the absence of pain or symptoms. A wellness approach to health means adopting a variety of healthy habits for optimum function on all levels - physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Because of its focus on the nerve system, chiropractic care can be an important part of a wellness lifestyle. The nerve system controls the function of virtually every aspect of our lives. So, maintaining a properly functioning nerve system is essential if you want to be your very best. Few things as complicated as your body can be 'fixed' and then ignored. That's why we will recommend a schedule of regular chiropractic checkups. Like maintaining your teeth, your car, your family, or your faith, maintaining the integrity of your nerve system requires an ongoing investment. Those who want the very best, add regular chiropractic care to their other health practices. The pleasant result is often more vitality, endurance, and the capacity to enjoy life to its fullest. Good nutrition, exercise, chiropractic care, and other preventive measures are part of a wellness lifestyle. Today, more and more of us are interested in a higher level of health called wellness. Beyond merely feeling better or preventing health problems, we want to fully enjoy life by being at our very best mentally, physically, and socially. True health is only possible with an optimally functioning nerve system. Top |
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Educational TrainingTraining requires a minimum of six years of college and a clinic internship before licensure. Areas of scientific study include anatomy, neurology, bacteriology, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, pediatrics, geriatrics, spinal biomechanics, orthopedics, X-ray, cardiology, nutrition, acupuncture, physiotherapy, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, and infectious diseases. Every chiropractic graduate must pass a national examination and then a provincial exam to be licensed by the province of Alberta. Doctors of Chiropractic are not only trained in problems dealing with the spine, but are formally educated in clinical examination and diagnosis of the entire human body. Doctors of Chiropractic have training comparable to medical or osteopathic doctors in the basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc. A report by Meredith Gonyea, Ph.D., President of the Center for Studies in Health Policy, Inc., found that among all health care professions, "only D.C.s [Doctor of Chiropractic], M.D.s [Medical Doctors], and D.O.s [Doctors of Osteopathy] focus on health care interventions for the well being of the whole person." Dr. Gonyea concluded that "the D.C. can be considered a generalist in the provision of primary health care services and a specialist in the use of chiropractic treatment methods. The method of practice is similar to the M.D. or D.O. who provides generalist primary care services and is a specialist in internal medicine". Over the past century, chiropractic education has developed to the point where government studies in the US, Sweden and New Zealand consider it equivalent in the basic sciences to a medical education. Much of this development stems from the establishment of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) in 1974, which the US Department of Education recognizes as the accrediting agency for chiropractic schools. The CCE, a nonprofit organization located in Scottsdale, Ariz., sets standards for schools' curriculum, faculty, facilities, patient care and research. Chiropractic college programs are rigorous and thorough. To attend, applicants must have a minimum two years undergraduate study at a university. Their chiropractic college education lasts four years, meaning they graduate with at least six years of full-time university-level education. In their fourth year, students must also do a clinical internship of approximately 1,000 hours. When that's done, graduates face one more trial. To practice in the US or Canada, they must pass comprehensive national and state or provincial licensing exams, similar to those for other professionals like lawyers and doctors. The chiropractic curriculumA typical four-year chiropractic college program may consist of the following: First year
Second year
Third year
Fourth year Clinical internship of approximately 1,000 hours References: Chapman-Smith, D. The Chiropractic Profession. West Des Moines: NCMIC Group Inc., 2000 Top |
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Spineguys.com was a resource for this page of information