Some people are not sure what to expect when they go to the chiropractor for the first time and some people have some fears about chiropractic. I hope the following will shed some light on these topics for you.
The answer to this is Yes. Chiropractor’s are primary health care physicians and there training is similar to a medical doctors training. Chiro and mds all take the same basic subjects like anatomy physiology pathology neurology etc. of course Chiropractor’s branch out and take more subjects on spinal manipulation, nutrition, rehabilitation etc. whereas the medical doctors. branch out into pharmacology, general surgery so an and so forth. We also have an internship as the medical profession does. And we must pass national and state board examinations. If your condition can not be treated by a chiropractor we will refer you to the proper specialist. Here is a comparison of hours of schooling required of medical doctors and chiropractic physicians.
Usually the adjustments are pain free. Occasionally some discomfort may occur after the manipulation but this is from the muscles and the vertebra or bones of your spine being out of alignment and your body has to readapt. Actually a lot of patients tell me the manipulations are very comfortable and feel great.
This is simply not true and is a myth. In the early stages of treatment you may have to go more often. As you get better your frequency is reduced and you should be given some exercises to strengthen the area involved. Once you condition has been stabilized and strengthened then you should be set up on a wellness program to maintain your current health level. It’s like getting in shape. It require more time and exercise in the beginning but it is easier to maintain once you are in shape.
This is another myth. Actually spinal manipulations may help your arthritic pain in conjunction with physical therapy modalities, herbs and nutritional supplements.
Actually, lower back pain is just the tip of the ice berg of what we treat. We also treat headaches neck pain, arm and shoulder pain, elbow and wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, pain between the shoulder blades and pain radiating around the ribs. We treat buttock and leg, pain along with knee and ankle injuries. We also treat Sports injuries, Auto injuries, Worker’s comp injuries and we treat many more health conditions. All Naturally. Without the side effects of drugs.
This is not totally true but unfortunately some medical practitioners don’t. And the ones that don’t, usually do not understand what we do. But I receive referrals from medical doctors to my office. And I also refer some patients to medical doctors if necessary. Today! Some clinics even have medical doctors and chiropractors working together hand in hand in the same office. It doesn’t matter which doctor gets the patient better but the key is to get the patient well. Some times it takes a team approach. Including massotherapists, acupuncturists and pain management physicians jus to name a few And the last thing I would like discuss is that a lot of times patient say that my Medical Doctor told me not to go to a chiropractor because this or that could happen. I have to disagree with this and if you have any questions, Please be evaluated by a chiropractor. Remember Chiropractors are experts in the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Medical Doctors are not specialists or experts in spinal manipulation therefore I recommend getting an opinion from a chiropractor.