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Top 5 Myths About Chiropractic Care

Since its inception, chiropractic has been the subject of many myths. Even now, the profession is often misunderstood by the general public.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that chiropractic schools don’t deliver the same level of education as medical schools. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Below are five common myths about chiropractic education—and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Chiropractors aren’t real doctors.

Just like other licensed doctors, chiropractors are legitimate medical professionals. Chiropractic schools grant a doctorate of chiropractic (D.C.), which qualifies graduates to serve as health care providers in every U.S. state as well as dozens of countries around the world. Chiropractors are also governed by a licensing board, which gives them the right to legally practice chiropractic techniques.

Myth #2: Chiropractors only know about the spine.

Chiropractors are trained to do many things besides give spinal adjustments. They’re also trained in clinical examination and diagnosis of the entire human body. Chiropractors can diagnose problems unrelated to the spine as well as offer nutritional advice and prescribe therapeutic exercises.

A doctor of chiropractic can even branch out into specialty areas such as:

Pediatrics
Physical and therapeutic rehabilitation
Diagnosis and internal disorders
Diagnostic imaging
Neurology
Nutrition
Occupational health
Sports physician
Orthopedics
Geriatrics

Myth #3: Getting an adjustment hurts.

While some people call chiropractors “bonecrushers”, this is just a myth. Many people experience great relief after receiving an adjustment.

Children and some adults are sometimes nervous when it comes to receiving an adjustment, but there is nothing to be concerned about.

A chiropractor understands the skeletal and muscular system in a way that allows them to find the source of problems and make adjustments to correct and alleviate a pain center.

Myth #4: Once I start, I’ll be going forever.

This isn’t true. In fact, many patients with an acute issue come in for a few visits and obtain the relief they needed. Others find that ongoing care increases their vitality and well-being and choose to continue chiropractic adjustments. At Accident Care Chiropractic you will be examined and receive a treatment plan after your first visit so that you know exactly what care is planned for your recovery.

Myth #5: It is only for adults.

Many children, including infants and toddlers can benefit greatly from chiropractic care. Some studies reveal a 80-90% reduction in colic with 1 treatment.

Myth #6: It is dangerous.

When it comes to your back or neck, chiropractic care is far safer than surgery or pain killers. Many doctors recommend seeing a chiropractor before deciding on an extensive surgical procedure.

April 10, 2019/by Dr. Darren

Car Accident Chiropractor, Car Accident Doctor, Chiropractic Injuries, Chiropractic Procedures, Health & Wellness Tips

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC CARE PROMOTE OVERALL WELLNESS?

Chiropractors know that adjustments are good for your general health. Millions of satisfied patients cannot be wrong. But what do chiropractors know that the rest of us do not?

They know the nervous system is the one system in the body that directly affects every other system. This is because nerves conduct sensory information from every part of the body and then delivers this information to the brain. Once there, the brain analyzes the information to determine what the body needs to maintain a healthy state. So the health of this system is paramount to the good health of the rest of the body.

Chiropractors recognize that misalignment in the spine can interfere with proper nervous system function. More specifically, chiropractors study the effects of vertebral subluxations – conditions of the spine where alignment and/or movement patterns of the vertebrae are abnormal. When this occurs, imbalances cause irritation and inflammation. In turn, this can cause interference with information that is transmitted along nerves and spinal cord. Chiropractors are the only health care professionals specifically trained to locate and correct spinal subluxations.

This is the principal reason why chiropractors should be called wellness doctors. Every time a chiropractor corrects a vertebral subluxation, the positive effects are felt in multiple systems simultaneously. Chiropractic Care Promotes Overall Wellness

Where’s the Proof?

For decades, scientific research has focused on the use of chiropractic adjustments for low back pain, neck pain and headaches.(1-3) In fact, there is now clear evidence to recommend chiropractors as the go-to professionals for spinal pain syndromes. However, with the rising popularity of wellness-based philosophies focused on non-traditional approaches to health, chiropractors are being asked to justify their role.

The traditional medical model of symptom-based healthcare is rapidly waning. We no longer feel we have to be sick to call upon a health professional for advice. Instead, we are focusing more on the detrimental effects stress has on our bodies, and the therapies that address the mind-body connection are getting much more attention.

