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Information...
Introduction to Chiropractic
Since its formal foundation in 1895, the chiropractic profession has
grown into the second largest of the primary health care
professions. In the mid-1970's, chiropractic
experienced rapid growth and acceptance - largely due to
positive research findings that validate the benefits of
chiropractic care.
In the United States, chiropractic is now included in
major insurance and Federal programs such as Workers'
Compensation, Medicare and Medicaid.
Legislation has also been enacted calling for inclusion of
chiropractic services in both the military and the
Veterans Administration. Still, many people are unfamiliar
with chiropractic and how it may benefit their health.
Other Chiropractic Facts
 | There are 60,000 Doctors of
Chiropractic (DCs) in active
practice in the US.
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| More than 10,000 students are
currently enrolled in chiropractic educational programs
accredited by a federally recognized body (CCE).
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| DCs are licensed in all 50 states,
the District of Columbia and
Puerto Rico and have been so for many decades.
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| DCs are authorized to be commissioned
as health care officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.
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| In 1993, more than 30 million
consumers made chiropractic a
regular part of their healthcare program. |
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic champions a natural method of healing, advocating a
non-surgical, non-invasive, and drugless approach to the treatment
of patients. Grounded in a view of the individual as an integrated
being, the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) focuses on spinal health and
wellness as the keys to overall health and well being.
Because of the interrelatedness of the body's various systems, DCs
give special attention to the spine and nervous system. This is
based on the undisputed scientific fact that the nervous system
exists as the primary control mechanism of the body.
continued in next column.....
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What is Chiropractic? continued.....
 For this reason, spinal mechanics -
including the vertebrae, corresponding nerves and soft
tissues - play a primary role in the health of the whole
body.
Structural or mechanical abnormalities in the spine, which
causes pain, dysfunction and loss of mobility to thousands
of Americans a year, can be successfully treated.
What does a Doctor of Chiropractic do?
DCs 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 primary treatment for spinal dysfunction (spinal
misalignment or
subluxation) is a procedure known as a vertebral
adjustment, or more generally, spinal manipulation.
An adjustment is a technique in which the chiropractor
skillfully applies pressure to an area of the spine (or
other joint) that is not functioning properly or is out of
alignment. The procedure is often, but not always, applied
manually. The result is reduced pain and inflammation, and
restored function to the affected area.
In addition to adjustment or manipulation, patients may
also receive a treatment plan that utilizes acupuncture,
neuromuscular massage or physiological procedures, such as
ultrasound and electric muscle stimulation.
Chiropractic also places an emphasis on nutritional and
exercise programs, wellness and lifestyle modifications
including work-place safety, stress management and injury
prevention for promoting physical and mental health.
Patient progress under chiropractic care will be carefully
monitored. Subjective improvements and objective clinical
findings will be noted and treatment will be modified to
meet the patient's changing condition.
Should it be found on the initial consultation/examination
or thereafter that another type of health care would
benefit healing, a referral to the appropriate provider
will be made.
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