E.WagnerHolisticHealth

             Blog #29:  Chiropractic is Adjusting the Spine and Much More

In each state in the U.S. chiropractors are licensed differently and allowed to offer different services to the public.  In Michigan, possibly the most restrictive state, chiropractors are only allowed to adjust the spine.  In Illinois, by contrast, chiropractors (DC’s) are included under the same physician license as osteopaths (DO’s) and allopaths (MD’s).  DC’s can provide almost any service the other two groups of physicians can, with the exception of writing prescriptions for drugs and performing surgery.  Some chiropractors in Illinois function as primary care physicians (PCP’s).  Others have nutritional practices.  Some manly help rehabilitate injured athletes, or practice solely as radiologists.  Chiropractors have been trained to use massage, mobilization and other adjustments to help optimize position and function of all the bones, as well as of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and more.  Many techniques are gentle and slow, others are faster and more forceful.   In order to enter chiropractic school, students must first complete a standard premed curriculum.  Once in chiropractic school, DC’s receive extensive training in radiology, pathology, microbiology, pathology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, spinal and extremity adjusting, pediatrics, geriatrics, and more. 

Since DC’s have been trained to recognize and diagnose disease, and to restore the body to health without the use of drugs or surgery, it is often wise to consult a chiropractor first with a problem, and therefore avoid unnecessary prescription medication or surgery.  After an initial history and examination, the DC may commence treatment, run some tests, or refer a patient out to an MD or DO, depending on the health issue. 

It is within the scope of a DC’s license to practice hypnosis, offer nutritional guidance, prescribe herbs, practice acupuncture, draw blood, use ultrasound and electrostim, teach therapeutic exercises, and more.  Several chiropractic schools offer excellent advanced curricula in acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnosis, massage, sports rehabilitation, radiology, and other aspects of health care. 

This Blog’s offer:  two things I always notice about patients that come to my office are posture and breathing.  Poor posture or breathing can perpetuate pain and prevent healing.  This means that excellent posture and breathing can greatly lessen or eliminate pain and speed healing.  Feel free to contact me for a five to ten minute appointment, free of charge, during which I will show you how to improve both posture and breathing.