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An Attitude Adjustment about Spinal
Adjustments
by Ryan J. Lawrence
If you're one of the millions suffering
from back pain, osteoarthritis or headaches and migraines, you
may have considered visiting a chiropractor, but chose not to
because you've heard some negative information about the
profession. The facts are: virtually all of the negative
stories propagated about chiropracty are, in fact, complete
myths.
The truth is that chiropractic spinal adjustments are
absolutely safe when performed by professional chiropractors.
In fact, chiropractic adjustments are among the safest
treatments for many back and neck problems.
According to a thorough 1993 Ontario Ministry of Health
commissioned study,
"There is no clinical or case-control study that demonstrates
or even implies that chiropractic spinal manipulation is unsafe
in the treatment of low-back pain. Some medical treatments are
equally safe, but others are unsafe and generate iatrogenic
(doctor-induced) complications for low-back pain patients. Our
reading of the literature suggests that chiropractic
manipulation is safer than medical management of low-back
pain."
Chiropractors treat misaligned joints, bones and vertebrae of
the spine that often create problems such as neck pain, back
pain and headaches. By adjusting the spine, the chiropractor
enables the body to return to a natural balance and encourages
natural healing.
Chiropractic science is based on the belief that the nervous
system controls the function of all the body's tissues, cells
and organs. When the spine or other parts of the skeletal
system are forced out of alignment, they often irritate the
entire nervous system. By adjusting the positions of the joints
and bones, normal function of the nervous system is restored
without using narcotic drugs.
Overall, Chiropractic adjustments are a safe way to relieve
pain and improve the quality of one's life. However, Pran
Manga, Ph.D., lead investigator of the 1993 Ontario Ministry of
Health commissioned study, did warn that spinal adjustments
performed by health care professionals that are not qualified
were potentially harmful and less effective, stating that there
is some evidence to suggest that spinal manipulations are less
safe and less effective when performed by nonchiropractic
professionals."
So, what is the difference between a qualified Chiropractor and
one who is not?
A qualified Chiropractors' training and education is extremely
demanding and thorough. It is in many ways similar to that of
medical doctors with the exception of surgeons and
pharmacists.
Prior to entering chiropractic college, the studying
chiropractor requires two to four years (depending on the state
one wishes to practice in and the college attended) of
undergraduate premed studies. Once completed, the aspiring
chiropractor must next complete four to five academic years at
a chiropractic college. This includes extensive training in
neurology, physiology, anatomy, pathology, radiology,
chiropractic adjustive techniques, differential diagnosis,
biomechanics, and several other health-related studies.
Also, prior to graduation, students must complete several
hundreds of clinical hours of "actual" patient management under
professional supervision in a clinical setting.
The new doctors of chiropractic must also successfully complete
rigorous State and National Board examinations before they can
obtain a license to practice. Most states also require that
chiropractors receive yearly continuing education.
So, how can you find a qualified practitioner?
The best way to find a qualified chiropractor is through
another provider's referral or through a referral from a
personal friend. The advice of someone with firsthand
experience is often valuable when choosing a provider.
In addition, national associations including the American
Chiropractic Association and state trade associations maintain
listings of board certified chiropractic practitioners.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute
for the medical expertise and advice of your health care
provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about
treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.
About the Author
Ryan J. Lawrence is a writer for Yodle, a business directory
and online advertising company. Find a chiropractor or more Chiropractic
articles at local.yodle.com. An Attitude Adjustment about Spinal
Adjustments
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