What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors are physicians that treat the body in a holistic manner. They are doctors that believe in utilizing the power of the body to heal the body, by removing nerve interference, eliminating toxins and eliminating deficiencies. The educational requirements to be a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) includes a Bachelor’s degree in science, usually pre-med. They will then apply to chiropractic school, which usually lasts four years. This program is rigorous, with mostly book and lab-based classes for the first two years, and then clinic-based for the next two years. At first, chiropractic students will learn the basic sciences, including; biochemistry, anatomy, embryology, histology, immunology and microbiology, neuroscience, pathology and physiology. Following the basic sciences, the chiropractic student then continues their studies with courses in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics etc. ¹
Chiropractic care involves a detailed and advanced level of understanding of human physiology and the human body to properly treat a person holistically. Their job is to find the cause of the problem and look at the whole picture to treat the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing. The classes will start by training the student how to palpate the spine. Palpation is the art of feeling for joint restriction or subluxation (less than a dislocation). The student chiropractor will learn how to examine the body, and eventually learn the science and art of spinal manipulation techniques. The adjusting techniques start with the low to mid-back and then once the student chiropractor has learned the proper technique they can start cervical (neck) adjustments, which require a better and more careful technique.
What is a Chiropractor? Chiropractic Benefits Video
Chiropractors work to perform specific duties including;
- Focus on the connection between the spinal column and the nervous system
- Evaluate a patient’s condition based on symptoms they are experiencing and their medical history
- Examine posture and the spine
- Diagnose and treat by manually adjusting the spine or other joints to remove joint fixations
- Read x-rays or MRI of the spine
- Use physical therapy modalities such as: cryotherapy (cold), hydrocollator therapy (heat), electric muscle stimulation, and trigger point therapy to treat patients
These duties can be used in conjunction to create a customized plan for the patient. Finding a chiropractor that treats the whole body is very important.
To make an appointment at the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, call us at 860-583-4346 or fill out form below.
Dr David M. Spitz is the founder and clinic director of the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, located in Bristol, CT. Since 1982, he has treated thousands of patients for various conditions ranging from neck and back pain, to migraine headaches. He specializes in treating patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and/or back injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr Spitz was a volunteer EMT-I and a lieutenant for several years at the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. He has lectured throughout CT on various topics including, chiropractic, stress management, headaches and preventing back injury in the workplace.
