Enerchi Health - A complete Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine

FAQ's from EnerChi Health's Expert Advisor of Chiropractics
Michael Schmolke DC

1. What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a branch of the healing arts and health sciences that focuses attention on the human frame, and investigates the relationship between the spine, the nervous system, and its impact on human health. Chiropractic principles extend back historically as far as the time of Hippocrates, who drew our attention to the human frame to help determine the nature of illness. A Canadian, named Dr. D. D. Palmer, founded contemporary chiropractic back in 1895. Chiropractic has endured over one century of growth, times of ridicule and praise, and has developed into the largest natural health care field in the world. It has become an important part of the health care world and wonderful option for the public of all ages.

Excerpts from The American Holistic Medical Association "Guide to Holistic Health" states the following:

"Chiropractic is the most widespread natural system of health care in the United States and serves the health care needs of an estimated 20-30 million Americans each year."

"…. according to a recent Gallup Survey, 90 percent of people who receive chiropractic care say it is effective, making it the highest-ranked system of health care in terms of patient satisfaction."

"Chiropractic helps the various body systems to work better and promotes greater health and healing, both on a symptomatic basis for various disease conditions, and for the general, overall health of the body and mind."

2. What is a subluxation?
Through the effort of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges across North America and the world, a singular definition of a subluxation was created in 1996. This definition states that a subluxation is …

" A complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathologic articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health." Position Paper from July 1996, ACC.

In other words, subluxations are the primary clinical entity that chiropractors seek to locate and correct in individuals who are ill, suffering from musculoskeletal or visceral disorders, or simply seeking help to maintain and uphold an optimum state of health and health expression. Through specialized training and education, chiropractors detect and correct vertebral subluxations through a variety of safe and gentle techniques. In turn, their patients, young and old, accomplish relief of nervous system interference, and a naturally restored chance to heal and recover from injury or deteriorated health condition. Once healthy, it is beneficial for individuals to strive to maintain a subluxation-free state of health. This is accomplished together with chiropractors through a combination of lifestyle coaching, education towards health-conscious nutrition and exercise habits, and preventative chiropractic care programs.

3. What testing is involved during an exam with a chiropractor?
Chiropractors have traditionally taken a great deal of care and attention during their examinations with patients. A thorough history and examination is always a foundation to responsible health care decisions and treatment.

Although there can be some variety to an individual doctor's examination routine, a chiropractic exam usually will include the following types of examinations: A postural examination to reveal altered postural habits or poor adaptations to an efficient locomotor system, visual observations of things like gait (walking patterns) and balance, movement testing and flexibility studies. An examination may also involve motion palpation of the spinal joints, or joints of the body extremities.

Necessary tests for orthopedic injury or neurological reflexes are taught to all doctors of chiropractic, and will be used upon their discretion as needed. Chiropractors may also employ specialized tests like radiographic studies, or advanced functional testing of the nervous system including thermography and surface electromyography. More research inclined chiropractors may even do testing for neurological stress responses including functional MRI's, SPECT scans, and electroencephalographs.

4. What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is the term used specifically by chiropractors to describe the unique method they use to reduce or correct vertebral subluxations. Adjustments are specific maneuvers that are applied to an individual which are intended to restore normal tone in the body and central nervous system. Because subluxations alter a patient's vitality and cause stress in the self-regulatory function in any of their body's various organ systems, adjustments, which will be most effective, are determined by the chiropractor. These adjustments involve specifically delivered gentle forces, which have specific and intentional vector, velocity, and intensity of force and points of application. Some adjustments are delivered with hands, and incorporate the healing effects of touch, while others involve instruments or various equipment which assist the doctor.

5. What exactly happens when you are adjusted?
This is a question asked probably every day in practice. This may also be one of the most difficult questions to answer completely, as the science and research into the effects of chiropractic adjustments is growing alarmingly fast.

Whether an adjustment is delivered by hand or instrument, it's goal is the same. The goal is to reduce the interference that a subluxation causes to the normal and optimal function of the nerve system. Adjustments have many components to their incredible effects. Some of these are more mechanical in nature, including improving specific joint motion, reducing muscular tension, and feeding new positional/postural information into the tissues that have imbalance and misalignment. Studies on human performance have demonstrated significant improvements in measures like endurance, co-ordination, reduction of injury, and improved rates of recovery.

