What is Chiropractic?

Posted by Dr. Gady Abramson on September 17th, 2019

What is Chiropractic?

A Chiropractic Physician is a person licensed to treat human ailments without the use of legend drugs and without operative surgery.  At its heart, Chiropractic concerns itself with neurological processes and the elimination of nerve interference that often presents itself as a disease process. Malpositioned articulations, joints, or structures have the potential to create interference with the normal generation, transmission, and expression of nerve impulses between the brain and the remaining parts of the body. When these obstructions are removed (via Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment), the brain and nervous system once again resume normal communication resulting in normalized function throughout the body. That being said, Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment is only one of many treatment adjuncts in the arsenal of the modern chiropractor.

Education

The education of Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) is quite similar to that of Medical Doctors (M.D.).  In many instances, Chiropractic education surpasses that of their MD counterparts, especially in certain areas as noted below. The Chiropractic curriculum provides emphasis on clinical subjects related to their role as Primary Care Physicians. The curriculum is comprised of a minimum of 4,200 hours including classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This has been the case for more than 25 years.

* That’s a difference of 713 hours of study in favor of Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine

Do Doctors of Chiropractic Take National Board Exams?

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners administers 5 examinations that are a pre-requisite for Chiropractic Licensure. 

Part I consists of General Anatomy, Spinal Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Pathology, and Microbiology. 

Part II consists of General Diagnosis, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Diagnosis, Diagnostic Imaging, Principles Of Chiropractic, Chiropractic Practice, and Associated Clinical Sciences. 

Part III consists of Case History, Physical Examination, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Examination, Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Laboratory, and Special Studies, Diagnosis or Clinical Impression, Chiropractic Techniques, Supportive Interventions, and Case Management. 

Part IV consists of Diagnostic Imaging, Chiropractic Technique, and Case Management.  The Physio-Therapy Exam deals with all things physical therapy and rehabilitation.  In addition to these National Boards, individual states may have their own board exam as well.

How Effective is Chiropractic Treatment?

Numerous studies have shown substantial cost savings when using Chiropractic treatment.  In cases of Low Back Pain, patient satisfaction appears to be 94% compared to 56% for conventional medical treatment. Numerous research studies have been conducted and guidelines have been adopted indicating that Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment is the gold standard in treating neck and low back pain. Chiropractic is effective for more conditions than can be comfortably listed here.

After an Auto Accident Should I See a Doctor?

Yes, if you were injured. If the injuries are severe, you should seek immediate medical attention at an urgent care center or hospital. If the injuries are of a moderate or mild nature, you should contact our office to determine the full extent of your injuries. Chiropractors are uniquely suited to evaluating, treating, and documenting these types of injuries, especially soft tissue injuries.  It’s important to seek treatment within the 14 day PIP window or forfeit your insurance benefits.  Our office is exceptionally qualified in such matters.  Feel free to ask us any medico-legal questions you may have.

Are Chiropractors Required to Have Medical Malpractice Insurance?

In the State of Florida, this is a mandatory requirement for professional licensure. Doctors of Chiropractic must obtain and maintain professional liability coverage in an amount not less than 0,000 per claim, with a minimum annual aggregate of not less than 0,000.

How Safe Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic Medicine has a proven safety record that can be expressed in various terms. In general, Doctors of Chiropractic enjoy malpractice insurance rates that 10 – 20 times less than Medical Doctors. Actuarial tables from Insurance companies prove that Chiropractic care is safe for the whole family. In most cases, the insurance premiums for Chiropractic Malpractice are less than that of an average car insurance policy. That means that you are safer being treated by your Chiropractor than you are driving to your appointment.

What are the Risks Involved Regarding Chiropractic Treatment?

