What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic emphasizes the inherent power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.
Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the structure and function of the moving parts of the body. Any malfunction of those moving parts causes pain then damage and degeneration
Doctors of chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners in the best interest of the patient.
Chiropractic Education:
In order to receive the Doctorate of Chiropractic (DC), the candidates must complete four academic years of doctorate-level education. For the first two years, this education largely mirrors medical school, with classes covering anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, radiology and diagnosis. Chiropractors take more units in neurology than general-practitioner MD’s. The chiropractic education diverges from the medical education as they study adjustive techniques rather than pharmacology and surgery. Chiropractors must complete an internship and must also pass National Board Examinations prior to being licensed by the state. Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed to practice in all 50 states and make up the third-largest licensed health care provider group in the United States.
What’s the difference between a chiropractic doctor and a medical doctor?
Chiropractors have a minimum of six years of collegiate training to become a Doctor of Chiropractic; at least two of those years are in pre-chiropractic studies at a college or university (quite similar to a “Pre-Med” program). The Doctor of Chiropractic studies the same basic sciences as physicians, and must pass the same State Board of Examiners’ basic sciences examination that other doctors, including MDs, are required to pass. The chiropractor attends a college of chiropractic for four years, including two years as an intern at an outpatient clinic where he or she gets practical experience in a clinical and academic setting. Just as is the case for medical doctors (MD’s), doctors of chiropractic (DC) must pass the State Board Exam in the state in which they wish to practice
Doctors must also receive additional training every year.
Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or surgical procedures?
Chiropractors don’t prescribe drugs, and do not perform surgeries. The doctor focuses on drug-free, non-invasive procedures for restoring proper function as a way of pain relief and bring optimal health. Herbal remedies can be suggested.
Is Chiropractic Care Cost Effective?
The Journal for Managed Care published stated that chiropractic care was more cost effective than conventional medical therapies in treating low back pain.
No one else has helped me. Why should I believe that a chiropractic doctor could?
There is an old saying that goes “When you are a carpenter, you have a hammer and you see nails”. If the only tools available are drugs and surgery, those are the only options you may be offered.
Doctors of chiropractic see the human body in different way. Chiropractors are trained to treat, subluxation (or joint dysfunction). A misalignment of one or more of the 24 movable bones or “vertebrae” of your spine can irritate your spinal nerves by pinching or pressing on them, sometimes resulting in severe impairment of your nervous system, which in turn can cause pain, as well as lower your body’s resistance and make you susceptible a wide variety of diseases. If your ailment is caused by spinal misalignment only chiropractic care will get you better. We can help.
How long does the initial examination take?
Your initial visit will take 45 minutes.
Does the examination hurt?
It’s virtually painless. We know you are already in pain, and will do nothing to add to it. Quite the contrary, we will likely relieve it. We are specially trained in the identification and diagnosis of spinal joint dysfunction and related disorders, and can often accurately diagnose your condition without harsh manipulation or invasive testing.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a gentle, specific movement of part of your body, the purpose of which is the correction of misalignments. This restores proper function of the moving parts of the the spine reducing pain.
What causes the “cracking” or “popping” sounds that sometimes occur?
It’s not your spine making that noise. It’s just like the sound made when you “crack” your knuckles. The sound is caused by the release of the vacuum inside the joint space and it is completely harmless.
Dott.ssa Bisogna utilizes several gentle techniques to ensure that your treatment is at the best comfort level for you. After your vertebrae are back in their proper position, you will feel much less pain and tension.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. Statistics prove that chiropractic care is one of the safest types of healthcare in the world.
What are spinal misalignments (subluxations)?
Any one or more of the twenty-four vertebrae (spinal bones) or other joints of the body (including the jaw, ankle, knee, hip, etc) can misalign. These misalignments impair the motion of the mobile joints of the body and can interfere with your nerves. This causes pain as well as accelerated wear and tear (arthritis). It interferes with your body’s ability to heal itself and function at its optimum level.
Should I continue chiropractic care if I don’t have any symptoms and I feel better?
This is like asking, “Should I continue to strive to maintain good health my whole life?” or asking whether you should do preventative maintenance on your car or wait for it to break down ( and remember, you can always buy a new car)
The answer is obvious. Your spine is constantly being subjected to repetitive stress. Large injuries like falls or accidents can cause permanent damage. Little motions preformed day after day, or something as simple as a bad mattress can stress the spine daily.
Even though your pain may have disappeared after treatment, there may be unstable areas. The grinding, crunching joint surfaces do permanent damage.
Just like its important for you to visit the dentist periodically, even if you don’t feel pain.
It is also important for you to visit the chiropractor periodically. The frequency depends on your overall health and level of daily activity.