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HISTORY OF CHIROPRACTIC
The first recorded chiropractic adjustment was performed on September 18, 1895, by Dr. Daniel David Palmer, a Canadian-born teacher and healer. Dr. Palmer was, at the time, studying the cause and effect of disease. His patient was Harvey Lillard, a janitor working in the same building as Dr. Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Lillard, who had complained of hearing problems for over 17 years, allowed Dr. Palmer to examine his spine. Dr. Palmer discovered a "lump" on Mr. Lillard's back and suspected that a vertebra might be out of place, which he then repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust. After several such treatments, much of Mr. Lillard's hearing was restored. |
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Since Dr. Palmer's first chiropractic adjustment, the art and science of chiropractic has progressed significantly. Today, advanced diagnostic procedures, sophisticated equipment, scientific research, and the growing acceptance among other health care professionals makes chiropractic a popular health care choice. |
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PHILOSOPHY OF CHIROPRACTIC
The chiropractic perspective on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental concepts:
1) the structure and condition of the body influences how the body functions and its ability to heal itself;
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2) the mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing processes. |
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Although chiropractic shares much with other health professions, its emphasis and application of philosophy distinguishes it from modern medicine. Chiropractic philosophy gravitates toward a holistic ("total person") approach to healing which combines elements of the mind, body and spirit and maintains that health depends on obedience to natural laws, and that deviation from
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SUBLUXATION
Vertebral subluxations are displacements of the spinal bones (vertebrae) that can cause stress to your spinal cord and nervous system. Subluxations may be caused by poor sleeping habits, poor posture, strenuous exercise, injuries, auto accidents, sports, slips or falls, and in some cases, the birthing process itself.
Chiropractic adjustments are very helpful in correcting subluxations and restoring optimal health.
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If your spinal bones are normal and in proper position, there will be no spinal nerver interference. If, however, a spinal bone gets out of alighnment with the one above, and below, it causes nerve interference. (see example)
The purpose of a chiropractic adjustment is to re-align the Spine. A miss-aligned Spine may cause nerve interference which can lead to Dis-Ease.
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3 type of STRESS that cause Nerve Interference:
Chemical - Prescription/Over the counter drugs...
Emotional - Work, Home, Family...
Physical - Sport, extended period of time in one position (i.e. standing, sitting etc) |
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X-RAYS
There are arguments both for and against the use of x-rays. The majority of patients who see chiropractors do not require x-rays; however, many chiropractic offices take them as a standard office procedure, either as a defensive practice to rule out pathology or to aid in determining where to adjust the spine. |
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X-rays are necessary if the patient has sustained a recent traumatic injury, if the patient is over 70 years of age, if the patients history and examination suggests a possible bone disease (such as arthritis), or if there is a long-standing pain that has not responded or resolved with care. |
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SPINAL SCAN
Nervous system disturbances can lead to all sorts of health problems. Since we would rather catch problems before obvious symptoms appear, we encourage parents and their children to have nervous system scan. Our scanning technology is save and accurate, noninvasive and takes |
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just minutes to perform. Should the scans reveal that chiropractic care could be beneficial, we'll make recommendations. If not, we'll tell you that, too. Either way, you will see the results. Detecting pre-symptomatic health problems makes sense. It gives you and your children a chance to grow up healthy and strong. |
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Back to the top THREE TYPES OF CARE
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FAQ OF CHIROPRACTIC
Q: How large is the Chiropractic Profession?
A: Chiropractic is the fastest-growing and second-largest primary health care profession. According to Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards there are approximately 81,000 doctors of chiropractic (DCs) in active practice in the United States spread from rural areas to inner cities. More than 10,000 students are currently enrolled in chiropractic educational programs accredited by a federally-recognized body (CCE). The ratio of DCs to the general population, based |
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on the Bureau of the Census figures is estimated to be one doctor of chiropractic for every 5,100 citizens. This compared dramatically to the ratio of medical providers to the general population as there are well over ten times more MDs than DCs. Thus the MD to general population ratio is approximately one to every 430 citizens. |
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Q: How many people see Chiropractors?