Extensive research has been conducted on this subject.  Suffice it to say that all medical treatment comes with some element of risk. The risk of hospitalization and death from taking drugs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Vioxx is roughly 1 in 1000. The risk of death associated with spinal surgery is about 1 in 200. In cases of cervical spine surgery, the risk of irreversible neurological damage is 1 in 65. To put things into perspective, the risk of Chiropractic treatment appears to be about the same as getting a haircut. Some sources say that the risk has about the same likelihood as someone being struck by lightning.

Are Chiropractic Treatments Expensive?

Chiropractic Medicine has been proven to save money in numerous studies conducted around the world.  In Canada, the Manga Report indicated substantial savings can be realized through the utilization of Chiropractic care. Blue Cross Blue Shield did their own study and found that Chiropractic care costs an average of 20% less than traditional medical care. Medicare has conducted its own pilot study to confirm these findings.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Painful?

Most patients will find Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT) to be gentle and providing relief for their symptoms. We are accustomed to having new patients enter our clinic in severe pain only to feel much better after treatment. In almost every case, patients report that their condition has dramatically improved after treatment.

Who Can Render Chiropractic Treatment?

Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment is only taught in Chiropractic Colleges accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education.  No person other than a Licensed Chiropractic Physician may render chiropractic services, chiropractic adjustments, or chiropractic manipulations.  That being said, it’s not uncommon for some health practitioners to cross the line and perform illegal Chiropractic manipulations beyond their scope of practice. In some cases, medical doctors and physical therapists may attend a weekend seminar to learn Chiropractic techniques. It takes years of constant practice to master such a technique.  It doesn’t make sense that someone can take a weekend course and expect to produce the same results as a highly-skilled and trained Chiropractic Physician. You’ve been warned!

What Conditions do Chiropractors Treat?

Traditionally, Doctors of Chiropractic are well known for their excellent results in the treatment of chronic conditions, low back pain, neck pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal problems. While this is true, Chiropractors are extensively trained to be Primary Care Physicians which means that they treat similar conditions to what is seen by Medical Doctors. Chiropractic Physicians are exceptionally well trained in disc-related spinal injuries, ergonomics, biomechanics, referred pain, mechanisms of injury, and cervical acceleration/deceleration injuries as they pertain to motor vehicle accidents. Chiropractic Physicians often counsel patients on issues dealing with diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy living, lifestyle modification, ergonomics, and work hardening.

Do I Need a Referral to See a Chiropractic Physician?

A referral is not necessary since Chiropractors are Primary Care Physicians and have been for years. Some insurance companies may consider Chiropractic to be a Specialty, but that’s an entirely different issue. Most insurances have Chiropractic Benefits, and if not, they can be added as a waiver.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Appropriate for Children?

It’s not uncommon for children to experience thousands of slips, falls, and other injuries related to their active lifestyle, play, and sports activities. Children respond extremely quickly to chiropractic treatment, and the treatments are tailored to their needs.

Do Chiropractors Have Hospital Privilege?

Some do, but most do not.  It all depends on the individual doctor, and if there would be a benefit to admitting a patient.  It’s not uncommon these days to have Chiropractors working in hospitals, especially where chronic care or triaging is concerned.

Do Insurance Plans Offer Chiropractic Benefits?

Yes.  Most major medical insurance carriers provide Chiropractic benefits as well as Medicare, Medicaid, Workers Compensation, Personal Injury Protection, Medical Payment Benefits, and Bodily Injury Insurance. Veterans also have access to chiropractic care at numerous facilities.

How Long Do Patients Have to Keep Coming in for Treatment?

That depends entirely on the patient.  People often forget that when they are taking medication 4 times a day, that pill is actually one treatment.  Physical medicine often takes longer but provides superior results in many ways.  Chiropractic physicians not only provide acute care but chronic and preventative care as well.  We use evidence-based guidelines, standardized outcome assessments, and take regular measurements of your progress to determine where you are during the course of your treatment.  The numbers don’t lie.  When you’re function has been restored, you’re done.  We do often recommend a preventative maintenance program to ensure that you don’t backslide once you’re released back into the wild. Ultimately, the choice is yours.