What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is an Art and Science concerned with the health needs of the public, giving particular attention to the relationship of the structure and neurological aspects of the body in disease and in health. It is one of 3 major portals of entry for the patient to the nation’s health care delivery systems and is dedicated to providing the public with thorough and complete drugless health care, utilizing adjustive and manipulative procedures, physiological therapeutics, dietary corrections and supplementation, kinesiology, rehabilitative procedures and other drugless procedures to aid in restoration of anatomical relationships and physiological capabilities. Chiropractic care is fully prepared to consult with and refer to other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.

Subluxation/Fixation

Traditionally there have been 5 components that form the chiropractic subluxation. The vertebral subluxation complex is differentiated by the fifth component, general systemic disturbances secondary to the spinal misalignment (vertebral subluxation).

1. Spinal Kinesiopathology (abnormal movement or lack of movement)
2. Neuropathophysiology/Neuropathology (nerve involvement)
3. Myopathology (muscle & connective tissue damage)
4. Histopathology (cellular changes)
5. Pathophysiology/Pathology (abnormal function)

Possible consequences that can befall the human body that has subluxations or fixations of the spine are reduced resistance or immunity, abnormal movement or sensibility, poor nutritional function as well as poor secretion or excretion, body temperature changes, metabolic changes, poor circulation, changes in the bodies organ function, reflex action changes and peripheral and cranial nerve function.

Possible mechanisms of action: direct or indirect entrapment of the nerves which disturbs the optimal function of the nerve, or disturbance of the impulses / reflexes for adequate transmission to body parts or organs which can result in an overactive or underactive function of that body part or organ.

Chiropractic Treatments

• Chiropractic manipulation of the spine and extra-spinal joints
• Physio-therapies
• Physical therapies
• Acupuncture
• Exercise and Rehabilitation
• Nutrition and supplementation
• Weight Management
• Smoking Cessation
• Orthotic and Orthopedic Appliance
• Wellness management
• Relaxation
• Postural improvements

Chiropractic Examinations

• History
• Vital Signs
• Physical Examination
• Bioimpedance (Fat, muscle mass testing)
• Vital Capacity (breathing test)
• R.O.M. testing
• Grip Strength test
• Special Orthopedic tests
• Special Neurological tests
• Visual eye tests
• Foot levelor tests
• Postural tests (Scoliosis)

Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropractic

Is it safe?
Knowing the risks of serious side effects/ death associated with common treatments for musculosketelal pain.

• Spinal surgery has a death rate of 1,800 per 1 million.        
• Cervical spine (neck) surgery has a death rate of 500 per 1 million.
• The use of NSAIDS/ASPIRIN has a death rate of 153 per 1 million.
• Prescription Opioid pain Medication’s death rate 53.6 per 1 million.
• Chiropractic Adjustments less than 1 per 1 million.

Does it work?
A majority of U.S adults think chiropractors are effective at treating Neck and Back Pain.

Are chiropractors real doctors?
Yes. The degree requirements are Medical Doctors have 4,800 hours of education; Osteopathic Doctors have 4,665 hours of education; Chiropractic Doctors have 4620 hours of education and Physical Therapy Doctors have 3,870 hours of education.

Who goes to chiropractors?
Over ½ of all the U.S. adults have seen a chiropractor and ¼ would choose chiropractic care 1st for neck and back pain.

Can chiropractic help my neck and back pain?
Given a choice among five types of practitioners, 29% of Americans most like will see a Chiropractor First for neck or back pain. 54% would see a medical doctor, 7% would see a massage therapist, 6% would see a physiotherapist and 1% would see an acupuncturist for neck or back pain.


sources: Palmer College of Chiropractic


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