In a recent report from the Center for Disease Control, the four most popular forms of alternative and complementary medicine were listed as: natural products, deep breathing, meditation and chiropractic!(4)

People are casting their votes with their healthcare dollars and chiropractors are taking a leadership role in this new wellness model. As a profession whose core philosophy is about the optimization of the brain-body communication network, chiropractic can be viewed as a therapy with an emphasis on whole body health and wellness

Research is catching up to what chiropractors have known for years. In a recent study that reviewed all the available research to date, investigators found that “chiropractic adjustments, often for the purpose of correcting vertebral subluxation, confer measurable health benefits to people regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.”(5) More people are seeking what chiropractic offers: optimization of health and an improved quality of life, with a spine free of vertebral subluxations!

In a multi-nation study involving hundreds of chiropractors and thousands of chiropractic patients, researchers sought to measure the incidence of non-musculoskeletal responses to chiropractic therapy. What they found was that a number of patients experienced systemic benefits from their chiropractic treatments whether or not they mentioned any symptoms in these areas at the onset of care. The most common benefits reported in this study were breathing (27%), digestion (26%) and circulation (21%).(6)

In yet another ground-breaking study, chiropractic adjustments were shown to actually decrease blood pressure, one of the leading causes for preventable death in North America (in relation to the incidence of heart-attacks and strokes). The study stood up to medical scrutiny and showed unequivocally that vertebral subluxations – of the upper cervical vertebra in this case – can be detrimental to the health of the individual, and not just a pain in the neck.(7)

From these research results, chiropractors clearly have a greater role in your health and wellness than just treating sore backs. Chiropractic care should be considered an invaluable tool for you to not only help you feel well, but to also help you be well.

References and sources:

1. Dagenais S, Gay RE, Tricco AC, Freeman MD & Mayer JM. NASS Contemporary Concepts in Spine Care: Spinal Manipulation Therapy for Acute Low Back Pain. Spine Journal 2010 (Oct.); 10(10): 918-940.

2. Bronfort G, Assendelft WJJ, Evans R, Haas M & Bouter L. Efficacy of Spinal Manipulation for Chronic Headache: A Systematic Review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001 (Sept.); 24(7): 457-466

3. Thiel HW & Bolton JE. Predic- tors For Immediate and Global Responses to Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2008 (Mar.); 31(3): 172-183.

4. Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahin R. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults and Children: United States, 2007. CDC National Health Statistics Report #12. December 10, 2008.

5. Hannon SM. Objective Physiologic Changes and Associated Health Benefits of Chiro- practic Adjustments in Asymptom- atic Subjects: A Review of the Literature. J Vertebral Subluxation Research 2004 (Apr.): 1-9.

6. Leboeuf-Yde C, Pedersen EN, Bryner P, Cosman D, Hayek R, Meeker WC, Shaik J, Terrazas O, Tucker J & Walsh M. Self-reported Nonmusculoskeletal Responses to Chiropractic Intervention: A Multi- nation Survey. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005 (Jun.); 28(5): 294-302.

7. Bakris G, Dickholtz M, Meyer PM, Kravitz G, Avery E, Miller M, Brown J, Woodfield C & Bell B. Atlas Vertebra Realignment and Achievement of Arterial Pressure Goal in Hypertensive Patients: A Pilot Study. Journal of Human Hypertension 2007 (May); 21(5): 347-352.

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January 3, 2019/0 Comments/by Dr. Darren

Chiropractic Procedures, Portland Chiropractor

4 Benefits of Regular Chiropractic Care

Most people seek out a chiropractor because they are in some kind of physical pain. This is because chiropractic care is a fast and effective method for alleviating acute pain. But there are many other health advantages associated with regular chiropractic care and adjustments. Better sleep, better posture, an improved mood, and less stress are just four of the amazing benefits of regular chiropractic care.

Better Sleep

Sleep issues have become prevalent in America today. Although there are many factors involved in getting a good night’s sleep, the majority of sleep troubles stem from either stress, body pain, or both. By having regular chiropractic adjustments, you can address both issues, easing your aches and reducing your stress level at the same time. Consistent chiropractic care can enable you to get better rest each night.

Better Posture

Modern life — with all of its sitting, computer and phone use, and driving — can have a negative impact on your posture. Fortunately, consistent chiropractic adjustments can align your spine and improve your posture over time. If you have curvatures in your spine or neck, or if you simply spend a lot of time at your desk, chiropractic care can slowly correct any imbalances and help you to stand and sit up straight.

An Improved Mood

When you receive a chiropractic adjustment, you are working to adjust your whole body system, including your body chemistry. Chiropractic adjustments can help correct chemical and hormonal imbalances, leading to better moods. Individuals suffering from depression, ADHD and other ailments have shown improvement with regular chiropractic care.

