What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a distinct health care practice performed by Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) that primarily seeks to correct functional and structural problems in the body (particularly the spine) that can lead to back, neck, head, arm, and leg pain and a host of other symptoms. Chiropractors are uniquely trained and equipped to address these problems that the chiropractic profession refers to as subluxation complexes, but are often referred to as spinal/segmental dysfunctions, fixations, or spinal misalignments. Chiropractic espouses a holistic and vitalistic view of health, and therefore emphasizes factors such as diet, physical activity, and managing stress in order to address the underlying cause of conditions and symptoms. Doctors of Chiropractic focus their attention primarily on the spine and nervous system, because the spine and nervous system make up the "master control" system of the entire body. Chiropractors may also correct functional problems in the extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet) when necessary for a return to full function and health. Some chiropractors will also incorporate other forms of care such as therapy techniques, massage, and wellness counseling/coaching as our center does. Click here to watch A Beginner's Guide to Chiropractic.
What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors most often help patients presenting with neck pain, back pain, headaches, arm and leg pain, as well as other joint pain because chiropractic subluxations often cause these symptoms. However, because poor spinal function adversely impacts brain function, chiropractic will frequently have positive "side effects" that result in improvements for other conditions like poor sleep, mood disorders, chronic constipation, bed-wetting, colic, migraines, frequent infections, dizziness, etc. All of those problems and so many more have improved with chiropractic care in our center. No matter the symptoms or condition, the goal of chiropractic care remains the same; to correct the root causes of poor health and function. This includes vertebral subluxation complexes that are interfering with the brain's ability to properly regulate and coordinate function throughout the rest of the body, as well as other challenges the body is facing like poor diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress, and other lifestyle factors.
What Education do Chiropractors Have?
Chiropractors receive a D.C. (Doctorate of Chiropractic), which constitutes over 300 credit hours, over 4,600 classroom hours, and 5 academic years of education. This is in addition to pre-chiropractic undergraduate degree requirements. In total, chiropractors must attend a minimum of 7-8 years of college. Chiropractors are licensed physicians in all states and are required to complete ongoing educational requirements. Chiropractors are also required to pass a 4 part board examination completed over the course of 3 years prior to applying for licensure in any state. Chiropractors also receive more wellness and healthy lifestyle education than most other health care professions.
Learn More About Chiropractic Care
“If you would seek health, look first to the spine.”
-Socrates, Ancient Greek philosopher
“Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.”
-Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine”