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Ask the Chiropractic Expert

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a science and form of primary healthcare that concerns itself with the relationship between the nervous system and the function (health) of the body. Chiropractic is based on the fact that the nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body. This system is largely protected by the 24 moving bones of the spinal column. Pairs of nerves exit the spine from between these interlocking bones. When these bones lose their normal position and motion, they can interfere with the spinal cord or the nerve roots, causing pain or ill health. Eliminating and preventing these interferences are the primary objectives of chiropractic care.

Are Chiropractors "real" doctors?

Oh yes, Chiropractors are most definitely "real" doctors. The formal training to become a chiropractic doctor is virtually the same as all other healthcare professional, starting with and under graduate degree in the sciences. An additional four years of post-graduate training is required from a recognized chiropractic college. While chiropractic doctors receive about the same number of classroom hours as medical doctors (about 4,500 Hours), the curriculum varies based on the fact that chiropractic doctors choose not to prescribe drugs or perform surgery. Instead of instruction in surgical matters, chiropractic students receive special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, x-ray and spinal adjusting techniques.

After successfully completing the course of study, and finishing an internship the student graduates with a doctoral degree in chiropractic. That's just the start. Demanding Nation Board Examinations must be passed, and then each state administers its own examination for licensing purposes. Of course like all other doctors, chiropractors must complete additional post-graduate study for re-licensure. This combined with seminars, scientific symposia, and the extensive reading of scientific journals, keeps today's Doctor of Chiropractic up to date with the latest developments in patient treatment.

Why don't Doctors of Chiropractic prescribe drugs?

The chiropractic approach recognizes that only the body can heal itself and the role of the doctor should be to remove interferences to this inborn ability. While aspirin, muscle relaxers, and other drugs with analgesic properties have the effect of blocking pain, the underlying structural problem remains.

Doctors of Chiropractic recognize the importance of structure, and that the headache or other ache or pain is not the result of an aspirin "shortage" or some other shortage of drugs in your body. Rather your chiropractor respects the balance of cause and effect and will look to the underlying cause of your complaints.

How long does it take to start feeling better?

Some Patients find they start feeling better following their very first treatment. Other discover progress takes weeks or even months. As with any healing process, ever person responds differently. Children usually respond quickly. Adults often take longer because most spinal problems are the result of years of neglect. A patient's lifestyle, diet, exercise and kept appointment can all affect their progress. Rest assured that your doctor will do everything in his or her control to provide you with the best plan to help you achieve the results you are seeking.

I feel fine, why do I need to be checked?

Our busy lifestyles continue to cause problems. Improper lifting, long periods of sitting, emotional trauma, alcohol, and other so-called "normal" activities dam interfere with normal spinal function. Because of the bodies adaptive abilities, many spinal problems get starts without any associated symptoms. Like many diseases, early detection can prevent problems from becoming more serious. Patients who wait for obvious symptoms, especially after an accident or those who have a history of spinal-related problems, often require more visits and take longer to show improvement.

Does getting my spine adjusted hurt?

While it might seem logical to assume that if a joint hurts, moving bones would cause more pain, often the reverse is true. An adjustment is often like removing the weight of a heavy box that has fallen on your toes. When the box is removed there is often an instant feeling of relief. Most patients find the actual adjustment quite pleasant. Often there is an invigorating "aliveness" that is felt as the function and integrity of the spine is returned to a more normal state.

Do chiropractors work with children too?

Yes! Since significant spinal trauma can occur during the birth process, many parents have their children and newborns checked for spinal problems. Treatment procedures are adapted to the child's spine. Children seem to get the same improvement in overall health as adults do, but often faster. This also helps preventative changes and other problems often seen later in life.