Chiropractic is Scientific Nervous system and chiropractic It’s a scientific fact that your nervous system controls everything.
How do you define “scientific?”
If you define it as the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment and then testing the resulting hypotheses, then today’s chiropractic is quite scientific. Because it’s based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls and regulates virtually every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body.
Don’t be misled by the “low-tech” nature of chiropractic adjustments! There are a growing number of studies that suggest the chiropractic approach to reducing nerve disturbance along the spine, may enhance the ability of the brain and nerve system to control and regulate the body.
These include published research documenting the results of chiropractic care on asthma, infantile colic, immune function, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), improving vision and brain function, lower back pain, one’s overall health status and many others.
The “scientific” argument is largely a red herring and the sign of a double standard. Medical economist David Eddy, MD, Ph.D., observes that only 15% of medical procedures have ever been scientifically verified, and the other 85% of common medical procedures have no “scientific basis!”
Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding. Ask our delighted patients whether chiropractic is scientific.
Chiropractors are Well Educated Chiropractors are well educated Today’s chiropractic education has an emphasis on science.
The fact is, educational requirements for today’s chiropractor are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions.
Several decades ago the education that chiropractors received was purposely narrow. Without the interest in prescribing medicines or performing surgery, chiropractic education focused on anatomy, the philosophy of natural healing, the wisdom of the body and adjusting techniques.
Today’s chiropractor receives a much broader education. In fact, it’s quite comparable to that received by medical practitioners.
Before acceptance to a five-year chiropractic college, prospective chiropractors must complete a minimum of three years of undergraduate work with a heavy emphasis on the basic sciences.
This focus on science continues during the first two years of study, emphasizing classroom and laboratory work in anatomy, physiology, public health, microbiology, pathology and biochemistry. Later, the focus is on specialized subjects, including chiropractic philosophy and practice, along with chiropractic diagnosis and adjusting methods. Since chiropractors don’t prescribe drugs, instead of studying pharmacology and surgery, they receive an even deeper training in anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, nutrition, diagnosis, X-ray and a variety of adjusting techniques that aren’t taught in any other health care field.
Disparaging the educational achievements of today’s chiropractor is an outdated belief from another era.
Doctors Are Doctors. Chiropractors are Chiropractors. Scale weighing an apple and an orange Comparing chiropractors and medical doctors is like trying to compare apples and oranges.
Your notion of a “real” doctor probably conforms to a prototype generated by the mass media.
Many have come to think of a doctor as someone who prescribes advice and drugs or performs surgery. Sporting a white lab coat or surgical scrubs with a stethoscope at the neck, doctors are seen as all-knowing, omnipotent and able to save patients in 60 minutes, less commercials.
A medical doctor (MD) and a chiropractor (DC) while different, have both received a degree from a government accredited medical school or chiropractic college and are licensed to practice.
But that’s where the similarity ends because each discipline looks at health and healing in very different ways.
Medical DoctorsChiropractors Sees the disease Studies the blood Relies on drugs Treats symptoms Sees the person with the disease Improves nervous system integrity Reduces causes of nerve interference Promotes proper bodily function Clearly, these are two very different philosophies. Yet, each has its place. If you have broken bones or you’re bleeding by the side of the road, you want the heroic lifesaving measures of emergency medical treatment. But if you have chronic aches and pains or an interest in wellness, you may want the health restoration possible that is the focus of chiropractic care.
Receive Care as Long as You Like Chiropractic family Many see their chiropractor as their family doctor.
We’ve all heard the joke, “How many chiropractors does it take to change a light bulb? Only one but it takes 100 visits.”
Funny. Ha-ha.
The fact is, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Many folks choose to continue their chiropractic care on some type of periodic basis for the rest of their lives.
Others choose to see us from time to time for episodes of neck or back pain. It’s your choice. However, this concern is prompted by two common questions:
“Will I get addicted to chiropractic adjustments?” No. Many people feel a pleasant sense of ease and well-being after their chiropractic adjustments. Some feel as though their power has been “turned on.”
Others feel more whole or “connected.” (This is what “normal” feels like!) Once people experience this feeling they often choose to adopt some type of ongoing schedule of care so they continue to feel this way all the time. It’s not an addiction.
“Why are so many visits necessary?” By the time many people consult our practice, they’ve had their problem for some time. Retraining muscles and ligaments that support the spine takes time. Each visit builds on the ones before. Remember, you’re doing the healing, not the chiropractor!
How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
Why Fix it if it’s Not Broken? Mechanic fixing car Many health problems fester without serious symptoms, making correction more difficult later.
This is the “Let sleeping dogs lie” approach to health care! I feel fine. Why do I need to see a doctor?
That’s the problem with the lifestyle-induced health problems facing our culture. They quietly fester in the background, slowly worsening, often without any obvious symptom. Arterial plaque builds up. Blood pressure rises. Certain foods now cause heartburn. Every morning you get out of bed a little bit slower and stiffer. You hardly notice the incremental change.
Ironically, these are often the same folks who religiously change their oil and do other preventive maintenance to lengthen the life, appearance and performance of their car!
If you like being your very best, you’ll love visiting our practice. No shots. No yucky medicine. No “healthier-than-thou” attitude. No preaching.
Medical Doctor Approval Medical doctor More and more MD’s are recognizing the value of chiropractic care.
Most medical doctors are unfamiliar with chiropractic and the principles by which it works. Many are still operating under the policy perpetuated by the illegal boycott of chiropractors by the American Medical Association in the United States and the Australian Medical Association in Australia.
