What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the practice of gently manipulating, or adjusting the vertebrae back to its proper alignment position, thus reducing nerve interference.

History of Chiropractic

The field of Chiropractic was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895 in Davenport, Iowa. From that time until present, the field has undergone many changes that have systemized and legitimized the practice.

What is a Chiropractor?

A Doctor of Chiropractic is a state licensed health care provider. They are recognized and regulated in all 50 states and must pass rigorous national and state board examinations to obtain professional licensure. They complete seven years of academic study, similar to their medical and osteopathic colleagues. In fact, chiropractic students attend over 1000 hours more classroom time than medical students do.

What is a Sports Chiropractor?

Sports chiropractors are doctors of chiropractic who have a special interest and post-graduate training in sports related injuries and physical fitness. Their specialized care and treatment helps athletes to excel in reaching their fitness and performance goals. They are experts in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of sports related neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions.

For a chiropractor to specialize in sports chiropractic, they must pass a comprehensive examination administered by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. To maintain their CCSP (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) status they must maintain their level of competency and stay current with developments and research in the field by taking continuing education courses. Post-graduate studies include treatment of conditions related to body mechanics, emergency procedures, diagnosing, pre and post activity and event evaluation, injury prevention, rehabilitation, joint supports, taping, and nutririon.

Chiropractic care helps to maintain fitness and health by improving the biomechanics of the spine and skeletal system. The relationship between joint function, especially joints of the spine, and the response of the nervous system to react to environmental stimulus is enhanced by chiropractic adjustments.

Sports training and injuries typically disrupt normal body mechanics and function. When injuries occur, a prompt evaluation and treatment by a CCSP can facilitate a quicker recovery and sooner return to normal activities. Whether you are a member of a team, a professional athlete, participant in individual sport or a “weekend warrior”, sports chiropractic care can benefit you.

What To Expect and How Does Chiropractic Work?

Upon your first visit to the chiropractor you will undergo a history taking and examination, and possibly x-rays. The doctor is using these diagnostics to determine if a misaligned vertebra, called a subluxation is present. Subluxations produce irritation and/or pressure to nerves, disks, and other tissue. Where there is nerve interference there is dysfunction. These conditions can cause a wide range of physical problems, from headaches and back pain to digestive problems and even asthma and allergies. It is estimated that 95% of the American population have spinal subluxations.

After the history taking and examination, if an adjustment is warranted, the doctor will place his/her hands on the area of your spine that is misaligned and will exert a gentle thrust to move the vertebra back to its proper alignment. Sometimes one visit will be all that is needed, though it is common to return for additional visits to ensure that normal nerve impulses have been restored. Whereas many healing methods simply cover up or deaden symptoms, Doctors of Chiropractic find the cause and correct it.

Who Can Benefit From Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a form of healthcare that is suitable for everyone from newborns to geriatrics. Each age and stage of growth present its own unique developmental scenario and chiropractic can aid, assist and correct problems that ensue from these different stages. If there are contraindications present, your Doctor of Chiropractic will know how to work around them to provide you with a safe adjustment. Regular chiropractic adjustments for maintenance have been proven to reduce the normal degeneration process that occurs to our spines as we age. It is also an important step in the rehabilitative process following accidents/trauma. Chiropractic can be used while undergoing medical care. It can even help to cut down on the amount of pain medication necessary for comfort following an injury or surgical procedure.

Chiropractic can be used while undergoing medical care. Below are some specific indications for chiropractic care:

INFANTS: ear infections, colic, inability to sleep

CHILDREN: all of the above, plus asthma, ear aches and ear infections, growing pains, headaches, pain and soreness from physical activities, behavioral problems

ADULTS: all of the above plus, soreness, pain, whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive motion injuries, decreased range of motion, movement problems, headaches, digestive disturbances, recovery after childbirth

GERIATRICS: all of the above, plus post surgical rehabilitation including joint replacements, general well being, improve balance and mobility.