Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). Optimizing the functioning of the spine leads to pain relief and better health. This is because our nervous system controls all of our body's physiological systems.
"Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.
Although manipulation of the spine and joints by hand has been performed throughout the ages, Chiropractic as a profession came into being at the end of the 19th century.
What conditions benefit from Chiropractic care?
Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
Because chiropractic is so effective in relieving musculoskeletal pain, we treat a wide range of problems -- everything from auto accidents and work injuries to sports injuries, repetitive motion syndromes, overuse injuries, arthritis, disc injuries, painful degeneration, and chronic pain.
How are Chiropractic adjustments done?
Chiropractic adjustments are carefully directed, gentle thrusts to specific spinal joints. The adjustments are aimed in a direction to restore normal movement and alignment of your spinal joints.
Does Chiropractic hurt?
Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. Some patients may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds. Adjustments help to reduce pain though certain reactions such as aching or soreness in the joints or muscles may be experienced. In general, you will feel pain relief after an adjustment.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one. Chiropractic care is safer than back surgery and muscle relaxers because it looks to address problems not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.
Do you have same day appointments?
Yes! Often times if you call the same day we will be able to get you an appointment. It's always best to schedule your appointment ahead of time to ensure that we will be able to accommodate your schedule as best as possible. But if need be, we will always do our best to make sure you are seen the same day you call.
What can I expect on my first visit?
The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The doctor will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem. This will enable your doctor to fully understand your current health care needs.
A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your chiropractor's clinical judgment, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.
How often do I get treated and how long will it take?
If you have been injured or have spent many years abusing your back, it will take time to retrain your back and guide you back to health. After your initial visit, your chiropractor will design a treatment program for you that will include regular chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic services, and exercises to be done at home. These will vary depending on the nature and scope of your injuries or problems.
Generally you may be seen more often initially and then taper off to periodic adjustments. Bilan Chiropractic works hard to help you maximize your treatments and recover as quickly as possible.
What kind of education and training do Doctors of Chiropractic have?
Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.
In order to become a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, an individual must meet stringent academic, professional and state requirements, which generally include passing nationally standardized examinations. Currently, an individual must complete the following four major steps in order to become a licensed chiropractor.
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Complete two or more years of general college-level studies. (Bachelor degree required by some states.)
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Obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and complete a clinical externship through an accredited four-year chiropractic college program.
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Pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and/or other state-required examinations.
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Satisfy any other individual state-specific requirements for licensure.
Government inquiries, as well as independent investigations, have affirmed that today’s chiropractic academic training is of equivalent standard to medical training in all pre-clinical subjects.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
http://www.nbce.org/publications/print_studies.htm