A: Chiropractic services are in high demand. Tens of millions of Americans routinely opt for chiropractic services and this number is rapidly growing. |
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In 1993, more than 30 million consumers made chiropractic a regular part of their health care program. |
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Q:Are chiropractors educated as well medical doctors (MDs) and osteopaths (DOs)?
A: Chiropractic is recognized by governmental health care programs. Chiropractic is included in Medicare, Medicaid, Federal Employees Health Care Benefits Programs, Federal Workers' Compensation and all state workers' compensation programs. |
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Chiropractic students are qualified to receive federal student loan assistance and DCs are authorized to be commissioned as health care officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. |
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Q: Do I have to see my medical doctor before I see a chiropractor?
A: No. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers. According to the Center for Studies in Health Policy, "The DC can provide all three levels of primary care interventions and therefore is a primary care provider, as are MDs and DOs. |
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The doctor of chiropractic is a gatekeeper to the health care system and an independent practitioner who provides primary care services. |
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Q: Does a chiropractor have to have a license to practice?
A: Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed in all 50 states. DCs have been licensed and recognized for many decades in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
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Q: Is chiropractic recognized by government agencies?
A: In the United States, most practitioners of Chinese medicine are licensed of certified as acupuncturist by their state Department of Regulatory Agencies. In addition, practitioners who follow their names with the abbreviations Dipl. Ac. and Dipl. C.H. are nationally board certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine respectively and have had over 2500 hours of professional training. Chinese medicine as a system is extremely complicated |
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and extensive. It is not just a bunch frontbench that can be added to some other health care profession. Just as one does not call an electrician to fix their plumbing, one should only seek treatment from professionally trained and qualified practitioners of Chinese medicine. For answers to other questions, contact us at the Burbank Healing Arts Center. |
Back to the top Q: Is chiropractic care expensive?
A: Doctors of chiropractic provide effective, low-cost health care for a wide range of conditions.
Back to the top Q: Does chiropractic treat any other problems except back problems?
A: The doctor of chiropractic is an effective source of preventative and wellness care. The anatomical focus of the DC on the human spine has created the perception of the DC as just a "back doctor." Although this perception is not entirely incorrect, it is very much incomplete.
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Doctors of chiropractic are a highly appropriate resource in matters of work-place safety, stress management, injury prevention, postural correction and nutritional counseling. |
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Q: I've heard that chiropractic really doesn't have a scientific basis. What are the facts?
A: he practice of chiropractic is based on sound scientific principles.
The existence of the nervous system as the primary control mechanism of the body is an undisputed scientific fact. Its relationship with the spine is the focus of the practice of chiropractic. The spine develops in utero to provide two primary functions: (1) allow for freedom of movement and (2) house and protect the spinal cord. When the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned through trauma or repetitive injury, two major consequences will result: (1) the range of motion becomes limited and (2) spinal nerves emerging from the spinal cord are compromised. DCs use the term "subluxation" to describe such disruptions. |
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Interruption of nerve flow can eventually lead to pain, disability, and an overall decrease in the quality of life. Conversely, the removal of that interference has been shown to have significant, lasting health benefits. Through the adjustment of the subluxation, the doctor of chiropractic endeavors to restore normal nerve expression. The body is then able to respond appropriately to any imbalance in the system, thus relieving symptoms and restoring health. Go to the chiropractic studies section to read more detailed information. |
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Q: Could I be hurt by chiropractic care? Is it really safe?
A: The process of chiropractic adjustment is a safe, efficient procedure which is performed nearly one million times every working day in the United States.
