A chiropractic physician is a
neuromusculoskeletal
specialist, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment
of patients with back pain, neck pain, and
headaches, among other problems. Chiropractic
physicians do not use medications or surgery as
treatments, but rather utilize natural, hands-on
methods along with exercise and lifestyle
modification. Although most cases can be diagnosed
through discussion of the problem and physical
examination, chiropractic physicians utilize blood
tests, MRI,
CAT scans,
X rays, and other diagnostic
tests when necessary. The chiropractic physicians
at the Rhode Island Spine Center work in cooperation
with medical physicians and other practitioners to
provide high quality, well-rounded care to
each patient.
What types of problems do chiropractic physicians treat?
Chiropractic physicians are neuromusculoskeletal
specialists. Therefore, any disorder that
involves joints, muscles, discs or nerves can
potentially be appropriately addressed by a
chiropractic physician. This includes:
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches Migraines Sciatica
Pregnancy-related low back or leg pain
Whiplash injuries Thoracic outlet syndrome
Work-related injuries
Shoulder, arm and leg pain Carpal tunnel syndrome
Muscle tightness, weakness or imbalance
Numbness and tingling
What is the difference between a chiropractic physician and a physical therapist?
At the Rhode Island Spine Center, chiropractic
physicians and physical therapists work together
as a team. The function of the chiropractic
physician is to first diagnose the cause of the
particular problem that the patient is
experiencing, including, if necessary, ordering
X rays, MRIs,
blood tests or other diagnostic
studies. The chiropractic physician then
formulates a management strategy that may include
manipulation,
muscle treatments,
exercise,
nutritional advice, or physical therapy. The
physical therapist’s job is to perform a
comprehensive evaluation of movement, stability,
and joint and muscle function, and to provide
manual therapy,
exercise, ergonomic and lifestyle
advice, and other rehabilitation approaches. The
chiropractic physician and physical therapist
communicate regularly regarding each patient’s care.
What are the educational requirements to become a chiropractic physician?
Most students are required to have a Bachelor's
degree before applying to Chiropractic school,
with credits in basic science and math.
Chiropractic college itself is then 4 additional
years of post-graduate, full-time, intensive
schooling, including one year of internship,
with a foundation in basic sciences, not
unlike that of medical school. After graduation,
there are several state and national board
examinations to pass before attaining licensure.
Do I have to have my back "cracked"?
Not necessarily. Manipulation is a technique used
to correct joint dysfunction, which is a condition
in which there is loss of normal movement of a
joint - a common cause of spinal pain and
dysfunction. If you do not have joint dysfunction
then there is no need for manipulation. Even if
you do have joint dysfunction, if you’d prefer,
there are "non-cracking" techniques that can be
used to correct it, which are often equally effective.
What is the cracking noise that often occurs with manipulation?
Often when a joint is
manipulated,
it makes a "popping" sound. There is fluid inside all
joints, and within this fluid there are bubbles. When
the manipulation is performed, the bubbles pop,
producing an audible sound. Although this is not
necessary for manipulation to be effective, it is simply
the sound of the joint suddenly moving or releasing
from its restricted state.
Will manipulation hurt?
Most of the time,
manipulation
is very comfortable. Slight to moderate discomfort
has been reported in about 1/3 of patients, with 10%
reporting more noticeable discomfort. In the
majority of cases, any discomfort that does occur
is gone within 24 hours.
How long does chiropractic care take to work?
This is a very commonly asked question, and
unfortunately, there is no one simple answer
to this because the amount of time needed for
recovery is variable, not only for each different
condition, but also for each individual patient.
Generally speaking, conditions that have been
present for a longer period of time will logically
require a somewhat longer recovery time, although
there are always exceptions. Our approach is such
that the immediate goals are to help you get
relief from pain and disability as quickly as
possible, while at the same time, addressing the
underlying dysfunctions that caused the pain and
teaching you strategies to manage and reduce any
future episodes that may occur. In this way we
attempt to help you expeditiously reduce pain
and return to normal function.
Do you think people should come in regularly to have chiropractic check-ups?
Although there are certain uncommon instances in
which regular, periodic treatment may be
recommended, this is the exception rather than the
rule. There will likely be certain exercises that
are recommended to you to do regularly, and these
have been shown to prevent re-occurrences of back
pain. The chiropractic physicians at the Rhode
Island Spine Center place much emphasis on
teaching patients self-care strategies so that
they can manage conditions themselves, only
needing to return to the doctor if these
strategies are not successful.
Why do I have to exercise?
Besides all the benefits of regular aerobic and
strengthening exercise, your chiropractic physician
may prescribe other exercises designed to keep
joints moving properly or to improve the ability
of muscles to stabilize the back or neck and
prevent re-occurring pain. For many of these,
it will be recommended for you to continue long
term, while others are to be used only temporarily
while you are having pain. In other words, certain
exercises will help you to heal faster, and others
will prevent the pain from coming back, as well as
making you feel more fit and flexible from day to day.
What can I expect during the first visit?
The primary purpose of the first visit is for the
chiropractic physician to get to know you and
your condition. He or she will ask you for
certain details about the history of the problem
and will perform a comprehensive examination for
the purpose of establishing a diagnosis. Blood
tests,
MRI,
CAT scan
or X rays may be ordered,
although most often these are not necessary. Then,
the chiropractic physician will discuss with you his
or her findings and your diagnosis and, if your case
is accepted, will discuss the recommended treatment(s).
Treatment may or may not be rendered on the first
visit, but the full scope of the diagnosis and
recommended treatment will be discussed prior to
any treatment being given.
Can children be treated by a chiropractic physician?
While spinal and other musculoskeletal disorders
are less common in children than adults, certainly
they are not rare. There is no reason why children
cannot be seen at the Rhode Island Spine Center.
If manipulation
is required, the techniques used
will be modified for the size of the child.
