Community Chiropractic

What is a Chiropractor?

What Do Chiropractors Do?

Why Do People Seek Chiropractic Care?

How Extensive Is Chiropractic Education?

What Is the Purpose of Chiropractic X-rays?

What is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a doctor who cares for the nervous system by adjusting the spine and other joints (the musculoskeletal system).
When the vertebrae of the spine are in normal alignment, the nervous system can function perfectly for communication and control of all the tissues, organs and systems of the body.

When vertebrae become misaligned through the everyday stresses of life, or more sudden trauma, this causes irritation to the delicate pairs of spinal nerves exiting between vertebrae. The irritation and inflammation that occur interferes with the normal flow of nerve impulses, tiny electrical messages, and so interferes with healthy function of the body. Patients often call this a “pinched nerve,” but the correct, scientific term for a misalignment is “subluxation.” Subluxations can cause many symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling, muscle spasm, weakness and lowered resistance to disease.

Studies at the University of Colorado have shown that a minor subluxation, which puts pressure on a nerve equal to the weight of a dime, will decrease the nerve conduction by 50%. Chiropractors adjust their patients to remove subluxations and allow the nervous system to function at 100%.

What Do Chiropractors Do?

Chiropractors treat the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. We use our hands and, at times, adjusting instruments to perform specific adjustments on subluxated joints of the spine and the rest of the body. We use minimal force in the correct direction to restore normal motion to the joint and relieve nerve irritation. Chiropractors do not specifically treat diseases. Rather, we adjust the body to correct subluxations, free nerve flow and restore musculoskeletal balance. Then the body’s own healing power is free to heal, resist disease and restore the patient to vibrant health.

There is a saying in the chiropractic profession, “The power that made the body, heals the body.” Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or do surgery. If this is what the patient needs, we send them to a medical doctor (MD).

Why Do People Seek Chiropractic Care?

There are two main reasons that patients seek care. Initially for pain relief. Secondly, for ongoing wellness.

Chiropractic relieves pain for low back problems, neck issues, headaches, muscle strain, joint sprains, arthritis, whiplash and sports injuries to name just a few. Patients now experiencing pain visit their chiropractor regularly for spinal exams and maintenance, to remain healthy and stay flexible and to detect and correct small problems before they become big ones.

We’ll help you heal and keep you well! Chiropractic adjustments are effective for infants, children, teens, adults and seniors. Doctors of Chiropractic are highly trained as primary health care physicians. Extensive diagnostic and clinical skills, along with a concerned and responsive attitude, most often results in highly satisfied, healthier patients.

How Extensive Is Chiropractic Education?

Typically your chiropractor has studied for a total of eight years. This education includes four years of pre-med sciences, leading to a B.S. degree, followed by another four years of graduate school at chiropractic college, leading to a D.C. degree.

Initially, many years ago, the pre-med requirement was two years. All chiropractors are required to meet continuing education requirements to preserve their medical license. A Chiropractic College degree consists of over 4,000 hours of instruction. This time includes classes in basic sciences, anatomy, physiology, pathology, x-ray studies, clinical sciences and chiropractic treatment procedures.

A senior year chiropractic student must complete an internship in a chiropractic clinic, caring for actual patients under the supervision of professor-doctors. To obtain a license chiropractic students must pass a competency test by a National Board of Examiners. Individual licenses are granted by State Boards for each state through rigorous testing procedures. In this way the standards of the profession are kept high.

Individual states also require D.C.s to fill continuing education requirements. In California the requirement is 24 hours of up-to-date chiropractic education, five hours of x-ray and advanced CPR renewal each year. Eight years of intense study prepares us to be primary health care providers. We are qualified to perform complete physicals, interpret lab work, take and read x-rays, make diagnoses, render chiropractic care and refer patients to the appropriate physicians if they need care other then chiropractic.

What Is the Purpose of Chiropractic X-rays?

X-rays are an important diagnostic tool. X-rays show us anatomy and positional relationship of the bones and joints. As a screening tool x-rays reveal hidden pathology. For example, chest pain may be caused by spinal subluxations or rib subluxations. It may also be caused by pneumonia, heart problems, cancer in the spine or lungs, or fractures of vertebrae due to osteoporosis (loss of bone density). An x-ray of the painful area can help determine the root cause of the pain. Then the cause can be treated safely and effectively.

It is relatively rare to find life threatening disease on an x-ray. The doctor’s responsibility is to recognize all the possibilities and advise accordingly. We do not x-ray every part of the body. Our clinical judgment and experience aids in decisions if and when x-rays are necessary. Chiropractors use the best technology including high speed film, filtering systems and lead shielding to substantially reduce exposure during x-rays. Our x-ray system, machine and procedures are inspected regularly by the State of California. The lead lined x-ray room walls are also inspected yearly.

Finally, Community Chiropractic will not for any reason x-ray a pregnant woman. Please advise us if you are, or suspect you may be, pregnant.