Less Stress

When your body doesn’t feel right, this can contribute to feelings of stress. When your stress begins to spiral out of control, you hold tension in your body, contributing to increased pain. Chiropractic care can help you break this pain-stress cycle. Regular chiropractic adjustments can allow your body to find balance, release tension, and relax. When you are relaxed, you can address whatever problems life throws at you without becoming overwhelmed. Relieve the source of your physical stress with regular chiropractic treatment, and allow the mental stress to follow.

This list only begins to scratch the surface when it comes to the beneficial aspects of regular chiropractic treatment. If you are in physical pain, or you find yourself afflicted by any of the conditions mentioned above, contact Accident Care Chiropractic to make an appointment today.

April 2, 2018/0 Comments/by Dr. Darren

Chiropractic Procedures, Portland Chiropractor

Common Workplace Injuries Helped by Chiropractic Care

What Are Common Workplace Injuries Helped by Chiropractic Procedures?

If you are injured at work in Portland or other parts of Oregon, you are able to seek special benefits and compensation to cover your injuries called workers compensation. Part of the medical treatment you are entitled to receive is therapy and follow-up procedures. Many employers will also cover chiropractic procedures for many musculoskeletal and similar injuries.

Wondering what common workplace injuries are improved, and even healed, by chiropractic services? It turns out, a large number of workplace injuries (one in three) impact the musculoskeletal systems, which are treated by chiropractors.

#1: Neck Strains and Injuries

The neck is a sensitive part of the body. Injuries here can result in stiffness, aches, and other types of pain, even if the accident leading to such injury isn’t severe. Frequently, neck injuries aren’t just painful, but debilitating. As well, neck strains and pulls tend to linger longer than other workplace injuries. For both of these reasons, chiropractic procedures are a great option to treat workplace incidents that result in a neck strain.

How do people suffer neck strains or other injuries at work? Slips and falls are the most common cause, but motor vehicle accidents, lifting heavy loads, and also sitting or typing in an uncomfortable position can also cause substantial problems – all of which, chiropractic procedures could solve.

#2: Repetitive Motion Injuries

Under Oregon workers’ compensation there is a specific class of workplace injury called repetitive motion injuries. Often called, repetitive strain injuries or RSI, these are conditions that arise from overuse or performing the same motion over-and-over again with bad technique.

These injuries can impact several parts of the body, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even the nerves. Each of these body parts can be served and sedated by chiropractic services. Therefore, chiropractors, like those at AccidentCare Chiropractic, can treat many different repetitive motion injuries.

Furthermore, repetitive motion injuries don’t just occur in one part of the body but can impact the fingers, wrists, neck, shoulders, legs, ankles, or feet. The specific ailments or injuries that are associated with repetitive motion include tendinitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

#3: Back Injuries from Improper Lifting

Manual manipulation of materials or equipment is a common injury in the workplace. In particular, people working in retail, hospitality, as nurses, or in home health care are frequently lifting heavy loads or moving materials and patients. Back strains and similar muscular injuries in the back and shoulders are regular occurrences in these professions. Often, short-term back injuries go untreated by employees, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

Chiropractic procedures, including manual therapy and soft-tissue rehabilitation, can help soothe back muscles and release tightness throughout the back. Furthermore, the small adjustments made through chiropractic procedures can help prevent future back strains and muscular injuries from occurring.

#4: Headaches

The exact cause of chronic or ongoing headaches can be difficult to discern, but when traceable to a workplace injury or condition it is usually the result of poor posture. Millions upon millions of Americans spend their days working at a desk or standing in a rigid position. What happens after months or years of these working conditions? Employees start to slump, slouch, and pick up poor posture habits in an effort to be more comfortable.

However, the end result usually isn’t less pain, but a brand new source of it. After sitting in an awkward or uncomfortable position for many hours, people can develop migraines or ongoing headaches. It might be surprising, but chiropractic procedures can alleviate these headaches.

Do You Need to Address a Workplace Injury?

If you are suffering from a workplace injury the first step is to inform your employer. Workers’ compensation benefits and other rights afforded employees are only available after your employer has been informed and a claim made to the appropriate insurance provider.

Once your employer is informed, you should seek treatment. If your workplace injury is musculoskeletal or causing headaches, a chiropractor may provide relief, and could possibly resolve your injury. To find out more call AccidentCare Chiropractic at (503)-660-8552 or visit our website at https://accidentcarechiropractic.com/

February 20, 2018/0 Comments/by Dr. Darren