Frequently asked
questions
Are all
chiropractors the same?
What is a subluxation?
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
How many treatments will I need?
How long until I feel better?
How long will I need chiropractic care?
What are the educational requirements for
chiropractors?
Q: Are
all chiropractors the same?
A:
No. There
of two main divisions in the profession.
The first division is thought of as
philosophically-based and the second
division is scientific or
evidence-based.
The first group has a
dogmatic perspective on the profession.
The clinical thought process is devoid
of any scientific reasoning or critical
thinking. These practitioners believe
that “nerve interference” is caused by
“subluxations” and that all are at risk.
The whole spine is treated regardless of
region of complaint. Usually, the only
manner in which patients are treated is
with manipulation. This practitioner is
usually engaged in a doctor-centered
practice and does not collaborate with
medical doctors. There is typically no
definite end to this type of treatment
and poor outcome measures are used.
The second group uses the
best available evidence in clinical
decision making. This practitioner
frequently collaborates and communicates
with medical doctors. This doctor uses a
myriad of manual procedures and
exercise. Manual treatment is including
but not limited to manipulation
depending on the condition. The type of
practice model employed by this
practitioner is patient-centered. This
type of care is finite and outcomes
oriented.
Q: What is a subluxation?
A:
The subluxation is actually a combination of several components
called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Traditionally there have
been 5 components that form the chiropractic
subluxation. The vertebral subluxation complex is
differentiated by the fifth component, general
systemic disturbances secondary to the spinal
misalignment (vertebral subluxation).
-
Spinal
Kinesiopathology - the bone component
-
Neuropathophysiology/Neuropathology
- the nerve component
-
Myopathology - the
muscle component
-
Histopathology - the
tendons, ligaments, blood supply component
-
Pathophysiology/Pathology
- the chemical component
Historically, the detection of
spinal misalignments (subluxations)
by the chiropractic profession has
relied on X-ray findings and
physical examination. At least 2 of
the following 4 physical signs
and/or symptoms must be documented
to qualify for reimbursement:
-
Pain and tenderness
-
Asymmetry/misalignment
-
Range of motion abnormality
-
Tissue/tone changes
Q:
Are chiropractic treatments safe?
A:
Yes, chiropractic treatment is safe and effective. While any form
of health treatment contains a degree of inherent risk, there is
little danger in chiropractic care when administered by a licensed
practitioner. To assure competency, all states require that DCs be
board-qualified, licensed, and regulated according to stringent
criteria. Statistics show that patient risk is substantially lower
in chiropractic as opposed to medical care, where the use of
prescription drugs and surgery pose a greater risk.
Q: How many
treatments will I need?
A:
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their
individual health goals. Many patients sense some progress within a
week or two of frequent visits. Visits are less often as your spine
stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or
even years.
Q: How long
until I’ll feel better?
A:
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it
can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing
process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your
appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise, and
nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition?
Are you committed to the home care program given to you by your
doctor? Within
a short period of time most patients sense enough progress to
justify completing their doctor’s recommendations.
Q: How long
will I need chiropractic care?
A:
After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue
with some type of periodic care. These visits can help support the final stages
of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they
become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care we can, and
your job is to decide how much of it you want.
Q: What are the
educational requirements for chiropractors?
A: Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care
practitioners, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and
treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are
among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The
typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired
nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education,
including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry,
physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an
accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more
demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are
the standard. In some areas, such as anatomy, physiology,
rehabilitation, nutrition and public health, they receive more
intensive education than their MD counterparts. In addition,
chiropractors must pass national board exams administered by the
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) or individual state
exams to obtain a license. In some cases, both national as
well as state exams are required for licensure.
In total, the
chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of
classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study
is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education.
