Whether you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, or you happen to be a regular patient, chances are there may be some facts about chiropractors that you may not currently know. Not too long ago, PH & W Magazine published a great article: 5 Things You’re Not Supposed To Know About Chiropractors. Below is a summary of the published article–a perfect rundown to keep in mind for anyone debating whether or not a chiropractor may be of value to them.
So What Are The 5 Things You’re Not Supposed To Know About Chiropractors?
1. Their education is equal to their medical colleagues … and might be better in some areas.
A study of the curriculum of North American chiropractic and medical colleges found “Considerable commonality exists between chiropractic and medical programs. Regarding the basic sciences, these programs are more similar than dissimilar.” Even more interesting was a test given to both chiropractic and medical students. Chiropractic students scored higher than medical students on the musculoskeletal (bones, joints, and muscles) portion of the exam, while the medical students faired slightly better in other areas. In another study, chiropractors and chiropractic students tested “significantly higher” in reading X-Rays when compared with their medical colleagues in a study at the University of California Medical Center.
2. They do more than crunch backs and necks.
While chiros are known for treating back and neck problems with joint manipulation. Most are well versed and board certified to perform physical therapies. They are also licensed to function as primary care physicians. Based on their education many use nutrition as a form of treatment.
3. It’s Safe.
Even though ghost stories of adjustments gone wrong are common, the actual risk of injury from chiropractic treatment is rare. Generally, the malpractice insurance that doctors have to pay is based, among other things, on their field. Chiropractors as a group pay the less for malpractice insurance than any other type of physician. Why? Lawsuits claiming injuries or negligence are less common against chiropractors.
4. They took the American Medical Association to court … and won … twice.
Chiropractors claimed the AMA was trying to snuff out the competition with fear tactics and bogus research. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed with them in 1987… and again in 1990. It was found that the AMA was guilty of illegal antitrust activities against the chiropractic profession, ordered an injunction on their activity, and forcing them to print the courts findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
5. M.D.’s and D.C.’s are working together.
It’s becoming more common to find integrated offices, where M.D.’s, D.O.’s, and D.C.’s are working side-by-side. Many medical offices now try to provide multi-specialty approaches to treatment. With natural forms of treatment becoming more popular, drugless forms of treatment have become preferred by many over painmedication.
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If you feel you still have questions about chiropractic care you would like answered, feel free to give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic. Our patients here often comment on how they appreciate how we go above and beyond in making sure your questions are always answered and you completely understand what your treatment is, how your treatment works, and why it works. There’s nothing worse than leaving a doctor’s office feeling rushed or with more questions than you went in with.
The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.
Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic is conveniently located off Furys Ferry Rd in Martinez, Georgia and provides quality chiropractic care to the Augusta, Martinez, and Evans communities. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com.
Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call (706) 814-5053, use our online voicemail, or use our online form.
