What is the difference between a Chiropractic Doctor and a Medical Doctor?
It takes eight years of education and training to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. The Doctor of Chiropractic first completes pre-chiropractic studies at a college or university. The Doctor of Chiropractic studies all the basic sciences and must pass the State Board of Examiners’ basic sciences examination. This is the same basic sciences examination other doctors, including MDs, are required to pass. He or she attends a college of chiropractic for four years, which must include an externship at an outpatient clinic where he or she gets real world experience in a clinical and academic setting. After graduating from Chiropractic College, like an M.D., he or she must pass the State Board Exam in the state he or she wishes to practice in.
Do Chiropractors prescribe drugs or surgical procedures?
No drugs, medications, or surgeries are performed by the Doctor of Chiropractic. Doctors of Chiropractic focus on restoring proper function as a way of pain relief and optimal health. In many cases, drugs are used to cover up your pain but do nothing to “fix” the cause of your problem.
I’ve been to many doctors for my condition and no matter what they do, I don’t get better. Why would going to a Chiropractor get me better?
A misalignment of one or more of the 24 movable bones or “vertebrae” of your spine can irritate or cause pressure or pinching on spinal nerves and result in a serious health-robbing, damaging interference (irritation or blockage) to normal nerve control of your body. Since the brain controls all parts of your body through the nervous system, this nerve interference can cause pain and many health problems. It can also lower your body’s resistance so that you become even more susceptible to contagious and infectious illness and disease. Therefore, if your problem is caused by a misalignment of one or more of the bones of your spine, only chiropractic care will get you better.
How long does the initial examination take?
The initial exam will take 45-60 minutes, maybe a little more if x-rays or any other diagnostic procedures are necessary.
Will I have to disrobe?
Rarely does the doctor need a patient to expose his or her back. If you are a male, this means that you may have to take your shirt off. If you are a female this means that you may need to wear a gown over your bra that will cover up the front, and only expose the back of your neck, down to your lower back.
Is any process of the exam painful?
In virtually all cases, the exam is not painful at all. Chiropractors are specially trained to identify and diagnose misaligned vertebrae and related disorders without any grabbing, twisting or other invasive tests. We are gentle, and have complete empathy with your pain and suffering. Since we KNOW how much you hurt, we are very careful and cautious when doing exams. Compared to going to the dentist, or getting a deep tissue massage, Chiropractic care is virtually painless! We explain everything before we do it. At your first visit feel free to talk to any of our patients; you’ll be happy with what you hear!
What’s the biggest mistake people make when considering going to a Chiropractor?
That’s easy. The biggest mistake is following the path of futile efforts of pain relief you’ve been following that you know don’t work… and continue with them hoping some miracle will occur magically changing a proven failure, into a successful result! In fact, one definition of insanity is: Doing what you’ve always done that doesn’t work… and expecting different results! So, the biggest mistake is to stay with treatment that does not solve the underlying cause of your pain without drugs or surgery, and that still causes you to suffer. Why not try a different, proven and scientifically substantiated method of health care that works WITH your body and its natural health restoration system? Why not give the fastest growing health care profession a shot? What have you got to lose except a few minutes of your time… and the pain you’ve been living with as your constant companion?
Do I have to go to a Chiropractor forever once I begin care?
Like regular dental check-ups, once patients experience the value of chiropractic, many will choose to continue on a maintenance schedule to prevent future problems. However long you decide to benefit from chiropractic is always up to you.