Frequently Asked Questions
A Brief History Of Chiropractic:
The first recorded chiropractic adjustment was performed on September 18, 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer, a Canadian-born teacher and healer. Dr. Palmer was, at the time, studying the cause and effect of disease. His patient was Harvey Lillard, a janitor working in the same building as Dr. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Lillard, who had complained of hearing problems for over 17 years, allowed Dr. Palmer to examine his spine. Dr. Palmer discovered a "lump" on Mr. Lillard's back and suspected that a vertebra might be out of place, which he then repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust. After several such treatments, much of Mr. Lillard's hearing was restored.
Since Dr. Palmer's first chiropractic adjustment, the art and science of chiropractic has progressed significantly. Today, advanced diagnostic procedures, sophisticated equipment, scientific research, and the growing acceptance among other health care professionals makes chiropractic a popular health care choice.
Chiropractic Philosophy:
The chiropractic perspective on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental concepts:
1) The structure and condition of the body influences how the body functions and its ability to heal itself; 2) The mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing processes.
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. That deviation from such laws can result in illness.
Widespread Use of Chiropractic Care:
The increasing interest in alternative forms of care has caught the attention of several health associations and government agencies. A 1993 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that "The estimated number of visits made in 1990 to providers of unconventional therapy was greater than the number of visits to all primary care medical nationwide," and chiropractic was among the most frequently used non-medical therapies. A followup report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that the use of non-medical treatments had increased significantly since the 1990 survey, with "overall prevalence of use increased by 25%, total visits by an estimated 47%, and expenditures on services provided by practitioners of alternative therapies by an estimated 45%." Of the survey respondents, one in nine (11%) had used chiropractic care within the previous year.
Questions:
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts 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.
What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?
Although chiropractic
is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found
it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches,
neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile
colic.
Does Chiropractic hurt?
Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't
hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during
the adjustment which lasts only seconds.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are
extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million
to one.
What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?
Chiropractors
receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment.
Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three
areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences
(anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological
diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical
studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical
training.
Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective
for?
Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic
in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to
be effective in treating infantile colic and migraine headaches.
What can I expect on my first visit?
The first thing a chiropractor
will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly
concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits,
other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.),
your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of
your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.
A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgement, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.
What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?
Our office offers
a variety of health treatments, including rehabilitation,
spinal decompression, and nutritional consulting.
