Chiropractic: Common Questions and Answers
What Happens in a Typical Visit to a Doctor of Chiropractic From HomeCare Chiropractic?
During your first visit in your home or workplace, a HomeCare Chiropractic doctor of chiropractic will compile your total health profile. You will be asked about your own and your family's medical history, diet, injuries, other treatment you may have had or are currently receiving, and the physical movement involved in performing your job. Your HomeCare practitioner will perform a physical examination, possibly including laboratory analysis and/or X-rays. The doctor will carefully examine your spine, both at rest and in motion. The goal is to offer a diagnosis and treatment plan, including possible referral to other providers.
What Do Doctors of Chiropractic Treat?
People commonly see doctors of chiropractic for backache, sciatica, whiplash and disc problems brought on by injuries to the back and neck. Recent success in treating headaches - both migraine and common - has enhanced the appeal of chiropractic treatment. Doctors of chiropractic have also had some success treating allergies, digestive disorders and repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel symptoms. Doctors of chiropractic have more extensive training in spinal manipulation than any other health care providers.
Who Sees A Doctor of Chiropractic?
People from all walks of life. More than 60 percent of all Minnesotans have visited a doctor of chiropractic, including 66 percent of residents over age 55. Children also see chiropractors for treatment of problems ranging from scoliosis to colic.
Will The Doctor of Chiropractic Work On My Spine?
Depending on whether or not your doctor of chiropractic finds a problem, or subluxation, with your vertebrae, your spine may be manipulated or adjusted. The adjustment is usually made by hand. You may be asked to lie on an adjusting table where the doctor applies pressure, usually by hand, to the areas of the spine that are out of alignment or not moving properly.
How Many Times Will I Need to See My Doctor of Chiropractic?
That depends on what, if any, problems are found. Your doctor will most likely have treated many problems of a similar nature and thus may be able to give you a good estimate of the necessary treatment.
How Else Might My Doctor Treat My Problem?
Doctors of chiropractic use many other natural therapies, including heat, cold, water, massage, light, vitamins and exercise. Other forms of physiologic therapies include electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction and diet. Your doctor may also ask you to perform some exercises at home to help maintain and improve your health.
What are the current educational requirements to be a doctor of chiropractic?
Chiropractic colleges require a minimum of four academic years of professional study, including clinical internships under strict supervision, and extensive study in the basic sciences. There is a strong emphasis on practical or clinical studies dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Students enrolling in a chiropractic college must have a minimum of three years of college work with a curriculum concentrated in the biological and basic sciences.
