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Frequently Asked
Questions
Have a question
about
Chiropractic Care?
Send an email to:
askthedoctor@pccschiro.org
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, and fibromyalgia.
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 judgment, 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 Chiropractic offices provide other than
Chiropractic?
Chiropractic offices can offer a
variety of alternative health treatments, including acupuncture,
massage therapy, homeopathic formulas, herbal medicine,
acupuncture and nutritional consulting.
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