On September 25, 1987, a United States Federal judge ruled that the AMA had violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and that it had engaged in an unlawful conspiracy in restraint of trade “to contain and eliminate the chiropractic profession.” The judge issued a permanent injunction against the AMA under Section 16 of the Clayton Act to prevent such future behavior.
Fortunately, more and more enlightened medical doctors around the world see the value in chiropractic care.
“Instead of thinking of chiropractic as an alternative or some kind of therapy separate from other health care, we really should consider it equivalent.”1 Paul Shekelle, M.D., Ph.D. The RAND Corporation
“If your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.” This is why I frequently refer patients to chiropractors as well as acupuncturists, massage therapists, osteopaths, or to any one I feel may have something to offer my patient.”2 David Perlmutter, M.D. Dynamic Chiropractic July 31, 1992, Volume 10, Issue 16
“I’m a surgeon, and chiropractors don’t threaten me. But they do threaten some of the primary care doctors. The bottom line is this: We’re supposed to take care of folks. If doctors cannot move a patient from one player to the next in a team, we’re not doing what we need to do.”3 Larry Teuber, MD.
No Need For a Referral Doctor giving thumbs up No referral necessary.
You don’t need a referral or permission from anyone to see a chiropractor.
However, if you expect financial assistance from certain insurance plans, some policies dictate that certain approval steps be taken before commencing care. Sometimes these are granted freely and sometimes it’s virtually impossible.
Be careful that you don’t allow your health to be compromised by the profit motives of an insurance company or the petty bias or jealousy of a gatekeeper who doesn’t understand chiropractic!
It’s your body, your health and your future.
Questions? Concerns? Give us a call at (413 499 2419) and put your mind at ease.
Wellness
Most of us learned to think that having symptoms means you’re sick. But what about pre-symptomatic health problems?
To visit the doctor when you’re feeling great is something new. Yet, a growing number of people who want to be and do their best are visiting chiropractors on a regular basis.
The First Symptom Remember staying home from school when we were sick and returning when we were feeling better? We learned to think of being sick as having obvious symptoms. But these days, many health problems are the result of lifestyle choices that don’t always have obvious symptoms until the effects are well advanced.
Healthy Response The reverse is true as well. If you eat improperly prepared food and find yourself vomiting to expel it, you probably won’t feel good, but you’re having a healthy response.
Turns out that true health is how well our bodies work, not how we feel.
Central Control How well our body functions is based upon the integrity of our nervous system. That’s why so many seek our practice for wellness care. They want to make sure that every organ and tissue has an uninterrupted nerve supply. It just makes sense to detect little problems before they become serious concerns.
Key to health The key to health begins with a properly working nervous system.
The Key to Health True health is optimum physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Drinking more water, eating nutritious foods, regular exercise and virtually every other healthy habit produces even bigger dividends when you have a properly working nervous system.
Although everyone wants to feel good, your care should not be based on whether you have pain or other symptoms. Vertebral Subluxations may exist without obvious symptoms. Just like dental cavities, high blood pressure or heart disease.
Give us call at (413 499 2419) so we can help you take your first step towards true health.
How come I’ve never heard of vertebral subluxations before? True, vertebral subluxations have not received the press that say, AIDS, cancer, cholesterol or heart disease have. However, vertebral subluxations are just as important and are often the underlying cause of a wide variety of health problems. How do you get vertebral subluxations? There are three basic causes of vertebral subluxations. Physical causes include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions, and improper lifting. Stress, anger and fear are examples of emotional causes of vertebral subluxations. Alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet can be chemical causes of vertebral subluxations. How can vertebral subluxations be corrected? The primary form of care to reduce vertebral subluxations is a schedule of chiropractic adjustments. By applying a specific and precise force, in the right direction and at the right time, over time, changes in the position and motion of spinal bones can be made. How can I tell if I have vertebral subluxations? You can have vertebral subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, vertebral subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of any vertebral subluxations you may have. Can vertebral subluxations clear up on their own? Sometimes. Today’s hectic lifestyles are a constant source of vertebral subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these minor problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When vertebral subluxations don’t resolve, you’ll want to see a chiropractor for an adjustment!
Chiropractic and Placebos Spine model Chiropractic works even if you don’t believe in chiropractic.
Some dismiss the results our patients receive as merely the placebo effect. These cynics virtually ignore the mind/body connection that most forward-thinking health care experts are finally acknowledging.
A placebo (from the Latin ‘I will please’) is often a sugar pill or some type of sham treatment designed to invoke the beliefs of the patient, and in the case of double blind studies, even the beliefs of the doctor. Some studies show that placebos can be 30% to 40% effective.
Should the consistent results that today’s chiropractic patient enjoys be simply chalked up to the placebo effect and a caring personality?
Hardly. While it’s helpful when the patient believes the care they’re receiving will help them, some chiropractors have seen positive results from helping newborns, infants and even animals for which the power of the believing mind is clearly not a factor.
What our patients are saying:
Gayle F." You are the best. Thank you for always being there. You always make me better. ????
Casey Marie "So thankful to have you guys doing what you do."
Melissa M. "So grateful for you and all that you do!"
Carolyn V "He has a gift!!!! and he uses it well!!!!!!!!!!!"
Wladyslaw Z Krawiec. "You and Tim have made such a positive difference in my health and well being. I can never thank you enough."
Linda Underwood "I know you have helped me when I couldn't even sit, lay down, or hardly walk."
Rhonda C. "Thank you Tim for the many years you have helped others to feel better, and especially me!"
Melissa P. " You certainly helped us when we were in pain !!"
Matthew B. "Thank you for doing what you do and always being available!"