“The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”
- HIPPOCRATES
What is Chiropractic?
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Art
The art of chiropractic involves the skilled application of chiropractic techniques to adjust the body. This includes the use of hands-on adjustments, as well as tools and instruments, to improve overall health and wellness.
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Science
The science of chiropractic is based on a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Chiropractors use scientific principles to assess the spine and nervous system, diagnose problems, and develop treatment plans.
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Philosophy
The philosophy of chiropractic is rooted in the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. Chiropractors believe that by restoring proper alignment to the spine and removing interference from the nervous system, the body can function optimally and heal from within.
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest the patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
— THOMAS EDISON
FAQs
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A holistic approach to whole body wellness which reintroduces movement Into the body. Chiropractic directly restores & supports the physiology between brain & body to improve adaptability, movement and life by finding and treating subluxations In the body with a safe, gentle and specific chiropractic adjustment,
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Functional and structural changes within the body which may alter the body's communication system, or otherwise known as the nervous system. Subluxations may cause alignment, movement. sensory and physiological functions to change locally and globally throughout the body. These changes can dampen the line of communication between the brain & body which may influence general wellness and manifest as different signs & symptoms throughout the body.
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A safe & gentle low-amplitude high-velocity impulse provided to specific regions of the body where a subluxation was found. By using a manual adjustment (done by hand) or with the assistance of an adjusting tool (such as an activator), subluxations are corrected with the goal to improve the bodies function and restore its natural movement, subsequently positively affecting the nervous system and its many responsibilities.
Life is movement — Movement is life.
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Pediatric-specific chiropractic care is considered safe for children when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor. Here are some key reasons why:
Gentle Techniques: Chiropractors trained in pediatric care use gentle and specific techniques that are suitable for children's developing musculoskeletal systems.
Adjustment Precision: Pediatric chiropractors understand the unique needs of children and adjust their techniques accordingly, using lighter pressure and smaller movements.
No Forceful Manipulation: Unlike adjustments for adults, pediatric adjustments do not involve forceful manipulation. Instead, they use gentle pressure or tools designed for children.
Focus on Wellness: Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on promoting overall wellness and addressing specific issues related to children's health, such as colic, ear infections, and musculoskeletal problems.
Safety Precautions: Chiropractors take extra precautions when working with children, ensuring that the adjustments are safe and appropriate for their age and condition.
Holistic Approach: Pediatric chiropractors often take a holistic approach, considering the child's overall health and well-being, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors.
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Yes! You may be surprised to learn that Chiropractic Programs typically require 200+ additional credit hours than modern western medical training. A chiropractor's doctoral education typically involves a comprehensive program focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Here is an overview of the educational path for chiropractors:
Prerequisite Education: Before entering a chiropractic program, individuals typically complete a bachelor's degree, often in a science-related field, which includes coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and other relevant subjects.
Chiropractic Program: Chiropractors attend a four-year doctoral program at an accredited chiropractic college. The curriculum includes a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical training. Key areas of study include:
Anatomy: Detailed study of the structure of the human body, with a focus on the musculoskeletal system.
Physiology: Understanding the functions of the various organs and systems within the body.
Pathology: Study of disease processes and their effects on the body.
Chiropractic Principles and Philosophy: Learning the core principles and theories that guide chiropractic practice, including the importance of the nervous system in overall health.
Clinical & Imaging Diagnosis: Training in the assessment and diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions, including the use of diagnostic imaging and other tools.
Chiropractic Techniques: Instruction in various chiropractic adjustment techniques used to treat musculoskeletal disorders.
Clinical Training: Hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of licensed chiropractors.
Licensing Examination: After completing their education, chiropractors must pass 5 Board Exams, a licensing examination in the state or country where they wish to practice as well as a jurisprudence exam.
Continuing Education: Chiropractors are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure and stay current with advances in the field.
Overall, a chiropractor's doctoral education provides them with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to diagnose and treat a variety of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, with a focus on improving the function of the spine and nervous system to enhance overall health and wellness.
