Chiropractic Health Care
Chiropractic health care is a science that is over 100 years old and compliments other health care disciplines. Chiropractic focuses on the biomechanics of the body, which determine how muscles and joint structure affect joint movement. Biomechanics influence the nervous system, muscles and other structures of the body. Biomechanical problems can affect the back, neck, shoulder, and other body parts, resutling in pain and a loss of function.
Chiropractic evaluates each patient's biomechanics and helps to correct problems caused by sudden injury, overuse or other factors. Chiropractic treats biomechanical problems by improving joint function and the positioning of the body's skeletal structure. Chiropractic is an all-natural treatment that does not rely on drugs or medicine.
Like medical doctors, doctors of chiropractic receive at least seven years of post-secondary education. Many of the chiropractic courses are the same as those studied in medical school, and are often taught by the same professors. The total hours of study are also similar. However, medical doctors spend more time studying pharmacology (i.e., drugs) and hospital-related care, while doctors of chiropractic spend more time studying biomechanics and radiology (i.e., X-rays).
It is important for chiropractors to have a wide range of medical knowledge, as many serious physical conditions can mimic muscle and joint problems. For example, both cancer and infection can cause low back pain. Although these illnesses are rare causes of low back pain, they must be recognizable by a chiropractor so that those patients can be referred to other doctors such as family physicians or specialists for the appropriate care.
Chiropractic has a well-established record of success in identifying and treating spine-related problems. Considerable research has found chiropractic to be a highly effective and economical treatment for low back pain. This research includes studies published in medical journals, comparing chiropractic with physiotherapy and the medical approach.
Although chiropractic is perhaps best known for its role in treating back pain, neck pain and headaches, more people are seeking chiropractic care for conditions such as jaw, shoulder, hip, knee, and foot problems.
Increasingly, doctors of chiropractic and other medical professionals are working more closely together. This promotes a better awareness of each profession's strengths, and better overall care for patients.
Approximately 17 percent of British Columbians currently see a chiropractor. Chiropractic patients include people of all ages and occupations, from retired persons and office workers, to those employed in the construction, forestry, mining and fishing sectors, as well as professional and Olympic athletes. Chiropractic is widely regarded as a safe and effective health care science in the treatment of pain and the improvement of body function.
For further information about chiropractic visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, which also contains links to the Canadian and British Columbia Chiropractic Association websites.
