Discover ChiropracticThe Road to Good Health

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What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.

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Facts About Chiropractic

• Chiropractic was established in 1895.

• All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands officially recognize chiropractic as an independent health care profession.

• Chiropractic care is available to members of the armed forces at more than 40 military bases in the U.S., and at nearly 30 veteran’s administration medical facilities.

• Chiropractic care is provided in such federal programs as Medicare and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program.

• Doctors of Chiropractic provide care in hospitals and other multidisciplinary facilities.

• Chiropractic is a covered benefit in many traditional insurance policies. According to some reports, as many as 87 percent of all insured Americans have coverage for chiropractic.

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Doctors of Chiropractic

• Often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians

• Practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care

• Undergo rigorous education– At least 4 years of

professional training following undergrad

– 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience

– State and national exams

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What Conditions Do Doctors of Chiropractic Treat?

• Doctors of Chiropractic most often treat conditions such as:– Back pain– Neck pain– Pain in the joints of the arms or legs– Headaches– Whiplash– Sports and work-related injuries

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Chiropractic: What Research Shows

“Acute and chronic chiropractic patients experienced better outcomes in pain, functional disability, and patient satisfaction than patients seen by other

health care providers.” - Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2005

Numerous studies have shown that chiropractic treatment is effective and patient-centered.

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Chiropractic: What Research Shows

“Patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors showed greater improvement and

satisfaction at one month than patients treated by family physicians.”

- Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2000

“Cervical spine manipulation was associated with significant improvement in headache outcomes in trials involving patients with neck pain and/or neck

dysfunction and headache.” - Duke Evidence Report, 2001

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Chiropractic Treatment Technique

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by Doctors of Chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” or the “chiropractic adjustment.”

Additional Treatment Techniques

In addition to spinal manipulation, other treatments include:– therapeutic ultrasound– electrical muscle stimulation– ice and heat– traction– soft-tissue massage– rehabilitative exercises

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Expect a thorough examination that typically includes:• Patient history• Physical examination• Diagnostic studies (when indicated)• Diagnosis• Chiropractic treatment plan

If your chiropractor determines that your condition would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make the proper referral.

With Chiropractic, When Will I Feel Better?

• Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment

• For others, it may take two to three weeks before they achieve substantial progress.

• Many factors can affect the healing process.

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The Concept of Wellness

• Doctors of Chiropractic believe prevention is the key to health and wellness.

• Tips to stay well– Exercise regularly– Eat well– Maintain a healthy weight– Reduce stress– Avoid smoking– Get regular health

checkups

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For Good Health – You’ve Come to the Right Place

Doctors of Chiropractic are

trained to recommend therapeutic and

rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle

counseling.

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Senior Citizens and Chiropractic

• For older patients, many of their ailments are related to the spine and extremities

• Conditions associated with aging may benefit from corrective adjustments:– Arthritis, circulatory

disorders, joint stiffness and pain

• Medicare includes coverage for chiropractic services

Are There Any Side Effects to Chiropractic?

• A very conservative, drug-free, surgery-free approach to reducing pain and improving mobility.

• While any form of health treatment contains a degree of inherent risk, there are few side effects to chiropractic.

• The most common side effect following treatment is mild soreness (similar to exercise) that may last for 12 to 48 hours.

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How Many Americans Seek Chiropractic Care?

• More than 22 million people visited Doctors of Chiropractic last year for a variety of conditions.

• More and more medical doctors are referring their patients to Doctors of Chiropractic.

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Why are a Record Number of Americans Seeking Chiropractic

Care?

Chiropractic Works!