The Chiropractic Method

Chiropractic Training:

Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) comprise the second largest health care profession with over 50,000 practitioners in the U.S. They earn the title “doctor” along with Medical Doctors (M.D.), Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.), and Dentists (D.D.S. and D.M.D.).

The educational process leading to the title Doctor of Chiropractic is quite similar to that of an M.D. and D.O. In order to obtain a D.C. degree, a student must complete several years of pre-chiropractic studies at a college or university, followed by four academic years of Chiropractic education (totaling a minimum of 7 years of study). The Chiropractic student’s last year is spent in a clinical internship (similar to M.D. or D.O. “rotations”). During this time the Chiropractic intern, under the supervision of a licensed D.C., will consult, examine and treat patients in a clinic setting. Upon graduation and earning the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, a state licensing exam must be passed in order to practice.

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts, which is based upon the concept that good health depends, in part, on a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine and the nerves that extend from the spine to all parts of the body). The word "chiropractic" is derived from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins when the body's physiology is abnormal (improper nerve supply to the body organs and tissues). The study of chiropractic teaches that nerve pressure due to an unaligned spine can cause a disturbance of the body functions and can result in an increased susceptibility to disease processes. It looks to address these diseases by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body that is functioning improperly, rather than through the use of drugs and other chemicals.

The examination of the spine to evaluate structure and function is what makes chiropractic different from other health care procedures. The spinal column consists of a series of movable bones that begin at the base of your skull and end in the center of your hips. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves extend down the spine from the brain, and exit through a series of openings. The nerves leave the spine and form a complicated network, which influence every living tissue in your body.

Accidents, falls, stress, tension, overexertion, and countless other factors can result in displacements of the spinal column, causing irritation to spinal nerve roots. These irritations are often what cause malfunctions in the human body. The study of chiropractic teaches that reducing or eliminating this irritation to spinal nerves can cause your body to operate more efficiently and more comfortably.

Chiropractic also places an emphasis on nutritional and exercise programs as well lifestyle modifications for promoting physical and mental health. While chiropractors make no use of drugs or surgery, doctors of chiropractic do refer patients for medical care when those interventions are necessary. In fact, chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists, and other health care professionals now work as partners in occupational health, sports medicine, and a wide variety of other rehabilitation practices.

The Chiropractic Philosophy

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; and
2) the mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health and in the healing processes.

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 such laws can result in illness.

Chiropractic Philosophy includes:

• emphasis on patient recuperative abilities rather than surgery
• recognition that dynamics exist between lifestyle, environment and health
• understanding the cause of illness in order to eliminate it, rather than simply treat symptoms
• recognition of the centrality of the nervous system and its intimate relationship with the capacities of the human body
• balancing benefits versus risks of clinical interventions
• recognition of the primary importance of monitoring progress closely through appropriate diagnostic procedures
• a patient-centered, hands-on approach focused on influencing function through structure
• focus on early intervention emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment of conditions that are wholly functional and reversible.

Chiropractic philosophy blends an effective combination of conviction, critical thinking, open-mindedness, and appreciation of the natural order of things.

Chiropractic focuses on the establishment and maintenance of a relationship between patients and their environment which is most conducive to functional well-being.