Other more important effects of adjustments include stimulation of a multitude of nervous system tissues (mechanical receptors) which in turn feed into the brain system to affect change in the brain's nerve output. This is the most exciting area for chiropractic and millions of patients utilizing chiropractic care. It is through these neurological pathways of information passage, that chiropractic adjustments demonstrate some of the most immediate and effective results in reducing the effects of any type of stress response in the body. This includes things like improved Heart Rate Variability and Respiratory Sinus Rhythm (when heart rate and respiratory rates do not synchronize), two of the most important markers of stress and imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. Physiology functional tests have revealed very helpful stimulating effects of adjustments on things like immune function and brainwave activity, demonstrating higher immune system activity, and calming effects on the electrical brain activity of patients who have higher electrical activity related to stress or anxiety. Chiropractic studies have demonstrated outcomes of improved sleep and increased sense of well-being.

In understanding that so many complex responses occur in patients undergoing chiropractic care, it is important that individuals ask questions to their Doctor of Chiropractic, so that they understand their process of health improvement.

6. Who is most likely to benefit from seeing a chiropractor?
This is a question most people will not stop to ask themselves as they look ahead at the year, to determine their goals of health care and health care needs. It is a well known fact that the majority of Canadians continue to approach their health in a reactionary manner, and by doing so, often overlook the potential benefits of proactive health care which is aimed at prevention of illness and disease, and promotion of health.

Chiropractic care has proven itself highly effective at helping people improve conditions like low back pain, neck and upper back pain, headaches, and the endless varieties of posture related conditions where poor alignment of the body has caused or contributed to other musculoskeletal conditions. These can include conditions involving the hip, knee or foot as well as shoulder, arm, and wrist/hand conditions.

There have been many studies, which have looked into the effects of chiropractic care that have more traditionally been regarded as separate from the realm of nerves, muscles, and joints. These have included studies that looked into the effectiveness of chiropractic care in the management of ulcers, asthma, blood pressure, dizziness/vertigo, migraine headaches, and many more. In most of these studies, the results demonstrated favorable responses in the chiropractic treatment groups, but more research on larger numbers of subjects and different study designs have always been recommended.

As chiropractic is an effective and established method of improving the function of the human body, anyone who demonstrates less than full and optimum function of their body may benefit. This includes males and females of all ages. Pediatric chiropractic care is one of the fastest growing areas in chiropractic health care, as well as geriatric care, due in part to the rapidly growing shift in demographics of our population. If you are wondering whether chiropractic can help you or a friend, with a specific concern, or to simply add to your quality of life and vitality of an optimum functioning body, simply consult a chiropractor in your community and ask them yourself.

Disclaimer: EnerChi Health is strictly a resource for information and education only on complementary and alternative health practices. The content on this site is not to be used for the purpose of diagnosing or treating medical conditions or to replace conventional medical treatment in any way. If you have a medical concern you must consult a qualified health care provider.

7. Can Chiropractic Care Help Me With ……?

This is a common scenario. A patient calls in or arrives at the office to see a chiropractor after a friend or family member has referred them. After meeting each other and having a tour around the office, out it comes. The question this person has been dying to ask. "Can chiropractic help me with ……?" To help address a few of the most commonly asked questions, here are a few key comments for each of the following topics.

Arthritis - This condition is very common, and, as we advance into late adulthood, more than 50% of people will suffer from one form of this by time they have reached the age of 65 years. While there are many types of arthritis, the most common is osteoarthritis. Recent evidence suggests that this "wear and tear" condition is closely linked to several factors. Of great interest is that our immune system, our diet, and our activity levels influence this type of arthritis. Since chiropractic focuses skillful attention to the joints of the body, chiropractors are extremely well educated and suited to help people with arthritis. Study and experience has shown that people improve both their flexibility as well as their comfort levels with chiropractic care. Due to the favorable effect which chiropractic care has on reducing the stress response, the lowered hormone response (cortisol) is suggested to influence overall circulation and help in the nourishment of the extremities, where most of these affected joints are found. This can add to the overall positive effect chiropractic care can have for an individual suffering from osteoarthritis. Contact your local chiropractor and ask them more specific questions if this has perked your curiosity.

Digestive difficulties (IBS, Ulcers, Crohn's, UC) - It is interesting that in practice, up to 7 out of 10 patients will report some improvement with their digestive regularity, their digestive comfort, and a reduction in digestive system complaint from these sorts of conditions while undergoing chiropractic care. While chiropractic is not a treatment of these specific conditions, our profession has found that when we treat the underlying condition of stress and interference on the nervous system, the function of organs and glands related to the spine will often improve. Specific clinical studies have been done on conditions like ulcers and chiropractic care. In comparison to control groups and placebo groups; the individuals who were adjusted had statistically significant results with both reduced symptoms and faster recovery from the condition. Because digestive disorders can be so debilitating, it is worthwhile trying any form of natural health care, such as chiropractic, to see if it will help you.

