The Chiropractic Profession

Snap, Crackle and Pop

Purpose• The purpose of this module is to provide

you with a general overview of:– The Art, Science and Philosophy Underlying

Chiropractic Care– Medical Terminology Used in the Field– What Constitutes Chiropractic Care – The Benefits of Receiving Chiropractic Care

Learning Objectives• Upon completion of this module you will

be able to:– More Effectively Communicate With

Chiropractors – Interact With Chiropractors With a Shared

Understanding– Convey How Our Products Will Enhance

Chiropractic Care and Treatment Strategies

What is Chiropractic?• By Definition:

– The science and art of locating and relieving nerve interference.

What is Chiropractic Care Based On?• The Science: The body is a self-

regulating, self healing organism. • The Art: Spinal adjustments.• The Philosophy: Doctors don’t

heal, only the body can heal itself.

How Do Chiropractors Work?

• The Approach: Locate, reduce and help prevent nervous system dysfunction.

• The Strategy: Treat conservatively—avoid invasive procedures or addictive drugs.

• The Purpose: Reduce interference to your own inborn healing ability.

What Type of Education Do Chiropractors Receive?

• Four-year science undergraduate degree

• Four-year program of Medical and Chiropractic education

• Postgraduate instruction

Types of Chiropractors• “Straight”• “Mixers”

Myths About Chiropractic Care

• Not “real” doctors• Not based on science• Adjustments can wear out joints• It’s not safe• Results are just “placebo” effects• You have to go for the rest of your

life

Why Do Chiropractic Treatments Work?

• Improved nervous system function can have a positive effect on many health conditions.

• When the nervous system is functioning properly, the body is able to maintain health.

Anatomy of the Spine(Handout No. 1)

•Three major sections made up of individual bones called vertebrae:

•Cervical (7 vertebrae)

•Thoracic (12 vertebrae)•Lumbar (5 vertebrae)

•Below the lumbar spine is a bone called the sacrum, which is part of the pelvis.

Handout No. 2

Why is the Nervous System Important in Chiropractic?

• The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord and millions of nerves that control the various functions of your body.

• The spinal cord is protected by the 24 moving bones of the spine, called vertebrae.

• Improper motion or position of the vertebrae can cause nerve interference.

How Nerve Interference Occurs • The vital nerve communication of the spinal

cord is vulnerable because of its design.• The spine is designed by pairs of nerve roots

that branch off the spinal chord from between each vertebra to service organs and tissues of your body.

• Many everyday activities can cause the vertebrae to lose their normal position or motion, causing vertebral subluxation complex.

Handout No. 3

Vertebral Subluxation Complex• Etymology:

• Vertebral: concerning the bones of the spine• Sub: less than • Luxation: a dislocation of a joint• Complex: more than one part

• Definition: When spinal bones lose their normal position and motion due to stress, trauma or chemical imbalances.

Five Component Parts• Abnormal motion or position of spinal bones

(spinal kinesiopathology)• Abnormal nervous system function

(neuropathophysiology)• Abnormal muscle function (myopathology)• Abnormal soft tissue function (histopathology)• Abnormal function of the spine and body

(pathophysiology)

Spinal KinesiopathologyAbnormal Motion or Position of Vertebrae

• Restricts ability to turn and bend.• Caused by:

• physical trauma: improper lifting, car accidents, repetitive motions, poor sleeping habits, slips, falls

• emotional stress: worry, negative thoughts, fear • Chemical stress: alcohol, drugs, toxins, pollution,

improper diets

• Sets in motion other four components.

Neuropathophysiology(Abnormal Nervous System Dysfunction)• Abnormal spinal function can rub, pinch,

irritate or choke delicate nerve roots.• This can impair the function of the

tissues, organs and systems controlled by these nerves.

• This can result in symptoms at target sites throughout the body.

Myopathology(Abnormal Muscle Function)

• Muscles impaired from too much or too little nerve supply respond in different ways:– weaken, waste away or atrophy– become tight and go into spasm

• Scar tissue and adhesions penetrate these malfunctioning muscles, changing their elasticity and tone.

Histopathology(Abnormal Soft Tissue Function)

• “Slipped” discs don’t exist. Discs are soft, pulpy and filled with fluid.

• They can tear, bulge, herniate and degenerate, affecting other soft tissues in the area.

• Swelling and inflammation often result.

Pathophysiology(Abnormal Function of the Spine and

Body)• The body responds to malfunction or

trauma to a joint by growing new bone to stabilize the area.

• Over time, calcium deposits build up and eventually create bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths.

• If ignored or neglected long enough, the body can turn a once mobile joint into a solid block of bone.

How Is A Vertebral Subluxation Complex

Treated?• Primary care is chiropractic adjustments.• Additional treatments can include:

• Cryotherapy (Ice/Cold Treatments)• Superficial Heat (Hot Packs, Heating Pads)• Massage/Trigger Point Therapy• Electro-Muscle Stimulation • Whirlpool • Ultrasound• Intersegmental Traction (Roller Tables)• Exercise Therapy

What is an Adjustment?• The use of a specific force in a precise

direction, applied to a joint that is not in its proper position, fixated, “locked up” or not moving properly.

• The adjustment restores proper position and motion, and encourages proper expression.

• Adjustments relieve pain and improve health.

Are Patients Adjusted the Same Way?

• There are hundreds of ways to adjust the spine.– Some adjusting methods are quick– Others require slow, constant pressure

• Normally, chiropractors use their hands or a specially-designed instrument to deliver a brief and highly-accurate thrust.

• Chiropractors are highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of approaches in adjusting the spine.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

• Chiropractic has an excellent safety record: only a handful of patients per year will have a negative newsworthy experience.

• Thousands will die this year from anesthesia, needless back surgeries and prescription drugs.

• Adverse reactions to prescription drugs are the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Handout No. 4

How Long Are Chiropractic Patients Treated?

• Initial Intensive Care• Frequent visits, dependant upon severity of the condition.• Primary focus: reduce or eliminate most obvious

symptoms.

• Corrective Care• When pain diminishes, spinal function is stabilized.• Muscles and soft tissues of the spine are strengthened to

help avoid a relapse.

• Wellness or Elective Care• Many patients enjoy regular checkups.• This keeps minor problems from becoming more serious.

Conclusion• The primary focus of chiropractic care

is the normalization of nervous system function.

• Chiropractors are dedicated to the principle that the body can and does heal itself.

• Chiropractic care provides a mechanism through which pain-free and healthy living can be restored.