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Briefly, cover the history of chiropractic
What type of education do chiropractors receive?
What do chiropractors do?
What are subluxations?
What causes vertebral subluxations?
What are some of the warning signs of the subluxation?
How can I try to prevent subluxations?
How are subluxations corrected?
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
What causes the sound made during a chiropractic adjustment?
Can't I just adjust myself?
What does it feel like to get adjusted?
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
When should I be adjusted?
Does it hurt to get adjusted?
Once you get adjustments, do you have to keep getting adjusted forever?
Is chiropractic care safe?
Can chiropractic help me?
Why do my children need chiropractic care?
Who else needs chiropractic care?
Can I help speed up the healing process?
Why should I continue chiropractic care if I do not have symptoms and feel better?
What typically happens on the first visit?
How many people are currently seeking care from chiropractors?
BRIEFLY, COVER THE HISTORY OF CHIRORPRACTIC
The term "Chiropractic" is taken from the Greek, defined as "Done by Hand." Many forms of spinal manipulation have been utilized in healing for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, American Indians, Chinese and the African cultures have all experimented with spinal manipulation. In the 1800's medical professionals often used bonesetting as a form of spinal manipulation.
One of the greatest men to recognize the benefit of spinal manipulation was Hippocrates the Father of Medicine (460 -377 BC). Hippocrates linked spinal manipulation with ill health. He stated, "get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.” Hippocrates believed that only nature could heal and it was the physician's duty to remove any obstruction that would prevent the body from healing.
There is a major difference between spinal manipulation and an adjustment. Spinal manipulation is defined as the forceful passive movement of a joint beyond its active limit of motion. It does not imply the use of precision, specificity or the correction of spinal nerve interference. A specific spinal adjustment, on the other hand, is the specific application of forces used to facilitate the body's correction of nerve interference. Chiropractors use specific adjustments to correct nerve interference in your body.
Daniel David (DD) Palmer is considered the "Discoverer of Chiropractic." DD Palmer was born in Port Perry, Ontario , and Canada in 1845. In 1865, Palmer moved to the United States . Between 1865 and 1895, he studied health and healing and became a magnetic healer. In 1895, DD made the discovery of chiropractic. This is the date of the first recorded chiropractic adjustment to Mr. Harvey Lillard, who went from being virtually deaf to hearing normal, after DD Palmer delivered a specific and intentional adjustment to his spine.
The most important figure in chiropractic history is definitely Bartlett Joshua (BJ) Palmer. BJ was only 14 years old when his father discovered chiropractic. However, by 1961, BJ helped elevate chiropractic to the second largest health-care system in America . BJ developed the art, philosophy and science of chiropractic as we know it today. BJ Palmer led the fight along with other chiropractors to practice chiropractic with constant controversy arising from organized medicine. Medical doctors saw chiropractors as a threat because they were taking away many of their patients who were not responding to medicine. This still goes on today. Most medical doctors will not refer patients to a chiropractor.
In the years that followed, the chiropractic profession has grown to include over 60,000 chiropractors in the United States and Canada . Chiropractic schools are graduating approximately 5,000 new chiropractors a year. By the year 2010, it is estimated there will be over 100,000 chiropractors throughout the world.
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WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION DO CHIROPRACTORS RECEIVE?
Chiropractors are very well educated. The science of chiropractic required doctors of chiropractic to put a special emphasis on anatomy, biomechanics, neurology, pathology, physiology, spinal adjusting techniques, X-ray and related subjects. After intense studies of these subjects, chiropractors are prepared to detect and correct vertebral subluxations, thereby correcting spinal nerve interference.
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Number of Classroom Hours Compared to Medical Doctor
|
Chiropractic |
|
Medicine |
|
540 |
Anatomy |
505 |
|
2,887 |
TOTAL HOURS |
2,706 |
In addition to the requirements listed, chiropractors must also complete courses in nutrition, palpation, chiropractic philosophy and practice, and spinal adjustments. Chiropractors spend 4,485 hours in the classroom, compared to medical doctor's 4,248 hours, by the time they graduate from chiropractic school. Before they obtain their degree, they must also complete approximately 900 hours of work in a clinic setting.
To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, chiropractors must pass a very intense and demanding National Board Examination. In addition, they must also pass a practical exam and interview conducted by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners in the state where they are seeking a license.
This clearly proves that chiropractors are one of the best trained doctors you will find.
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Chiropractors are trained to ensure your nervous system is free of spinal nerve interference. They believe in whole body wellness. Wellness is the state of health where your body is free of spinal nerve interference, allowing you to enjoy life. Your chiropractor will discover any spinal nerve interference within your spinal column and with specific chiropractic adjustments, will correct them. Your body will then be free to heal itself, express itself and function at an optimal level.
Chiropractors teach you how you can live "subluxation-free." This is achieved through better posture, diet, attitude, exercise and rest leading to a higher quality of life.
