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Questions About Chiropractic which Appeared in the Middletown Journal

Q: My medical Doctor told me last week that I should see a Chiropractic Doctor for my back problem. My friends have told me about similar conversations with their MDs. Why are so many Medical Doctors referring to Chiropractic Doctors now?

A: There has been a tremendous amount of research showing the superior effectiveness of chiropractic care for low back conditions, and now the Family Medical Doctor has the confidence and facts to make referrals to Doctors of Chiropractic to provide the best care for their patients.

Q: I have pain in my back and down the back of my leg. It gets worse when I sit for any length of time. Can a chiropractic doctor help with this or do I need surgery?

A: The condition which you have is called sciatica. It is caused from irritation of the sciatic nerve itself or from pinching of nerves in the spine that form the larger sciatic nerve. Chiropractic care is a logical conservative alternative approach to this condition. I have personally successfully treated many hundreds of leg pain conditions. Surgery is recommended when necessary.

Q: My job is very stressful. My neck and shoulders are constantly tight and sore. Friends tell me that they have seen a Chiropractic doctor and their muscle stress level has reduced. How does chiropractic help stress?

A: If your stress is caused by poor posture, continuous standing or sitting, or muscle tension from mental exertion, chiropractic care may be of benefit to you. Tight muscles can pull against the vertebra (bones) in the neck and cause irritation to the sensitive nerves I the spine. Chiropractic care helps to reduce and relieve stress caused by muscle and nerve irritation.

Q: What is a typical treatment method in chiropractic care?

A: A complete examination which includes physical, orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic testing is first performed to determine the cause of your problem. X-rays are performed here in our office if indicated. If chiropractic care is necessary, treatment is outlined in a personalized report of findings. Then specific, gentle manipulations or adjustments are provided of spinal or extremity joints that are not functioning properly. Physical therapy is sometimes required to complete the patient care. Our Therapy Department offers: Ultrasound Therapy, Electical Muscle Stimulation Therapy, Cryotherapy, Hydrocollator Therapy, Motorized Intersegmental Mobilization Therapy, and Muscle Rehabilitation with exercise instructions for your particular problem. Most insurances cover chiropractic care. You may wish to contact your insurance carrier or our office can check for you.

Q: I hear a lot about Chiropractic care and it's effectiveness for low back pain. Can Chiropractic help with anything else?

A: Many people are surprised that Chiropractic doctors effectively treat headaches, neck problems, shoulder, elbow, knee, and wrist problems. The Chiropractic doctor specializes in neuro-musculoskeleton (nerve-muscle-bone) conditions. The condition is evaluated with a thorough examination and x-rays, if need. If the condition is a Chiropractic case we will treat it; if not, we will make the appropriate referral.

Q: I had a friend that said that a Chiropractic Doctor's professional education is is very extensive. Is this true?

A: I am truly surprised when I realize that many people do not know abut the education requirements of the modern Doctor of Chiropractic. As a past president of The Ohio State Chiropractic Association, I have personally make presentations at medical schools and found that even medical students are surprised at the extensive education of a Chiropractor. Prior to attending a chiropractic college, two to three years at an undergraduate with an emphasis in biological sciences is required; however almost 70% of today's graduating Chiropractic physicians have a four year degree before attending a Chiropractic college.

The following is a summary of the additional study at a typical Chiropractic college which requires a minimum of four to five academic years of professional resident study involving not less than 4000 hours.

ANATOMY: Myology, Osteology, Histology, Embryology, Spinal Anatomy, Spachnology, Genesiology/Angiology, Central Nervous System Special Senses, Arthology, Human Dissection, Topographical Anatomy. PRACTICAL PATIENT CARE: Clinic I, II, III, IV, Emergency procedures, Jurisprudence, Research. DIAGNOSIS: Physical Diagnostic methods, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Peiatrics, Clinical Human Behavior, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Exams/Management, Geriatrics/Dermatology, Viceral Disorders. PATHOLOGY: Microbiology, General Pathology I, II, Public Health, Hemotology, Neuro-Musculo Skeletal I, II, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary. PHILOSOPHY PHYSIOLOGY: General, Cellular Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, Endocrinology, Digestion/Nutrition, Renal, Physiology Lab. CHEMISTRY: Biochemistry I, II, Chemistry Lab, Toxicology. X-RAY Introduction, X-Ray Physics, X-Ray Positioning, Diagnostic Radiology, Pathology I, II. TECHNIQUE: Biomechanics, Palpation, Specialized, Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Pelvic, Principals and Practice.

The above courses represent a summary of required study at a Chiropractic college. The Doctor of Chiropractic is able to let you know if your problem can be helped through Chiropractic care or if a referral is needed.

Q: Is it true that Chiropractic can be helpful with headaches as well as neck, back, arm and hip pain? Is it helpful with many types of arthritic, painful joints, and stiffness? Can Chiropractic care help with stress related symptomes? Is it true that Chiropractors very successfully treat on the job injuries, auto accidents, and sprots injuries? Can they help with children's problems such as "growing pains"? Do Chiropractors refer to medical physicians? Is Dr. Sheely a member of several health insurance networks? Would a person be smart to call Dr. Sheely if they have any questions?

A: Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Absolutely!!!

Q: I understand that many professional athletes see a chiropractic physicians regularly to increase and maintain their best athletic potential. How can you treat a patient if they are already healthy?

A: Chiropractic care emphasizes the practice of staying well as well as getting well. Chiropractic physicans are experts in communicating and motivating their patients to use good health habits. At the Sheely Chiropractic Clinic we work with patients to help them reach their health goals. In some cases that is elimination of back pain, headaches or leg pain. In other cases it is the reduction of weight or the strengthening of a particular muscle group to increase performance for a sport. If it has to do with nerves, muscle or bones, the chiropractor is a great place to start.

Q: Why do many people suggest that a chiropractic physician be consulted in an automobile accident or whiplash type injury?

A: The chiropractic physician focuses on proper funtion of the spine and all the muscles and ligaments. Of course, the first thing that is examined and evaluated is the evidence of any serious trauma such as fractures, etc. After being released from the emergency room, a chiropractic examination is very important because many symptoms do not show up until 3-7 days following an accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, it is important to get a thorough and complete evaluation by a chiropractic physician to determine if chiropractic care can help you.

Q: Why do most people I talk to get great results with Chiropractic care, while others seem to progress more slowly?

A: There are many factors that contribute to the results of our patients. The first reason most people respond well to Chiropractic care is that we doa thorough examination process before we decide to accept a patient. Other factors include, age, severity of injury in muscles, ligaments and tendons, obesity, lifestyles, general physical condition of the patient, attitude, willingness to follow recommendations, length of time prior to beginning treatment, and many other factors. Only someone trained in Chiropractic procedures can most accurately tell you if yours is a chiropractic case. You don't need a referral from your family doctor to see us. However, we work closely with the most up to date and trusted doctors in the area. Current research has given your family doctor all the studies needed to make appropriate chiropractic referrals. We will be happy to provide you with research if your family doctor wishes.

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