If you’re one of the millions suffering from back pain, osteoarthritis or headaches and migraines, you may have considered visiting a chiropractor, but chose not to because you’ve heard some negative information about the profession. The facts are: virtually all of the negative stories propagated about chiropracty are, in fact, complete myths.
The truth is that chiropractic spinal adjustments are absolutely safe when performed by professional chiropractors. In fact, chiropractic adjustments are among the safest treatments for many back and neck problems.
According to a thorough 1993 Ontario Ministry of Health commissioned study,
“There is no clinical or case-control study that demonstrates or even implies that chiropractic spinal manipulation is unsafe in the treatment of low-back pain. Some medical treatments are equally safe, but others are unsafe and generate iatrogenic (doctor-induced) complications for low-back pain patients. Our reading of the literature suggests that chiropractic manipulation is safer than medical management of low-back pain.”
Chiropractors treat misaligned joints, bones and vertebrae of the spine that often create problems such as neck pain, back pain and headaches. By adjusting the spine, the chiropractor enables the body to return to a natural balance and encourages natural healing.
Chiropractic science is based on the belief that the nervous system controls the function of all the body’s tissues, cells and organs. When the spine or other parts of the skeletal system are forced out of alignment, they often irritate the entire nervous system. By adjusting the positions of the joints and bones, normal function of the nervous system is restored without using narcotic drugs.
Overall, Chiropractic adjustments are a safe way to relieve pain and improve the quality of one’s life. However, Pran Manga, Ph.D., lead investigator of the 1993 Ontario Ministry of Health commissioned study, did warn that spinal adjustments performed by health care professionals that are not qualified were potentially harmful and less effective, stating that there is some evidence to suggest that spinal manipulations are less safe and less effective when performed by nonchiropractic professionals.”
So, what is the difference between a qualified Chiropractor and one who is not?
A qualified Chiropractors’ training and education is extremely demanding and thorough. It is in many ways similar to that of medical doctors with the exception of surgeons and pharmacists.
Prior to entering chiropractic college, the studying chiropractor requires two to four years (depending on the state one wishes to practice in and the college attended) of undergraduate premed studies. Once completed, the aspiring chiropractor must next complete four to five academic years at a chiropractic college. This includes extensive training in neurology, physiology, anatomy, pathology, radiology, chiropractic adjustive techniques, differential diagnosis, biomechanics, and several other health-related studies.
Also, prior to graduation, students must complete several hundreds of clinical hours of “actual” patient management under professional supervision in a clinical setting.
The new doctors of chiropractic must also successfully complete rigorous State and National Board examinations before they can obtain a license to practice. Most states also require that chiropractors receive yearly continuing education.
So, how can you find a qualified practitioner?
The best way to find a qualified chiropractor is through another provider’s referral or through a referral from a personal friend. The advice of someone with firsthand experience is often valuable when choosing a provider.
In addition, national associations including the American Chiropractic Association and state trade associations maintain listings of board certified chiropractic practitioners.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.
