Health Tips & Articles
Chiropractic Medicine - More Doctors
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of doctors of chiropractic medicine is expected to grow dramatically in the next decade. Since supply follows demand, it seems only reasonable to assume there must be an increase in the number of requests and referrals for chiropractic medicine. I believe so and I'm happy to have this opportunity to share my thoughts on the subject.
Why is chiropractic medicine growing? Medical schools are simply doing a better job today of exposing doctors in training to alternative therapies. With this increased exposure and medical studies documenting the effectiveness of chiropractic care, comes a much greater likelihood that a practicing physician will include chiropractic medicine as part of his or her treatment regimen. It is also more common to see a primary care physician treating patients just down the hall from a chiropractor (or an acupuncturist for that matter). Proximity leads to familiarity. Familiarity leads to acceptance.
The same holds true for patients. With the advent of the Internet, patients have access to literally thousands of sources of information. Gone is the characterization of chiropractic medicine as "bone cracking." While spinal manipulation is still part of the treatment regimen, chiropractic medicine involves a variety of treatment modalities and physio-therapeutic techniques including muscle work, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat & cold, mobilization and exercise. Chiropractic medicine is a conservative, non-invasive, physical medicine. It is holistic in nature.
So why do patients seek chiropractic treatment? Nearly every patient who seeks chiropractic treatment is suffering from some type of pain. Back pain, neck pain and headaches are among the most common. Today chiropractic medicine is covered by most insurance plans and usually the patient has direct access without the need of a referral. However, primary care physicians also commonly refer patients. Also when people are injured on the job or in an automobile accident they frequently seek chiropractic care. Today many patients who suffer from some form of chronic pain are more willing to explore chiropractic care.
How does chiropractic treatment begin? We start with an assessment of the patient's complaint. We evaluate a patient's posture, muscle tone, mobility, as well as evaluate associated neurological and orthopedic factors. We may include imagining studies, such as x-rays, depending on the particular situation. Once the assessment is completed, an individual treatment plan is developed which may include any or all of the treatment modalities mentioned above, and then treatment begins.
Contributing to the successful outcome of chiropractic treatment is the patient’s willingness to fully participate during the course of care and also to adopt new techniques into their lives. Many, though not all, muscular skeletal disorders are caused by the stresses and strains of every day living. The old joke goes, "Doctor, it hurts when I do this," followed by, "Then don’t do it." Chiropractors have modified this response slightly. "Learn how to do it correctly," is what I like to tell patients.
So I would urge everyone to become more mindful of the aspects of life that may cause physical pain. If an injury should occur, know that there are chiropractic doctors available in greater numbers to help you eliminate the pain.
Dr. James Delsie, is a doctor of chiropractic medicine at RiverBend Medical Group.