Chiropractors are a portal of entry providers qualified to diagnose, and refer for conditions outside their scope of practice. They study four to five years after college, do an internship, are licensed, and recognized in all fifty states. Their primary purpose is to diagnose, and treat spinal subluxations through gentle, manual spinal manipulation, and occasionally with adjunctive physical therapy.

What is a spinal subluxation?

A spinal joint problem which is irritating the associated spinal nerves, and soft tissue. A decreased, or painful spinal range of motion is a certain indication of a spinal subluxation.

The spine is a movable organ encased in bone, (called vertebrae), to protect it. Almost all of the nerves of the body must pass through this structure. The vertebrae is controlled by ligaments, and muscles. When the joints of the spine become unstable due to muscle, or ligament fatigue, or trauma, they lock up to prevent damage to the spine. This locking of the joints is called a subluxation, and is accompanied by soft tissue swelling, and inflammation. This locking of the joints will cause improper movement of the spine, eventually causing nerve irritation, arthritis, and muscle fatigue. This nerve irritation can affect almost all parts of the body.

How does chiropractic work?

The chiropractor uses gentle force to unlock the joints that are not moving properly. Sometimes, it may take a number of adjustments over several weeks before the muscles, and ligaments are stable enough to prevent the subluxation from recurring.

Can chiropractic care benefit pregnant women?

Pregnant women release chemicals in preparation of delivery which relax ligaments. Only the mildest of techniques are needed to relieve the spinal stress, and associated backache.

What should I do in an emergency?

In case of a broken bone, loss of bladder control, etc. go to the emergency room. If it is not an emergency, you should rest, ice the area (20 minutes on/20 minutes off), compress the area, and elevate it. Contact your chiropractor as soon as possible.

What are Chiropractic Qualifications?

A minimum of six years of college study equivalent to the same legal requirement for medical doctors, including internships. Specialties such as: sport injuries, nutrition, neurology, orthopedics, internal medicine, and radiology, each require up to an additional three years of training.

What degree are chiropractors given?

Licensed chiropractors are entitled by law to use the title, "Doctor of Chiropractic." They may also add the degree's initials "D.C." to their name. Most states allow chiropractors to use the title physician.

Are chiropractic colleges accredited?

The Council on Chiropractic Education, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, is responsible for setting, evaluating, and enforcing chiropractic educational standards.

Are chiropractors licensed to practice?

The doctor of chiropractic must pass a rigorous national state exam for each state he chooses to practice in.

Will my insurance reimburse me?

Chiropractic care is authorized under Workmen's Compensation, Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial health care policies.

Do chiropractors have hospital privileges?

Chiropractors may send patients to hospitals for special tests, but until recently chiropractors have not had formal hospital privileges.

Do all chiropractors use the same techniques?

As with all professions, chiropractors have a large number of various methods to evaluate, and treat patients.

What is the chiropractic oath?

To hold in esteem and respect those who taught me this chiropractic healing art; to follow the methods of treatment which according to my ability and judgment I consider necessary for the benefit of my patients; to abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous; to stand ready at all times to serve my fellow man without discrimination of race, creed or color.

With purity I will pass my life and practice my art; I will at all times consider the patients under my care as of supreme importance; I will not spare myself in rendering them the help which I have been taught to give by my alma mater; I will keep inviolate all things revealed to me as a physician.

While I continue to keep this oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the chiropractic healing art, respected by all men at all times. Return to top of page.

How long does treatment take?

Though most people feel immediate improvement, recovery time varies. The patient may feel better immediately, but underlying conditions may take much longer correct.

If the injury is minimal, with no obvious objective findings, it will usually be corrected within 10 weeks.

If the injury is slight, with only decreased motion, it will usually be corrected within 29 weeks.

If the injury is moderate, decreased motion, ligament injury, neurological signs, it will usually be corrected within 56 weeks.

If ligament instability, fracture, disc derangement or surgery are present, long term chronic care will be required.

Although a child's spine is more resilient, constant bumping around of the spine may lead to misalignment of the vertebra. If left untreated, these subluxations can cause major health problems in later life.

Because of their inherent recuperative powers, children usually respond to chiropractic care with amazing speed. Often one, or two adjustments can correct a problem that would require a much greater number of adjustments in adulthood.

The techniques used to adjust an adult are not the same as those used for children. According to several European studies, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has been linked in part to subluxations of the the first two cervical vertebrae. The birthing process is the first spinal shock we undergo, and one of the most traumatic. A simple test in the first few weeks after birth can tell if your child is at risk.

How can I help my child?

Stress good posture: Good posture puts the body in a balanced position.

Require regular exercise: Regular exercise relieves tension and stress, and strengthens the heart, and lungs.

Provide a well-balanced diet: Nourishing food that builds bone and muscle is essential to good health.

Regular spinal check-ups: Regular check-ups are important for attaining and maintaining good health.

Establish a family program of healthful activities, and join your children in carrying it out.

Lee Chiropractic 196 Park Avenue Pocatello, Idaho 83202 (208) 233-0067 Email