What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts.
It is a combination art, science and philosophy of human health
that seeks to assist the natural healing processes of the
body. Its practitioners focus on the spine as a key element
in the processes of health and disease.
The brain and nervous system play an essential
role in the coordination of physical function. The spine protects
the nerves as they emerge through the base of the skull and
enter into the body. If the spine is not functioning properly,
the nervous system can be compromised and pain and sickness
can result. The goal of Chiropractic is to restore normal
function to the spine and allow the body to seek its normal
condition of health.
What is an adjustment?
The spinal adjustment is the mainstay of
Classical Chiropractic. The spine is a complex organized unit
of many moving parts. The chiropractor is trained to apply
the proper forces to the affected part or joint to bring it
back into proper function.
Do Adjustments hurt?
Most of the time and for most people, the
answer is "No". The experienced chiropractor will attempt
to find the most comfortable way to correct problems. Pain,
however is a subjective experience and each person is different.
For some people, some of the time, the adjustment
to an already painful area may hurt momentarily. Most people
experiencing this are nevertheless grateful for the relief
after this transient pain.
Communication is very important. If you have
any fears or anxiety about chiropractic treatment or if you
know you have a low pain threshold, telling the doctor will
ensure the treatment you receive will be as comfortable as
possible. Chiropractic techniques can be altered to suit each
individual's preferences and conditions.
What conditions do Chiropractors treat?
The most common conditions treated in Chiropractic
offices are Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain and Headaches, including
Migraine Headaches.
Related problems include Herniated Discs,
Degenerative Disc Disease, Arthritis and Sciatica. Other problems
frequently treated include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Shoulder
Pain, TMJ Syndrome, Sinus Pain, Tennis Elbow, and leg pain.
Can Chiropractic help people who have been in auto accidents or who were injured on the job?
Yes. All kinds of injuries result in damage
to the spine and related structures. Chiropractors can help
even long after the initial accident has taken place. Both
No-fault and Workers Compensation cover Chiropractic treatment.
What kind of training do Chiropractors have?
The D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic degree)
requires four years of intensive education. Courses include
anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology and chemistry. Chiropractors
also take courses in spinal adjusting techniques and enter
into clinical training before graduation.
NYS Chiropractors continue their studies
after graduation, taking seminars and postgraduate instruction.
Chiropractors are subject to state regulations and take intensive
licensing exams on both state and national levels. |
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