ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC

Primitive forms of modern chiropractic were used for centuries. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, talked much of spinal misalignment problems and Germany has had bone setters for years but professional chiropractic, as we know it today, originated in 1895. Today many Americans use chiropractic.

• 85% of Americans will suffer incapacitating low back pain in their lifetime.
• 40% of Americans with back pain lasting more than two weeks will go to a chiropractor.
• 6.8% of the population suffers from back pain at any given time.
• Federal agencies now recommend chiropractic treatment over other forms of medical care for acute low back pain.
• Chiropractic is the second largest primary health care provider in the western world.
• Federal programs Medicare/Medicaid, Government Employees Hospital Association Benefit Plan and Postmasters Benefit Plan cover chiropractic.
• There is an overwhelming body of evidence indicating that chiropractic management of low-back pain is more cost-effective than medical management. - Magna Report

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic is a system of healthcare based on scientific evidence that the relationship between structure and function in the human body is a significant health factor. Since the normal transmission of nerve energy is essential to the restoration and maintenance of health, the chiropractor's major emphasis is on correcting the disrelationship between the spinal column and nervous system. Precise spinal manipulation is used as the major treatment modality; in addition, adjunctive forms of therapy are incorporated: physical therapy, metabolic nutrition, diet, exercise, acupuncture and stress counseling. Proper diagnosis is determined by physical examination, hematology examination, x-ray examination, urinalysis and thorough history before treatment is prescribed.

State licensed and regulated, the doctor of chiropractic's training requires a minimum of two years pre-chiropractic in an accredited college; although, most students enter chiropractic college with a B.S. degree. Most chiropractic colleges require 10 semesters (5 years) of training before granting a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. One year of externship is also required before graduation. State Board examinations in clinical and basic sciences must be passed before entering private practice. The areas of science studies include anatomy, bacteriology, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, pediatrics, geriatrics, spinal manipulation, x-ray, nutrition, physical therapeutics, clinical diagnosis, hematology and other appropriate subjects. Chiropractors may specialize in orthopedics, neurology, nutrition and roentgenology with an additional three years of post graduate education and pass comprehensive written and practical exams leading to the status of Board Certified Diplomate.

Board-qualified and licensed chiropractors are entitled by law to use the title "Doctor of Chiropractic", "D.C.", and/or "Chiropractic Physician."

Chiropractic health care is provided for in such federal programs as Medicare, the Government Employees Hospital Association Benefit Plan, the Mailhandlers Benefit Plan, the Postmasters Benefit Plan, and our Veterans. Chiropractors are commissioned officers in all branches of military service.

State Medicaid Acts in most states recognize and include doctors of chiropractic as primary health providers.

Chiropractic benefits are provided for in health insurance policies of virtually every major insurance carrier and State Workmen's Compensation. A substantial number of major international, national, and local labor unions provide chiropractic services in their health and welfare plans, as do many major industrial employees.

All Federal agencies accept sick-leave certificates signed by doctors of chiropractic and fees paid to doctors of chiropractic are allowable deductions as expenses for "medical care" for federal income tax purposes.

Chiropractors serve as expert witnesses for local attorneys in litigation cases.

The professional accrediting agency for chiropractic colleges is the commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The Accrediting Commission of the CCE is recognized by the Commission of Education of the Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare), it is included in the department's list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations.

Peer review protects the consumer. Legislation passed in 1974 includes chiropractic review in the quality and efficiency of services ordered by members of the chiropractic profession.

Wide acceptance and rapidly increasing population make the future of chiropractic a boundless one. There is approximately one chiropractor for every 12,000 persons in the United States. A more desirable ratio would be one D.C. for every 7,500 persons. Career opportunities are unlimited for young men and women desiring to enter the healing arts.

The chiropractic profession has a high standard of ethics. Members of either major national associations, as well as state associations, must subscribe to and abide by their respective codes of ethics, or be subject to disciplinary action by established procedures.