Around the office we have some very curious patients who ask some very intelligent questions. Here is a compilation of some of the best questions and our answers.
What is chiropractic care?
There’s nothing mysterious about chiropractic. It’s a natural method of health care that doesn’t use dangerous drugs or surgery, but focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise. The nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of the body and a normally functioning spine allows the nervous system to work without interference. Therefore, with a normally functioning spine, your body is better able to heal itself and function at a higher level.
How large is the chiropractic profession?
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 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 on the Bureau of the Census figures is estimated to be one doctor of chiropractic for every 5,100 citizens. There are well over ten times more MDs than DCs. The MD to general population ratio is approximately one to every 430 citizens.
How many people see chiropractors?
Chiropractic services are in high demand. Tens of millions of Americans routinely opt for chiropractic services, and this number is rapidly growing. In 2013 more than 30 million consumers made chiropractic a regular part of their health-care program.
What is the practice of Chiropractic based upon?
The 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.
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.
Do you have see the chiropractor for the rest your life?
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 rotting. Once chiropractic care eliminates your pain and rehabilitates the injured tissues, we do recommend that you maintain a schedule of periodic spinal checkups. 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 so you maintain your health. We find that patients who get adjusted every two weeks maintain their health the best. Periodic chiropractic care minimizes spinal and nerve stresses, reduces recurrences of old injuries, prevents new injuries from developing, and minimizes degenerative processes.
We’ll post more FAQs next week, so keep an eye on our blog. If you’re interested in beginning or resuming chiropractic care, please contact our Roanoke, Virginia office.
Dr. Daryl Rich, DC, CSCS
