The Truth about Chiropractors
A chiropractic doctor is probably one of the most misunderstood healthcare practitioners in the medical profession. Through the years they have been looked at askance by doubters who are full of suspicion. In times past, they have been called quacks, or worse. This is due, in part, to the public’s narrow and limited view of medical treatment – being that solely of administering prescription drugs and performing surgery.
It’s unfortunate that the majority of people believe this is all there is to health care. There truth is there is more to health care than drugs and surgery! A great deal more!
Sad to say, but even some chiropractic patients haven’t a real clear understanding of what chiropractic is. And for those who have never been to a chiropractor, most are totally misinformed as to the make up of the profession. The fact is chiropractic is the largest drug-free form of health care and the third largest form of any health care in North America.
What Does Chiropractic Mean?
The word chiropractic itself is derived from two Greek words. The first word, cheir means hand and the second word praxis meaning done by hand. Essentially chiropractic is a precise alternative medical system that approaches wellness as a whole body experience. A chiropractor can evaluate, diagnose, classify and treat a wide range of medical problems by addressing them at their root cause without risky surgeries or pharmacology.
Essentially, chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure – primarily that of the spine – and the body’s function. Doctors of chiropractic use hands-on therapy called manipulation (or adjustment) as their core procedure.
Who Knows More, An MD or a Chiropractor?
Contrary to what many people believe a chiropractor endures rigorous and in depth training that compares to that of a medical doctor. A chiropractor must complete three years of pre-chiropractic schooling before they can begin their 4 year study of chiropractic care. The general student in chiropractic classes spends equal amounts studying human physiology as does a medical doctor. The total accumulation of hours necessary to complete a chiropractic degree is 4200 hours. These hours are a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience.
The difference between the education of an MD and that of a chiropractor lies in the fact that an MD trains in pharmacology and surgical procedures and chiropractor trains in the care of the spine.
Worth the Cost?
Many people assume that visiting a chiropractor is not within their budgets. The truth is that often times by seeking chiropractic care for health issues matters are resolved subsequently saving money on prescriptions and time away from work. It is also less expensive in the long run to seek the care of a chiropractor than to resort to costly and invasive surgical procedures. Chiropractic care is proven to slow down the aging process and results in a much higher level of well being and health.
Those who benefit from chiropractic treatments look at it as an important part of their ongoing health maintenance, similar to that of regular exercise or visiting their local health spa. They now know the difference – how they felt before chiropractic treatments and how much better they feel now.
A survey of chiropractic patients was taken by an independent physicians association where patients were asked if they would recommend their Doctor of chiropractic to others. The results were that 95.5% of the patients said a resounding “YES”.
Chiropractic care is a whole health experience. Chiropractors take concern not just with the symptoms you experience but with your overall feeling of well being. They can offer you the ability to reach your level of optimum health without the harmful affects of drugs or surgery. They are more than well trained to address issues of concern and are specifically and uniquely educated to fix them.
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