How does chiropractic care work?
Chiropractic medicine helps to remove
fixations in the joints of the spine that can accumulate in our bodies
over time. Our spines change and develop problems as a result of life's
regular activities. Left unchecked, these changes may lead to pain,
stiffness or other more serious problems.
The nervous system is a key part of your body. It is the communication
system between your brain and all of your body's muscles, organs and
tissues. Chiropractors are primary care physicians of the spine.
The customized care you receive from Daytona
Beach Shores Chiropractic can help to improve your posture
(function), muscle balance and mobility. It can also restore the integrity
of your nervous system and get rid of pain quickly, so you can get back
to your daily routine. Chiropractic care will help you return to your
activities faster, or help to manage your chronic pain a little better.
Why Doesn't My Medical Doctor “like”
Chiropractors?
The American Medical Association's systematic opposition to chiropractic
was at its strongest in the 1940s under the leadership of Morris Fishbein.
He created blacklist for any medical doctor who associated with chiropractors
in the 30’s and 40’s( Morris also tried to ruin the reputation
of midwives in the US buy alleging that it was unnatural to have babies
at home. This was during the era when medical schools started having
in house residencies and needed to practice delivering babies. No one
had babies in hospitals at the time). Fishbein called chiropractors
"rabid dogs" and referred to them as "playful and cute,
but killers". He tried to portray chiropractors as members of an
unscientific cult who cared about nothing but taking their patients'
money. Up to the late 1970s and early 1980s, the medical establishment
purposely conspired to try to destroy the profession of chiropractic.
In fact, a landmark lawsuit in the Supreme Court of Illinois in the
1980s found that the American Medical Association was guilty of conspiracy
and was ordered to pay restitution to the chiropractic profession.
In the 20 years since, the opinion of most medical doctors has changed:
several major studies have shown the superiority of chiropractic in
helping people with a host of conditions, and medical doctors developed
a better understanding as to what chiropractors actually do. One recent
study showed that M.D.’s are still distrustful of chiropractors
in general, but are very trusting of a chiropractor they
know personally. Many people have returned to their medical doctors
and told them about the great results they experienced at their chiropractors
office. Hospitals across the country now have chiropractors
on staff, and many chiropractic offices have medical
doctors on staff. Chiropractors and medical doctors
are now much more comfortable working together in cases where medical
care is necessary as an adjunct to chiropractic care.
Is Chiropractic effective?
Chiropractic medicine is safe and effective. Scientific
evidence proving that chiropractic care works is overwhelming. Many
controlled and independent research studies over the past 20 years have
shown again and again that chiropractic care is safe and effective for
treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating
to the spine. The extent to which a person can benefit from care varies
depending on their particular health issues, and the longevity of the
issue.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care
is one of the most effective treatments for back pain, neck pain, headaches,
whiplash, sports injuries and many other types of musculoskeletal problems.
It has even been shown to be effective in reducing high blood pressure,
decreasing the frequency of childhood ear infections and improving the
symptoms of asthma.
The chiropractic approach to healthcare is holistic,
meaning that it addresses your overall health. It recognizes that many
lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, rest and environment impact
your health. For this reason, chiropractors recommend
changes in lifestyle' eating, exercise, and sleeping habits in addition
to chiropractic care.
Throughout the twentieth century, the profession of chiropractic
has gained considerable recognition and scientific support. Research
studies that have clearly demonstrated the value of chiropractic
care in reducing health care costs, improving recovery rates
and increasing patient satisfaction. In fact, one very large study conducted
in Canada, the 1993 Manga Study, concluded that chiropractic
care would save hundreds of millions of dollars annually in
work disability payments and direct health care costs. Several major
studies conducted by the U.S. Government, the Rand Corporation and others,
have all demonstrated the incredible value of chiropractic care.
Do Many People See Chiropractors?
The non-surgical, drug-free healing nature of chiropractic
medicine provides benefit to the health of millions of people
worldwide each year. From professional athletes, to homemakers, from
teenagers to seniors, most chiropractic patients experience
relief and continue to make regular visits a part of their healthy lifestyle
choice.
What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Is it safe?
An adjustment is the main method of treatment used by your chiropractor.
It is a specialized, controlled and safe pressure applied to your spine
to restore motion to the joints of the spine. The chiropractic
adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the
purpose of restoring movement in the joint. Adjustments are often accompanied
by an audible release of gas that sounds like a 'crack.' The sound can
sometimes be shocking to a first-timer, but the sensation is usually
relieving. Occasionally, minor discomfort is experienced, especially
if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during
the chiropractic procedure. There are times when the
audible 'cracking' does not occur. This is often due to either significant
muscle tightness or that the patient may be having a hard time relaxing
during their adjustments. An instrument may be used for patients who
are uncomfortable having their “neck’s cracked”. Many
techniques are available to make to experience as safe and comfortable
as possible. Chiropractic adjustments are among the
safest of all health care interventions because they are cost effective,
non-surgical, drug-free and present an extremely low risk.
What Results Can I Expect From Treatment?
The longevity of your existing problem, your age and the degree of
your disability all affect the length of your treatment. Dr Eash should
be able to give you an estimate of the extent of relief you should receive
from the recommended treatment and how long you can expect it to last.
One of the main reasons people choose chiropractic medicine
is that they often get quick results. Individual cases vary and chronic
conditions obviously need more treatment. However, Workers' Compensation
Board studies show that people with low back pain return to work much
faster with chiropractic care.
How Long do Doctors of Chiropractic
go to School?
Dr Eash has studied and trained in post-secondary college for at least
seven years. Just like medical or dental students, they must first complete
undergraduate study before applying for admission to a chiropractic
college. Becoming a chiropractor is a demanding
and highly rewarding path that includes a minimum of 4,500 hours of
intense academic study including classroom learning, clinical science
and internship training. During the course of her training, Dr. Eash
has studied the following areas:
- Basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology (the study
of diseases), biochemistry, clinical sciences, X-ray interpretation
and differential diagnosis.
- Training in the philosophy and practice of chiropractic
medicine.
- Clinical internship with emphasis on hands-on practice.
The chiropractic and medical school curricula are
extremely rigorous and virtually identical. In fact, chiropractors
have more hours of classroom education than their medical counterparts.
As part of their education, chiropractic students also
complete a residency working with real patients in a clinical setting,
supervised by licensed doctors of chiropractic. Once
chiropractic students graduate, they have to pass four
sets of national board exams as well as state board exams in the states
where they want to practice.
Just like medical doctors, chiropractors are professionals
that are subject to the same type of testing procedures, licensing and
monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards. Federal and state
programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Workers' Compensations programs
cover chiropractic care, and all federal agencies accept
sick-leave certificates signed by doctors of chiropractic.
Chiropractors are also commissioned as officers in
the military.
Your chiropractor is a primary contact provider just
like your family physician, optometrist or dentist. You do not need
a referral from your medical doctor to see a chiropractor.
