Why Choose Chiropractic?…

A Brief History…

The study of “bone setting” has been around for centuries however “Chiropractic care” itself was founded by D.D. Palmer in 1895. In that year Palmer performed his first adjustment on his janitor Harvey Lillard by accident and later found it to cure his hearing problem. He then began his in-depth study of the spine and how its imbalance can trigger “dis-ease of the body." In 1897 he created the first Chiropractic school, Palmer School and Cure. Later his son B.J. would develop the studies into a more in-depth and educational entity. Much has passed since then and although some schools still teach Palmer’s philosophical approach to chiropractic care most have advanced into modern evidence based practices that focus on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and that is where I see myself too as a future Doctor of Chiropractic.

What is Chiropractic care?

The American Chiropractic Association defines it as “Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.” That is quite general and leaves a lot of room for interpretation. That being said you will find chiropractors to either be evidence or philosophy based in this definition. I feel it needs to be redefined to be honest to fit into a better, more modern medical mold if you will. I myself will always strive to lean towards techniques that are evidence based. However, many go to chiropractors that use philosophy to explain the musculoskeletal effects of adjusting such as subluxations, the innate, and correction of dis-ease, and it resonates with them. I may not agree with that type of explanation, but if the actual care is helping your musculoskeletal system to improve, I have no problem in that. Chiropractic care ends up being personalized either way with each type of doctor. Positive results cannot be argued with and in the end that is the care most people are striving for no matter how it is defined.

What are the different types of techniques of Chiropractic care?

There are several different techniques out there today including Diversified, Gonstead, drop table, NUCCA, Activator or SLI, Blair, Extremities and CBP. There are also techniques that deal with the Chiropractic Tonal philosophy such as BGI & Network. Most Chiropractors are Diversified in that they have several tools in their toolbox, yet some focus solely on one or two techniques. My current Chiropractor who I have mentioned in my blog, “How Gentle Chiropractic found me,” is Diversified as well but mainly utilizes Network and the Activator method, which are gentle yet profound techniques when used properly.

Which type of Chiropractic is right for me?

Just as there are specialists in the medical world, there are specialists in the chiropractic world. If you tend to suffer from chronic migraines, headaches, neck pain, you are probably going to want to go to a NUCCA or Blair doctor. Basically a chiropractor who solely specializes with the upper neck. If you are an athlete you will want to go to a sports rehabilitation chiropractor. If you have foot problems that bring on back pain you’d want to see a chiropractor who specializes in extremity work. Most established chiropractors know their skill set. The ones I would stay away from are the ones who think they can do it all. That’s a salesman. Always use your intuition and common sense when looking for someone who has the potential to cause more harm than good.

I myself went through a couple of Chiropractors until I found my perfect fit. The few I went to before were Diversified Chiropractors who did the typical crack and pop of the back and neck. It felt alright but it didn’t fix my shoulder problem and wasn’t what I was looking for holistically. As mentioned in my blog post, ‘How Gentle Chiropractic found me,’ I was shocked to find that the most gentle approach was the best fit for me. The Chiropractor I go to now is Dr. Dina Keon of Touch Chiropractic here in my hometown Sacramento California. She is a Diversified Chiropractor as well but mainly uses a SLI (spring loaded instrument) and Network techniques. No major force, and no neck cracking. The visits are about 30 to 40 minutes long in a group room. She addresses each patient as they come in sitting at first, makes her assessments, and then has us lay face down on the table. While we lie there we are encouraged to take deep spinal breaths to relax the spine which is part of the Network technique. She then goes from client to client utilizing her SLI/Network techniques. Although this style works well for me doesn’t me it will work for you. This is why I strongly encourage “shopping” around until you find a good fit. Maybe it will be me some day, but hey I will always have referrals just in case it is not.

What type of Chiropractor will you be?

That’s still in the air, but most likely diversified with an obvious emphasis on soft tissue work. The diversified tools I will most likely use will be a drop table, SLI techniques, and extremity work. I am an integrated bodyworker so naturally I will want to use integrated techniques in my chiropractic care. I know I will not be an upper cervical doctor because I will assess the whole body. I am learning a lot about the foot right now and having flat feet and being in the wrong shoes all my life is really getting me pumped to learn how to tackle musculoskeletal issues involving them. The one thing I do know for sure is I will never stop learning about the body. I will always strive to change and adapt to each patient in order to achieve the most optimal goal. I will come out a doctor yes but I will be human with you too and we will work together to help you get to the best you that you want to be. Sometimes it is just as simple as that. Take out the jargon and just be real with your intention. Cheers to the future!

Stay Tuned!

(As I study and learn more modalities and techniques as a student I will elaborate on the other techniques and what to expect.)