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The body depends on the free flow of nerve communication from the brain, through the spinal column, to every part of the body. When any of the nerves become twisted, the vital communication system is interrupted. These neurological interruptions are called subluxations.
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WHAT CAUSES VERTEBRAL SUBLUXATIONS?
With children, subluxations often occur during the birth process. All of the pulling, pushing and twisting on the newborn's neck and spine during the birth process often causes one or more vertebra to be pushed out of place, resulting in subluxations. As we grow up, subluxations are caused daily by falls, sports activities, accidents/injuries, bad posture, physical and emotional stress and many other things. By having a chiropractic correction these subluxations throughout your childhood and the rest of life, your family can achieve an improved quality of life.
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WARNING SIGNS OF THE SUBLUXATON?
Subluxations can cause pain and muscle spasms. However, most of the time, you will not experience any symptoms. Often symptoms such as headaches, back pain, neck stiffness, pain in your shoulders, arms and legs, numbness in your hands and feet and various other symptoms can be signs of subluxations.
The number one way to prevent subluxation is to have your chiropractor give you lifetime wellness care. This way you can come in on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis to get checked.
Other ways to prevent subluxations include proper nutrition, rest, exercise, a positive attitude and good posture. Your body needs healthy food to replenish itself and repair damage. It is important to exercise to strengthen joints and muscles so they can support your body structure. Poor posture can be caused by excessive weight, negative mental attitudes, injury to joints, bones and ligaments, faulty nutrition, improper sleep support, poorly designed shoes and various other contributing factors.
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HOW CAN I TRY TO PREVENT SUBLUXATIONS?
The number one way to prevent subluxation is to have your chiropractor give you lifetime wellness care. This way you can come in on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis to get checked.
Other ways to prevent subluxations include proper nutrition, rest, exercise, a positive attitude and good posture. Your body needs healthy food to replenish itself and repair damage. It is important to exercise to strengthen joints and muscles so they can support your body structure. Poor posture can be caused by excessive weight, negative mental attitudes, injury to joints, bones and ligaments, faulty nutrition, improper sleep support, poorly designed shoes and various other contributing factors.
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HOW ARE SUBLUXATONS CORRECTED?
Doctors of chiropractic are specifically trained to detect and correct vertebral subluxations. Your chiropractor will perform specific tests, as well as palpation and possibly X-rays, to determine if and where you are subluxated. They will then deliver a specific chiropractic adjustment.
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WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of introducing a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a vertebra that is subluxated. Using the bony process of the vertebra, it is mostly characterized by a dynamic thrust of controlled amplitude. The adjustment releases the vertebra back into its normal position along the spine, allowing proper nerve flow to and from the brain.
There are numerous ways to adjust a spine. Each of the various techniques require a specific force and line of drive. The adjustment is delivered either by the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument. Some of the adjusting techniques are quick, while others require a slow constant pressure.
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WHAT CAUSES THE SOUND MADE DURING A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?
The sound is not actually the spine "cracking" or "popping" like most people think. The sound is created by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. However, Dr, Katie uses a controlled instrument the majority of the time to deliver a precise adjustment.
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No. A chiropractor adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific vertebra, and it is impossible to adjust yourself. When you or a friend crack or pop your back and neck, it will give temporary relief, but you have not actually adjusted the subluxation, and it could be very dangerous.
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WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO GET ADJUSTED?
Chiropractic patients are very comfortable and relaxed while getting adjusted. An adjustment should not be painful.
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ARE ALL PATIENTS ADJUSTED THE SAME WAY?
No. Your chiropractor will take a case history and perform specific chiropractic tests to decide if you are subluxated and what technique they will utilize.
There are numerous techniques taught in chiropractic colleges throughout the world. Your chiropractor is trained in several different techniques and will choose the technique that is best for you.
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WHEN SHOULD I BE ADJUSTED?
Every man, woman and child needs to make an appointment with a chiropractor to have their spine checked on a regular basis. Just like your scheduled dental appointments for proper dental hygiene, you need to have your spine checked on a regular basis.
You should also see a chiropractor if you have any symptoms which make it hard to cope day in and day out. If you have been involved in an accident, you should make an appointment with a doctor of chiropractic.
Remember, chiropractic care is not for the relief of symptoms, conditions or disease. It is essential to correct subluxations, so you continue to function and perform at your highest potential.
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DOES IT HURT TO GET ADJUSTED?
No. Chiropractic adjustments feel great. When you allow the vertebra in your spine to return to their normal position, there is less stress and tension on your muscles and ligaments.
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ONCE YOU GET ADJUSTMENTS, DO YOU HAVE TO KEEP GETTING ADJUSTED FOREVER?
No. However, it would be an advantage to you to speak with your chiropractor about lifetime wellness care.
