Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is a natural method of health care that treats
the causes of physical problems rather than just the symptoms.
Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise: with
a healthy lifestyle and normally functioning nerves and spine,
your body is better able to heal itself. That's because the
spinal cord, which is protected by the spine, is the main
pathway of your nervous system. It controls movement, feeling,
and function throughout your body.
Your chiropractor has at least six years
of professional training in the sciences and health care,
leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. He or she
works to restore your health and guides you in a personalized
approach to overall wellness.
Research Shows
Spinal Manipulation Is Safe and Effective for Treating Low
Back Pain
Scientific research is showing what millions
of chiropractic patients already know:
- Spinal manipulation is more effective
than other treatments for low back pain.
- Chiropractic adjustments take less time
and the benefits last longer.
- Chiropractic adjustments are safe.
- Chiropractic care costs less and results
in fewer lost workdays.
These findings are supported by studies conducted
by the U.S. government, by state and foreign governments,
by medical doctors, and by private corporations, as well as
by doctors of chiropractic themselves.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Me?
Your doctor of chiropractic looks at your
overall health--focusing not only on your spine, but also
on your lifestyle. This integrated approach helps determine
the most effective care for you.
X-rays
As "blueprints" of your spine,
x-rays can reveal misaligned vertebrae, fractures, arthritis,
diseases in your spine, or other problems. Additional tests
will be done if necessary.
|
Studies and Guidelines of Interest
The RAND Study
In this independent, ongoing study by RAND, an expert panel
of doctors of medicine and doctors of chiropractic reviewed
35 years of research on spinal manipulation. They agreed
that this is an approprate and effective treatment for many
kinds of low back pain. A second study by a panel of chiropractors
agreed with the finding of the first study.
The AHCPR Guidelines
A panel of doctors of medicine and other health professionals
developed these federal guidelines in 1994 for the Agency
for Health Care Policy and Research. Based on a review of
current research, the study recommends treating acute low
back problems with spinal manipulation by a trained professional.
The Manga Report
This 1993 Canadian research
study examined the effectiveness of chiropractic management
of low back pain. The panel of health experts found that
spinal manipulation by chiropractors is more effective,
less costly, and often safer than medical treatment for
low back pain.
The Meade Studies
The British Medical Journal
published 2 studies comparing medical treatment to chiropractic
care for low back pain. The 1990 study found that patients
seen by doctors of chiropractic where better within 6 months
and remained better over a 2-year period. In the 1995 study,
improvement was 29% greater after 3 years of chiropractic
care.
|
