About Chiropractic
What is Chiropractic?
The word "chiropractic" derived its name from the Greek words
meaning "done by hand". Chiropractic is a conservative approach
to health restoration, maintenance, and disease resistance. As a natural
health-care method, chiropractic, by choice, does not utilize drugs or surgical
procedures. While chiropractic recognizes that drugs and surgery may be
necessary at times, it also understands their limitations and risks. Therefore,
chiropractic takes a non-invasive approach to illness.
What
is an adjustment?
An adjustment is the specific manipulation of vertebrae which have abnormal
movement patterns or fail to function properly. Unless corrected through
manipulation ("adjustment"), such abnormal spinal function may
negatively impact nerve activity.
Safety
and Effectiveness
After reviewing the many treatments
for low back pain, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has
recommended spinal manipulation for acute low back pain relief.
A study done by the New Zealand government has also concluded that spinal adjustments given by registered chiropractic doctors are safe, and that their chiropractic education helps the doctors assess and manage spinal problems at a very high level.
Chiropractic
Education
A minimum of six years goes into
the making of a chiropractic physician. Entrance into a chiropractic college
requires at least two years undergraduate work in pre-med subjects. Chiropractic
Colleges are generally four-year institutions. Their curriculum
places special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics,
x-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and related subjects. The training includes
an internship period, usually in the school's clinic.
Post Graduate
Education
The state of New Mexico requires 16 CEU's a year of post-graduate instruction
for a chiropractic physician's annual license renewal.
Initial
Visit and Examination
Upon arrival for your first visit you will be asked to complete the
necessary paperwork to help the doctor understand the history of your health.
Next you will meet with the doctor, who will review your health history and
determine if your problem is likely to be helped with chiropractic care. A
thorough examination will follow your consultation with the doctor.Then, the
doctor will recommend a care program designed for your unique problem.
Chiropractic
Is Included In Many Insurance Companies
Chiropractic is a valid choice recognized by health insurers. Virtually all
major commercial health insurance carriers include chiropractic in their policies.
Many major industrial employers offer it in their health plans.
All fifty states, including the state of New Mexico have authorized chiropractic as part of the workers compensation program, and most include a choice of chiropractic services under all commercial health and accident policies. Chiropractic is also covered under Medicare.
History
of New Mexico Chiropractic
History of Chiropractic
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