CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE

& INTEGRATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT

What is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors are whole-body physicians who specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing disorders of the musculo-skeletal and nervous systems, with a focus on the spine and surrounding soft tissue. Chiropractors use non-invasive techniques to make sure the joints in the body are moving the way they are supposed to, and to search for any factors that may be contributing to acute or chronic issues. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain without the use of pharmaceuticals, and help the body to heal itself. 

Why does my pain keep coming back?

Chiropractors understand the importance of finding the cause of your symptoms. Your Chiropractor will explore and address factors in your life that may be contributing to your pain, including:

  • Physical: Hidden muscle tightness or imbalances, gait or posture issues, joint fixation, weakness or instability. 

  • Nutritional: food intolerance or allergy, nutrient deficiency 

  • Emotional or psychological: physical symptoms associated with stress, anxiety and depression.

  • Environmental: workplace and home activities, hobbies

  • Injury: trauma to the body from an accident that happened recently or long ago

What will my first visit be like?

The first Chiropractic visit typically lasts one hour. This will give us enough time for:

  • A focused but thorough discussion of your medical history and current complaints. 

  • An examination to find out why you’re feeling what you’re feeling. This may include assessments of whole body and joint motion, gait and posture, orthopedic and neurological function, and muscle, ligament and tendon integrity. 

  • A treatment. This may include adjustments, soft tissue work, and modalities such as electric stimulation and ultrasound

  • A concise and individualized treatment plan, based on the information collected during your visit. Rehabilitative stretches and exercises may also be utilized based on your needs.

Any visits after the first will typically last up to 30 minutes. 

What is an adjustment?

At the beginning of each visit, your Chiropractor will perform an assessment to the joints in your spine and/or extremities, to locate any impediment to your body’s natural mobility. When your joints are not moving properly, there can be pain, muscle tightness, and decreased flexibility, as well as numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet. To correct this, your Chiropractor will restore proper motion with an adjustment. This is a quick, low force movement that frees the joint so it can move again. 

Will I have to be adjusted if I see a Chiropractor?

Feeling nervous about adjustments? That’s ok. There are plenty of techniques that can be used to restore motion to that joint. 

What conditions can be improved with Chiropractic care?

·       Recent or ongoing pain in the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, hand, hip, knee, leg or foot

·       Headaches, including migraines 

·       Tingling, weakness or numbness in arms, hands, legs and feet (Carpal Tunnel, Sciatica, Thoracic Outlet, etc)

·       Pain or injury associated with computer/desk work, teaching, playing instruments, exercise, sports, or child care.

·       Whiplash Injury

·       Pain or injury resulting from automobile accidents or workplace injuries.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a chiropractor?

Most insurance plans do not require a referral for you to see a Chiropractor. 

Training:

The path to becoming a Chiropractor includes completion of a four-year pre-medical undergraduate degree, followed by four years of education in a Chiropractic graduate school. Areas of study in the health sciences mirror those taken in all medical schools, including anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, radiology and nutrition. This is followed by a one-year clinical based program with a focus in patient care. Finally, students must pass a rigorous four- part national board examination to obtain licensure.