Chiropractic focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and their effects on overall health. Chiropractic was established in 1895 and is recognized in all 50 states as an independent healthcare profession. Doctors of Chiropractic undergo extensive education and treat conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sports injuries through manual techniques like spinal manipulation and other therapies. Research shows chiropractic care is effective for both acute and chronic pain conditions.

1. Discover Chiropractic The Road to Good Health

2. What is Chiropractic Care? Chiropractic focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.

3. Facts About Chiropractic Chiropractic was established in 1895. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands officially recognize chiropractic as an independent health care profession. Chiropractic care is available to members of the armed forces at more than 40 military bases in the U.S., and at nearly 30 veteran’s administration medical facilities. Chiropractic care is provided in such federal programs as Medicare and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program. Doctors of Chiropractic provide care in hospitals and other multidisciplinary facilities. Chiropractic is a covered benefit in many traditional insurance policies. According to some reports, as many as 87 percent of all insured Americans have coverage for chiropractic.

4. Doctors of Chiropractic Often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians Practice a drug-free , hands-on approach to health care Undergo rigorous education At least 4 years of professional training following undergrad 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience State and national exams

5. What Conditions Do Doctors of Chiropractic Treat? Doctors of Chiropractic most often treat conditions such as: Back pain Neck pain Pain in the joints of the arms or legs Headaches Whiplash Sports and work-related injuries Research also supports chiropractic as treatment method for conditions such as: carpal tunnel, otitis media, colic, asthma

6. Chiropractic: What Research Shows “ Acute and chronic chiropractic patients experienced better outcomes in pain, functional disability, and patient satisfaction than patients seen by other health care providers.” - Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2005 Numerous studies have shown that chiropractic treatment is effective and patient-centered.

7. Chiropractic: What Research Shows “ Patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors showed greater improvement and satisfaction at one month than patients treated by family physicians.” - Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2000 “ Cervical spine manipulation was associated with significant improvement in headache outcomes in trials involving patients with neck pain and/or neck dysfunction and headache.” - Duke Evidence Report, 2001

8. Chiropractic Treatment Technique The most common therapeutic procedure performed by Doctors of Chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” or the “chiropractic adjustment.”

9. Additional Treatment Techniques In addition to spinal manipulation, other treatments include: therapeutic ultrasound electrical muscle stimulation ice and heat traction soft-tissue massage rehabilitative exercises

10. What to Expect During Your First Visit Expect a thorough examination that typically includes: • Patient history • Physical examination • Diagnostic studies (when indicated) • Diagnosis • Chiropractic treatment plan If your chiropractor determines that your condition would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make the proper referral.

11. With Chiropractic, When Will I Feel Better? Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment For others, it may take two to three weeks before they achieve substantial progress. Many factors can affect the healing process.

12. The Concept of Wellness Doctors of Chiropractic believe prevention is the key to health and wellness. Tips to stay well Exercise regularly Eat well Maintain a healthy weight Reduce stress Avoid smoking Get regular health checkups

13. For Good Health – You’ve Come to the Right Place Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

14. Is Chiropractic Treatment Appropriate for Children? YES, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and injuries. Chiropractic manipulation is very gentle and is safe even for infants.

15. Senior Citizens and Chiropractic For older patients, many of their ailments are related to the spine and extremities Conditions associated with aging may benefit from corrective adjustments: Arthritis, circulatory disorders, joint stiffness and pain Medicare includes coverage for chiropractic services

16. Are There Any Side Effects to Chiropractic? A very conservative, drug-free, surgery-free approach to reducing pain and improving mobility. While any form of health treatment contains a degree of inherent risk, there are few side effects to chiropractic. The most common side effect following treatment is mild soreness (similar to exercise) that may last for 12 to 48 hours.

17. How Many Americans Seek Chiropractic Care? More than 22 million people visited Doctors of Chiropractic last year for a variety of conditions. More and more medical doctors are referring their patients to Doctors of Chiropractic.

18. Why are a Record Number of Americans Seeking Chiropractic Care? Chiropractic Works!