Chiropractic Adjustments And Treatment Offered By Thrive Health Systems
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What Is Chiropractic Care, And What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?
Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that focuses on the spine and nerves, and how they interact with muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body. A Chiropractor (or a Doctor of Chiropractic) is a primary care doctor that specializes in health as it relates to the spine, nerves, and overall health of the human body.
Chiropractic Care – How It Works
The general philosophy of Chiropractic is one aimed at avoiding drugs and surgery. They will focus on modalities that aim to support the body in healing without aggressive interventions. While many Chiropractors (including us) agree that there is a time and place for drugs and surgery, it is not the first “go-to” whenever the body has a health problem.
A Chiropractor views pain (which we all consider a “bad thing”) as a warning sign. It’s the body attempting to communicating that something is amiss. The doctor will evaluate the symptoms, and use diagnostics (such as an X-Ray, or in the case of a doctor that practices Functional Medicine, a blood test) to understand what is causing the the problem int he body.
After at the specific problem is understood, the focus is in supporting the body with whatever is needed to address and overcome the dysfunction, which might be spinal alignment, soft-tissue work, focus on strengthening certain muscle groups, spinal decompression therapy, or other tools that Chiropractors use to support patient health.
Chiropractic Adjustments – Are They Effective? Are They Safe?
A Chiropractic is a physical manipulation of a joint to correct misalignment, release pressure or friction, improve range and quality of motion, and reduce nerve restriction. An adjustment may be delivered with the hands, an instrument (such as with an ArthroStim® or Activator), or with specific techniques that a combination of physical force and gravity.
Research has shown Chiropractic care to be a generally effective and safe treatment for a variety of health challenges, including back pain.
Different Types of Chiropractic Treatment
Depending on the office, some doctors offer Corrective Care, or a treatment protocol designed to correct a specific problem.
Say for example a patient has engaged in poor posture, exacerbated by a motor vehicle accident. This may eventually cause a loss of cervical curvature (curve in the upper part of the spine), which eventually results in headaches. A Chiropractor may be trained to work with a patient through a specific treatment protocol designed to naturally remold and restore the cervical curve through a treatment plan, which may last weeks or months, depending on the severity of the issue.
Some office also offer Wellness or Maintenance care. This type of care is designed for patients who want to either retain the benefits gained from a Corrective Care protocol, or patients that are of generally good health and wish to simply stay in optimal condition.
Additionally there are different types of chiropractic techniques and therapies. These all have different purposes. Some (not all) include:
– Diversified Technique
– Gonstead
– Activator (a type of non-force adjustment)
– Flexion-Distraction
– Thompson Technique
– Graston
– Cranial Sacral
– NUCCA
– Atlas Orthogonal
Docs may specialize in one more more of these different techniques and therapies for their patients.
Educational Requirements To Become A Chiropractor
To become a Chiropractor, a candidate must complete a qualifying undergraduate degree, and then complete Chiropractic College, which is a four year curriculum that models Medical School or Physical Therapy school. They then must complete a board exam to become a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, and then must complete ongoing educational requirements each year to ensure their license remains in good standing.
A Chiropractor may then pursue specific specialities, disciplines, or skills, such as Functional Medicine, Nutritional Counseling, or specific adjustment techniques.
Does Chiropractic Actually Work?
Research and anecdotal evidence has shown that Chiropractic is effective for certain health challenges. Some “Classic” issues include back pain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain (or “frozen shoulder”), and more. A Chiropractor who practices Functional Medicine might address life-style related issues such as digestive problems, immune dysfunction, sleep and energy issues, and blood sugar problems.
Needless to say, a Chiropractic adjustment will not help a patient if they are struggling with Hashimotos Thyroiditis, nor will it solve a patient’s knee pain if the pain is caused from muscular imbalance. This is why many Chiropractors undergo additional training, to assist patient health challenges with tools beyond adjustments.
A Chiropractor will refer out to specific medical specialists if a patient is in need of a specific speciality. A Chiropractor is also trained to co-manage care for patients who have multiple health challenges.
Cost Of Chiropractic Care
The cost of Chiropractic care ranges from $20 per adjustment, to $240 per adjustment, depending on where you live. Certain parts of the world have higher costs of living, and have higher prices associated with Chiropractic care. Others are less expensive, going as low as $20 per adjustment.
Some insurance plans cover Chiropractic care, and many do not. Some offer “in network” coverage, and some offer out-of-network benefits.
Chiropractors (like many professionals) vary widely in their competency. In the world of skilled professionals, individual results may vary dramatically depending on the individual practitioner. That is why it is always good to ask some educational questions when you are considering hiring a professional to support your health.
If you are considering Chiropractic care, the following questions may be good to ask during a new patient consultation:
- Can you tell me about your healthcare philosophy?
- What are all the services you offer?
- How do you manage your care?
- Where did you complete your studies?
- How do you ensure patients get their desired outcome?
- Do you have any patient case studies or testimonies that are relevant to my health challenge?
How To Know If Chiropractic Is Right For You?
Chiropractic care may be a great solution for a patient that has a specific health issue. Any Chiropractor would need to first evaluate the patient, to see if they would benefit from anything that the doctor would offer.
At Thrive Health Systems, our Chiropractors offer a $19 New Patient Online Special. This includes a full and thorough exam, consultation, evaluation, and Report of Doctors Findings, as well as one treatment.
