Common Questions About Chiropractic

The chiropractic profession is continually growing and bringing light to the endless benefits of holistic manual healthcare. 

Dr. Chris Col, Doctor of Chiropractic

July 23, 2020

Our KWIB Director, Dr. Chris Col de-bunks some common misconceptions about Chiro!

The chiropractic profession is continually growing and bringing light to the endless benefits of holistic manual healthcare. Typically viewed as an “off-beat” or “last resort”, there are many myths and questions surrounding the profession that I am happy to de-bunk and help you know more about my amazing profession!

Chiropractic Dr. Chris Col KWIB

Chiropractic Education

To the surprise of many, to become a chiropractor it takes a lot of hard work and schooling. First, most chiropractors obtain a 4 year bachelors degree; usually medical or kinesiology with classes in biology, chemistry, and human anatomy. Following their undergraduate degree, the next step is attending and completing a Doctorate of Chiropractic graduate degree program.  This program takes about 4 years to complete, with over 4000 contact hours.  According to the American Chiropractic Association, the average chiropractor program involves as many classroom hours as a program that trains medical doctors.

At my alma matter, New York Chiropractic College, the school emphasized the importance of human anatomy and physiology by including a complete dissection of the human body as part of the program.  Only a small percentage of the world’s population ever gets to experience something like that, and let me tell you, it was amazing to see how the body works and functions from the inside out. 

Here is a brief breakdown of a chiropractic graduate program:

Subject of study

DC

MD

Anatomy

520

508

Physiology

420

326

Pathology (includes Geriatrics & Pediatrics)

205

401

Chemistry

300

325

Microbiology

130

114

Diagnosis (includes EENT & Dermatology)

420

324

Neurology

320

112

X-Ray

217

148

Psychology/Psychiatry

65

144

OB/GYN

225

156

Subtotals

2887

2756

Other Required Subjects (to complete degree)

1598

1492

Total Classroom Hr Requirements

4485

4248

 

Chiropractors only treat backs

Chiropractors are human movement experts.  We have intense education and training in the muscle, bone, and nervous systems of the body.  We assess and treat the body as a whole. Our aim is to discover the root of the problem, not just treat the symptoms.  We have a specialized skill – manual adjustments; that is just one of the many tools in our tool box that help treat the person as needed.  

We are most commonly known of/for treatment back pain, but we can also treat headaches, sprains/strains, shoulder injuries, ankle injuries, whiplash, chronic pain, and athletic injuries.

You need a referral to see a chiropractor 

No! Chiropractic doctors are actually viewed as primary care physicians, so you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor.  

Adjustments are painful and risky

False! Adjustment is defined as a “small alteration or movement”.  
A chiropractic manipulation involves a high velocity, low amplitude force to a specific spinal segment or joint in the body to help improve range of motion, decrease pain, and nerve irritation. 

The “popping” or “cracking” sound you hear is just a noise of gas being released which helps relieve joint pressure. 

Sometime the popping/cracking sounds don’t even occur.  And that is okay! The technique use still positively affects the joint, and still can help improve range of motion.

Chiropractors only “crack” your bones

Due to being muscle, bone, and nerve experts, chiropractors use various techniques to help individually treat every patient that walks through the door.  
Techniques such as Graston, ART, and other soft tissue therapies, as well as provding exercises and stretches that aid in the recovery process.  There is more to seeing a chiropractor than just an adjustment!

Once you start, you have to keep coming back

Usually, chiropractors will treat you until your issue is completely resolved.  The timeline for that varies for every individual and injury. However, after experiencing the benefits of seeing a chiropractor many find ongoing treatments help them prevent injuries and improve their well-being. You take your car in for check ups, why do we not do the same for our body, which we live in 24/7?!


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