Once your symptoms disappear, you might be tempted to quit care. However, it is important to understand just because your symptoms are gone temporarily, does not mean your spinal problems are corrected. The symptoms are often the first thing to disappear. Many spinal subluxations have been neglected since early childhood. These longstanding problems usually involve soft tissue damage, muscle weakness and degenerative changes in the spine. In these cases, ongoing corrective care will help your spine reach optimal health.
If you continue chiropractic care it is ultimately up to you. However, periodic chiropractic check-ups will allow your body to fight off sickness and encourage health.
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Yes. Chiropractic care is definitely one of the safest types of health care. Without the use of drugs or surgery, chiropractors utilize a conservative approach when correcting vertebral subluxations. One just needs to compare the malpractice premiums paid by chiropractors to that paid by medical doctors. Chiropractors premiums are approximately 1/20 the price of the premiums medical doctors pay
Hundreds of thousands of people will die this year as a result of bad medicine. Of the millions of people under chiropractic care, only a handful will even make a complaint.
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CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP ME?
Chiropractic care is beneficial to every man, woman, child and animal that has a spine. Understanding that chiropractic care works by restoring balance to the body giving it a better chance to heal itself.
Everyone needs proper nerve function. Chiropractic care provides your body with a greater potential to defend itself against germs and infection. You and your family should be checked regularly for spinal nerve interference.
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WHY DO MY CHILDREN NEED CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
The birth process can often be one of the most traumatic events of a child's life. The spine can often be injured during the delivery.
Having your child checked by chiropractor immediately after birth is a very wise decision. Spinal nerve interference from the birth process often because more serious as your child grows up. Only a doctor of chiropractic has the proper training and qualifications to diagnose and correct vertebral subluxations.
Your child's posture is an important indicator of spinal problems. Scoliosis is often caused by improper posture. By having your children checked at a young age, these problems might be prevented.
Children become involved in sports at a young age. These activities can often include minor injuries. When your children play, they are jumping, running, twisting, bumping and falling all over the place. Often they will become subluxated during these activities. To minimize the chance of future health problems it is important to have your children checked by a chiropractor on a regular basis.
Spinal hygiene should be part of your whole family's wellness lifestyle.
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WHO ELSE NEEDS CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
All of your friends should be checked by a chiropractor on a regular basis. Chiropractic care enables your bodies systems to function optimally. You can prevent many future health problems through early detection of vertebral subluxations.
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CAN I HELP SPEED UP THE HEALING PROCESS?
In a way, yes. Though it is difficult to speed up your body's natural healing process, by following a few recommendations, you can give yourself the opportunity to recover quickly and prevent problems.
It is important that you allow your body enough time to rest throughout the day and when you sleep at night. It is also important to sleep in a proper position. The best way to sleep is on your side with your legs straight and your head on a soft pillow. The next best way is on your back.
When you are lifting objects, always use your legs to lift the weight, not on your back. Make sure you are strong enough to lift the object you have in mind. If not, save yourself future injury and ask for help.
It is important to eat a balanced meal. Proper nutrition will provide your body with the essential components for growth and healing.
Try to keep a positive attitude throughout the day and realize life is full of ups and downs. Just when you thought life couldn't get worse, it won't, it will get better. A positive mental attitude will alleviate stress and allow clear thinking. Stress is known to cause subluxations.
Last, participate in a wellness care program with your chiropractor. Get checked on a regular basis to be the best you can be.
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WHY SHOULD I CONTINUE CHIROPRACTIC CARE IF I DO NOT HAVE SYMPTONS AND FEEL BETTER?
Chiropractic care is not a treatment or a cure for symptoms, conditions or disease.
Just because symptoms disappear, doesn't mean your vertebral subluxations are corrected. Many of the cases seen by chiropractors consist of patients who present spinal problems that have developed over many years. Slips, falls, and other accidents experienced over your lifetime adversely affect your spine. The longer you wait to have your spine checked, the longer it will take to correct a problem.
Your chiropractor will suggest a schedule of adjustments to correct your subluxations. Once your body has regained the ability to hold the vertebra in place, you can decide whether you would like to continue with a wellness program.
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WHAT TYPICALLY HAPPENS ON THE FIRST VISIT?
Typically, on the first visit, you will fill out a complete health history detailing past injuries or problems and present symptoms. Remember, your chiropractor is not asking you about your symptoms because he/she is going to treat them. The symptoms help the chiropractor determine where you are subluxated and what technique to use. Your chiropractor will then review your case history with you and discuss how you may be helped through chiropractic care.
Your chiropractor will then give you a complete examination, consisting of various testing procedures to help determine where you are subluxated.
The chiropractor will then discuss the Report of Findings with you. These are the results of the examination. Your chiropractor will then recommend a specific course of care for you.
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HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING CARE FROM CHIROPRACTORS?
Over 25 million people have experienced the remarkable results of chiropractic care. This number continues to grow as more and more people take responsibility for their healthcare and choose noninvasive, drug-free healthcare. Chiropractic care is about one-half the price of medical care.
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