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Chiropractic care is considered safe for pregnant patients and their babies when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor. Here are several reasons why chiropractic care is unlikely to harm a pregnant patient's baby:
Gentle Techniques: Chiropractors trained in prenatal care use gentle and specific techniques that are safe for pregnant women, such as Webster Technique. These techniques are adjusted to accommodate the changes in the mother's body during pregnancy while taking into account the baby and its development in utero.
Pain Relief: Chiropractic care during pregnancy is often sought to help manage back pain, pelvic pain, and other discomforts associated with pregnancy. By relieving these symptoms, chiropractic care can improve the mother's comfort without harming the baby.
Improved Pelvic Alignment: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve pelvic alignment, which may benefit the mother during pregnancy and labor. Proper pelvic alignment can also potentially reduce the risk of complications and/or interventions needed during delivery.
Careful Approach: Chiropractors who specialize in prenatal care are trained to use techniques that are safe and appropriate for pregnant women. They take into account the mother's health, the stage of pregnancy, and the baby's well-being when providing care.
Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Chiropractors often work closely with other healthcare providers, such as obstetricians and midwives, to ensure that the care they provide is coordinated and safe for both the mother and the baby.
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Animals may benefit from chiropractic care for many of the same reasons humans do. Animal chiropractic care focuses on the health and function of the spine and nervous system, which can affect the overall well-being of the animal. Here are some reasons why an animal might need chiropractic care:
Musculoskeletal Issues: Animals, like humans, can experience musculoskeletal problems such as joint pain, stiffness, and muscle tension. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve these issues and improve mobility.
Injury Recovery: Animals that have been injured, whether through accidents, sports, or other activities, can benefit from chiropractic care to help restore normal function and mobility.
Performance Enhancement: Chiropractic care can be used to help optimize an animal's performance, particularly in athletic or working animals. By improving spinal alignment and mobility, chiropractic adjustments can enhance agility, endurance, and overall performance.
Preventive Care: Regular chiropractic care can help prevent injuries and maintain optimal health and mobility in animals, especially in older animals or those with chronic conditions.
Behavioral Issues: Some behavioral issues in animals may be related to discomfort or pain caused by musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractic care can help alleviate these issues by addressing the underlying physical problems.
Post-Surgical Care: Chiropractic care can be beneficial as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for animals recovering from surgery, helping to restore normal function and mobility.
Wellness Care: Just like humans benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments to maintain overall health and wellness, animals can also benefit from preventive chiropractic care to keep their bodies in optimal condition.
It's important to note that animal chiropractic care should only be performed by a licensed & trained animal chiropractor or a veterinarian who has received additional training in chiropractic techniques for animals (AVCA, IVCA) .
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Becoming an animal chiropractor involves several steps, including obtaining a chiropractic (DC) or veterinarian (DVM) degree and completing additional training in animal chiropractic. Here is an overview of the typical path to becoming an animal chiropractor:
Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Before applying to chiropractic college, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree. While specific majors are not usually required, coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences is beneficial.
Complete a Chiropractic/Vet Program: Enroll in an accredited college and complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree program or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.).
Get Licensed as a Chiropractor/Vet: After completing your chiropractic/veterinary degree, you must pass the licensing examination in the state or country where you plan to practice. Requirements vary by location but typically include passing the National Board exams and state licencing exams.
Complete Additional Training in Animal Chiropractic: To become an animal chiropractor, doctors must complete additional training in animal chiropractic care. This training is usually offered by specialized programs approved by the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) or similar organizations in other countries.
Obtain Certification: After completing the required training, you can apply for certification from the AVCA, IVCA or other relevant certifying bodies. Certification typically involves passing written and practical exams to demonstrate proficiency in animal chiropractic techniques and knowlege.
Maintain Certification: To maintain certification, animal chiropractors must complete continuing education courses and adhere to the standards of practice set by the certifying body.
