Frequently Asked Chiropractic Questions

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system. At the center of this system is the spine, which holds the nerves that extend to all parts of the body. The name comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning “effective treatment by hand.” Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body’s inability to adapt to its environment. It addresses these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body that is functioning improperly.

What conditions can improve with chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Recent studies have also shown positive results when chiropractic was used to treat migraine headaches and infantile colic.

Are chiropractic treatments painful?

Chiropractic care is a pleasant experience. Chiropractic adjustments have proven to be extremely safe. Patients often report that they feel better after an adjustment. Even after completing the schedule of care, most patients continue with our wellness program to help assure good health.

What can I expect on my first visit?

Please bring your completed new patient forms with you. (You can download them in Patient Resources and fill them out in advance.) The information you provide helps the chiropractor understand your total health profile so that he or she can evaluate your problem. Your chiropractor will talk with you about your primary health complaints, as well as your medical history, family medical history, job, diet and lifestyle habits. She or he will also review what other types of care you have experienced (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.). The goal for this discussion is to determine the nature of your illness and the best way to treat the problem. Based on your chiropractor’s clinical judgment, she or he may decide to perform a careful spinal examination to detect any structural abnormalities that could be causing your condition. Your chiropractor may also recommend that you have an x-ray, MRI, or other diagnostic procedure before receiving any treatment.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

In Illinois, chiropractic physicians are held to as high a standard as other professionals in the medical field. National University of Health Science in Lombard, Illinois is the only school that requires a baccalaureate degree for admission into the chiropractic program. Chiropractic students undergo extensive training in neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment with a strong foundation in human anatomy. The curriculum also includes courses in physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics, pharmacology, radiological diagnosis, nutrition, rehabilitation and clinical sciences. After students complete four years of study and a one-year clinical internship, they go on to take the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam.

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