Doctor Of Chiropractic

What Is A Doctor Of Chiropractic?

A Doctor of Chiropractic has spent four years at an accredited chiropractic institution, receiving more than 4,200 hours of specialized clinical training. The chiropractic curriculum at the National University of Health Sciences, includes studies in anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, chiropractic principles, diagnosis and adjustment techniques. As primary care practitioners, chiropractors can develop and carry out a comprehensive treatment/management plan, recommend therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies, and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. Chiropractors are health care professionals in Texas that are able to use the doctor title with its accompanying rights and responsibilities. Regulatory boards are responsible for protecting the public, setting standards of practice, assuring quality of care is maintained, evaluating and promoting competency and handling disciplinary issues. Texas chiropractors are regulated and licensed by the Texas Board Of Chiropractic Examiners.

What Does Chiropractic Treatment Consist Of?

One of the largest primary health care professions in Texas, chiropractic is non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors practice a manual approach, providing diagnosis, treatment and preventative care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and the joints. Chiropractors combine a variety of treatments. All are based on the specific needs of the patient. After going through a complete medical history and diagnosis, a chiropractor develops a comprehensive treatment plan. Included with the treatment a chiropractor may recommend therapeutic exercise, physical therapy, massage therapy, as well as, provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle training. For many conditions, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care is frequently the primary method of treatment. If other conditions exist, chiropractic treatment can complement/support medical treatment by relieving the neuromusculoskeletal facets associated with the condition. Chiropractic treatment can also be used as symptomatic relief for patients with chronic conditions. Based on patient surveys, treating the neuromusculoskeletal components of various disorders, chiropractic treatment has shown to improve the overall well-being of patients. Chiropractic is a regulated health profession, recognized in all American states. More patients in Texas rely on chiropractic care every year to help them lead healthy, active, pain free lives.

Visiting A Chiropractor

A doctor of chiropractic may be treating back pain, neck pain, headaches, or other aches and pains, but they need a complete understanding of a patient’s health history and current health in order to provide the best possible treatment. Set aside 30 minutes for the initial visit in order to fill out medical history forms. Or the clinic may have medical forms that can be filled out online. Future visits usually last 15 minutes or less, however, the time required depends on the type of treatment required. On the first visit, a chiropractor may ask the following:

• A description of the present condition
• Daily activities
• Diet and exercise
• Home life
• Major illnesses experienced
• Medications being taken
• Personal and family medical history
• Sleeping habits
• Steps taken to manage the condition
• Stress level
• Surgeries or operations
• Work routine

Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?

Chiropractic treatment is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for headaches, neck and back pain, stress, sports injuries, auto injuries, sciatica, work injuries. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or moderate swelling. Some patients may experience temporary dizziness, local numbness, or radiating pain. However, adverse effects associated with spinal adjustments are typically minor and do not last long.

How Does An Adjustment Work?

Adjustments require precise movements applied by hand to the body’s joint/s. The adjustment loosens the joint, which restores proper movement and optimizes joint function. Once adjusted, gas bubbles may escape, this can cause the popping sound associated with chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic adjustment techniques have been researched quite thoroughly. Complications do arise but are rare along with the side-effects, such as temporary soreness, which is quite minor. A chiropractor is well-trained to determine if the problem can be handled with chiropractic treatment or if a medical referral to another health care provider is required.

What Are The Benefits Of Chiropractic Treatment?

Chiropractic Treatment Can:

• Corrects gait and foot problems
• Enhances athletic performance
• Helps prevent work related muscle and joint injuries
• Improves flexibility and range of motion
• Improves neck, shoulders, back and torso movement
• Improves posture
• Provides relief from headaches, neck and back pain
• Relieves pregnancy-related back pain

Maintenance & Prevention

Ongoing chiropractic treatment along with preventative treatment helps to prevent injuries and maintain proper health. Our clinical focus and personal goals are to help the body heal itself naturally in a quick and effective manner.  At times, it may seem like a long path; nevertheless, with our commitment, it’s sure to be an exciting journey. The commitment in health is to, never loose our connection to each one of our patients in this journey. We want to help everybody live a new and improved life. Over the last 2 decades while researching and testing methods with thousands of patients we have learned what works effectively at decreasing pain while increasing human vitality. We focus on what works for each patient. We strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These programs are natural, and use the body’s own ability to achieve goals of improvement, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, surgery, or addictive drugs.

Doctor Of Chiropractic & Natural Medication

Those who wish to avoid drugs or surgery will will find chiropractic treatment to be a safe, natural approach to better health. Natural and preventative medicine is the safest. However, some patients choose to combine pharmaceutical medication with chiropractic care and it is completely understandable. Sometimes medications are required to help alleviate more serious symptoms. But it is important to remember that many medications come with side effects both harmful and non-harmful. Therefore moderating their use is critical. Most medications are designed to relieve symptoms and not cure the actual condition causing the symptoms. One’s health should begin with prevention of the condition/disease and aim at promoting the bodies ability to heal itself.

Live & Be Well

We experience life through our nervous system. Those who want to optimize their health, be all that they can be and perform at their best, should give us a call at (915) 850-0900

Efficacy Of Chiropractic Treatment