What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care profession which primarily focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This commonly includes, but is not limited to, headaches, neck and back pain, pain in the arms or legs, neuropathy, traumatic injury, and spinal degeneration.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) – also referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – offer a drug-free approach to healthcare.

Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are able to determine to most appropriate type of care for each case. DCs assess patients through case history, physical exam, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory testing.

In many cases, chiropractic care may be the primary method of treatment. DCs are trained to provide chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, rehabilitative exercise, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle modifications. When a condition presents that is outside the scope of chiropractic, a DC will make appropriate referrals and offer supportive care.

Doctors of chiropractic are subject to the laws and regulations of the state they are licensed in. They have received four-year doctoral graduate degrees from an accredited chiropractic college. They are then required to pass a national board examination before obtaining their license. Maintaining a current license requires attending continuing education programs.

WHAT IS SPINAL MANIPULATION?

The most common and well known therapy provided by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, or spinal adjustment. The purpose of this technique is to restore mobility by applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement due to tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event such as a fall or improper lifting, or through repetitive stress such as long hours at a desk with poor posture. Chiropractic adjustments restore mobility, alleviate pain and tightness, reduce inflammation, and allow tissues to heal.

Adjustments rarely cause any discomfort. However, some patients may experience mild aching following treatment (similar to after a strenuous workout). Chiropractic care is a safe, effective method of treatment with very low risk of side effects.