Becoming an animal chiropractor requires dedication to both chiropractic and animal care, as well as ongoing commitment to learning and professional development in the field
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The Webster Technique is a chiropractic technique that is commonly used to address sacral misalignment and balance in pregnant women. Developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), the technique is often used to help improve pelvic alignment and function during pregnancy.
The Webster Technique is based on the idea that sacral misalignment may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (dystocia). By using specific chiropractic adjustments, the technique aims to reduce sacral misalignment and improve nerve function, which may help facilitate a more comfortable and easier pregnancy and delivery.
It's important to note that the Webster Technique is not intended to be used as a method to turn breech babies. While some chiropractors believe that the technique may help create a more favorable environment for the baby to turn on its own, research on this specific aspect of the technique is limited and inconclusive.
The Webster Technique should only be performed by a chiropractor who is trained and certified in its use, particularly one who has experience working with pregnant women. If you are considering chiropractic care during pregnancy, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.
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When a patient is afraid of the popping sound that can sometimes occur during a chiropractic adjustment, chiropractors can use techniques that don't produce this sound. Here are some common approaches:
Low-Force Techniques: Chiropractors can use gentle, low-force techniques that don't involve quick, forceful movements. These techniques aim to realign the spine and joints without causing the popping sound.
Instrument-Assisted Adjustments: Some chiropractors use specialized tools, such as an activator or an arthrostim, to perform adjustments. These tools deliver a controlled, gentle force to the joint without the need for manual manipulation.
Mobilization Techniques: Instead of traditional adjustments that involve a quick thrust, chiropractors can use mobilization techniques. These involve gentle stretching and movement of the joints to improve their range of motion.
Soft Tissue Techniques: Chiropractors can also use soft tissue techniques, such as massage or myofascial release, to relax muscles and improve joint function without the need for joint popping.
Patient Education: Chiropractors can educate patients about the popping sound and reassure them that it is a normal and safe occurrence. Understanding the process can help alleviate fear.
It's important for chiropractors to communicate openly with their patients and address any concerns they may have. By using gentle techniques and providing reassurance, chiropractors can help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during their treatments.
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Chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor. However, like any medical treatment, there can be side effects, although they are usually mild and temporary. Some potential side effects of chiropractic adjustments include:
Soreness or Discomfort: It's common to experience some soreness or discomfort in the area that was adjusted. This usually resolves within a few days.
Headaches: Some patients may experience headaches after a chiropractic adjustment. These headaches are usually mild and short-lived.
Fatigue: Some patients report feeling tired or fatigued after a chiropractic adjustment. This is usually temporary and can be alleviated with rest.
Dizziness: In rare cases, patients may experience dizziness or lightheadedness after a chiropractic adjustment. This is usually mild and goes away quickly.
Increased Pain: In some cases, a chiropractic adjustment may temporarily increase pain or discomfort, especially if the area was already inflamed. This is usually part of the healing process and should improve over time.
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Musculoskeletal Issues: Such as joint pain, stiffness, and muscle tension. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve these issues and improve mobility.
Injury Recovery: Animals that have been injured, whether through accidents, sports, or other activities, can benefit from chiropractic care to help restore normal function and mobility.
Performance Enhancement: Chiropractic care can be used to help optimize an animal's performance, particularly in athletic or working animals. By improving spinal alignment and mobility, chiropractic adjustments can enhance agility, endurance, and overall performance.
Preventive Care: Regular chiropractic care can help prevent injuries and maintain optimal health and mobility in animals, especially in older animals or those with chronic conditions.
Behavioral Issues: Some behavioral issues in animals may be related to discomfort or pain caused by musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractic care can help alleviate these issues by addressing the underlying physical problems.
Post-Surgical Care: Chiropractic care can be beneficial as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for animals recovering from surgery, helping to restore normal function and mobility.
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No! Your body, your choice. It is common for patients to want to continue seeking chiropractic care for routinely to maintain their results and improved function but it is certainly not a requirement.