There is a singular lack of actuarial data that would justify concluding that chiropractic care is in any way harmful or dangerous. Chiropractic care is non-
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invasive, therefore, the body's response to chiropractic care is far more predictable than its reactions to drug treatments or surgical procedures. Of the nearly one million adjustments given every day in this country, complications are exceedingly rare. Perhaps the best summary statement on the subject of safety was published in 1979 by the Government of New Zealand which established a special commission to study chiropractic |
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Q: Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?
A: Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. |
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This too common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place. |
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Q: Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition of health.
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Q: Can a Chiropractor help with painful bone spurs?
A: Look for another cause of your pain! Many patients are told that they have "bone spurs" in their back or neck, with the implication that the bone spurs are the cause of their back pain. However, while bone spurs are an indication that there is degeneration of the spine, these bony growths are not usually the actual cause of the pain. The term "bone spurs" is really a bit of a misnomer, as the term "spurs" implies that they are "poking" some part of the spinal anatomy and causing pain. |
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However, this is not at all true. Bone spurs are in fact smooth structures that form over a prolonged period of time. The medical term for bone spurs is osteophytes, and they represent an enlargement of the normal bony structure. Basically, osteophytes are a radiographic marker of spinal degeneration (aging) and are by and large a normal finding as we age. Over the age of 60, bone spurs are actually quite common. |
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Q: When a license is granted to a chiropractor, what does this mean to the public?
A: Through licensure, the board assures the public that the doctor has met certain credentialing criteria, and that he/she continues to abide by the laws and regulations of that state or province. |
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The requirements to enter licensed chiropractic practice are defined by laws and regulations designed to protect the public's health, safety and welfare. |
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Q: What can the public expect from a doctor of chiropractic?
A: While the core concept of practice is based on healing without drugs or surgery, the specific scope may vary according to the laws of a specific jurisdiction. However, patients may commonly expect:
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•A thorough physical examination to determine conditions which may be appropriate for chiropractic care;
•To be referred to another health care provider for conditions which are not appropriate for chiropractic care;
•To understand the type of care to be administered, and what results may be expected;
•Discussion with the doctor as the care continues, to evaluate both treatment effectiveness and projected duration;
•A clear understanding of financial
arrangements;
•Appropriate, ethical care delivered in confidence, with respect for privacy and dignity. |
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Q: Do chiropractors treat conditions other than back pain?
A: Chiropractors provide effective treatment for all types of soft tissue disorders and not just back and neck ailments. This includes conditions of the joints of the extremities like the ankle, knee and shoulder. What you may not be aware of is chiropractic's success in treating a number of non-soft tissue conditions like dysmenorrhea (painful menses), ulcers, migraine headaches, and ear infections in children. |
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While we cannot claim to cure these conditions, we believe that many of these problems can be mimicked, aggravated and some times caused by disruptions in the nervous system as a result of spinal abnormalities. By correcting these spinal abnormalities like the vertebral subluxation, chiropractic has helped thousands of individuals overcome these conditions and regain control of their lives. A number of studies have also supported these findings. In one such study, spinal manipulative therapy was compared with standard medical treatments in the treatment of duodenal ulcers. |
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Q: I have heard that once I start chiropractic care, I'll have to continue with it for the rest of my life. Is this true?
A: You may have heard the notion that once you go to a chiropractor you have to keep going back. Before we answer that question, ask yourself how many times you have visited a dentist? Like most people, you've probably gone dozens of times. Why? Quite simply, to prevent your teeth from literally rotting out of your head. Once chiropractic care eliminates your pain and rehabilitates the injured tissues we do recommend that you maintain a schedule of periodic spinal checkups. |
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Like your dentist and like many of the medical experts are now recognizing, prevention is the key to reducing recurrences of existing health conditions and minimizing new injuries in the future. So the answer is yes, we want you to keep coming back, but just periodically. Periodic chiropractic care minimizes spinal and nerve stresses, reduces recurrences of old injuries, prevents new injuries from developing, minimizes degenerative processes, which enhances overall health and wellness. |
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