Headaches - This is one of the most exciting conditions for health care providers like chiropractors and acupuncturists. Not only are the causes of headaches more widely understood in this last decade, but also the results of clinical trials on effective treatments include chiropractic as one of the best choices for fast and effective help to treat these conditions. Careful interview and examination allow a doctor of chiropractic to diagnose and determine the most appropriate type of treatment for an individual who suffers from headaches. While there are countless different types of headaches, and many causes, the majority of headaches (80%) stem from the neck region. This is an area chiropractors enjoy expertise and skill with the delivery of effective treatment. Whether you have been told you suffer from migraine headaches, or tension headaches, chiropractic has held a very successful track record of delivering great results of relief and correction for this complaint.

Waking up with stiffness and discomfort - While this is not a specific condition, this complaint is so common and frequent that is deserves receiving attention in this month's FAQ's reply. Nearly everyone will experience this sensation during his or her lives. Most often a one time episode can be benign and easily related to a hard days work one or two days earlier, or overdoing it at the gym or on the park path. If this type of complaint persists, however, heed this warning. It may be an early sign that your posture is deconditioning, and that small amounts of injury are accumulating in the joints/discs, and surrounding tissues of the spine. This is an immediate clue that you should consult with a doctor of chiropractic at once. With a thorough check-up and completing the necessary tests, a chiropractor will often find subluxation within the area of complaint. The stiffness and discomfort are understood to develop from "jelly-like" fluid containing protein and inflammatory agents in the area of complaint. During the night, while you are substantially more motionless and have dropped a degree or two in body temperature, the sites of subluxation and tissue injury swell up and this "gelling" effect takes place. When you awake, all the fluid around the cells have "gelled", and do not move as they would once they are warmed up and reliquified. An effective solution is to allow a chiropractor to help correct the underlying problem, and advise you on some self-care routines that you can make part of your daily wellness routines. Good luck and have a great morning!

8. Why Consider Chiropractics for Children?

It is back-to-school time, and many parents are hustling to have their children drop into to the dentist's office, optometrist's office, and the chiropractors. The goal is to ensure that their children are in top shape to have a healthy and productive year of school.

Why might parents consider a visit with their children to their neighborhood chiropractic office? The facts speak for themselves. More and more research indicates that an individual's childhood is the launching pad for poor health and poor habits in adulthood. These early life concerns usually develop into adult suffering and costly medical treatments. A few examples include osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease, cancers, and many digestive disorders.

A good spinal health example of this is scoliosis. A recent study in the British Medical Journal indicates that scoliosis is on the increase in adults. Of course this condition usually begins to develop during the childhood and pre-adolescent years. For years it was thought that little could be done to treat, slow down the progression, or even avoid this condition all together. Thankfully, this is no longer the case. Early detection, which is most often occurring during a childhood spinal health exam at the chiropractors, can lead to effective management and in many cases prevention. Chiropractic care is one of the most gentle, effective and safe natural health options for children that health care offers to parents these days. Call you chiropractors today to arrange a back to school check-up.

9. What do chiropractors do? Chiropractic's "Multiple personality disorder"

Chiropractic has been leading the way in natural health care in North America. This has occurred despite a confused public on the role and true nature of chiropractic in the area of health philosophy and science.

What multiple personality disorder? Simply ask any 5 people to describe chiropractic care, or the focus of this unique health care system and you will hear several different descriptions. The public holds diverse views of what chiropractic care is and what chiropractors do for patients. This can range from "experts in pain management", to "doctors who aim to provide patients with the care and coaching to enhance their health and build on their health potential". Why so many diverse views?? Why the confusion??

Call it the "coming of age" of a profession. For the last 108 years, chiropractic care has grown from an idea in the mind of the Canadian born founder, Dr. D. D. Palmer, to the largest natural health care profession in the world.

Chiropractic has many sub-disciplines in which specialized training has lead to chiropractic experts in pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, radiology, neurology, and even animal specialties to name but a few. The result is that chiropractic doctors have equivalent training to medical doctors in the ability to diagnose and recommend treatment for diseases, but they have a unique philosophy on the nature of health. They promote vitalistic and natural principles of how the body is a self-healing and self-regulating organism, and promote this idea in a practical and realistic way to their patients.

Delivery of treatment is through application of skillful hands or high-tech equipment. After assisting patients in getting (often the fastest and most effective) results for their health concern or condition, chiropractors often shift their focus of care and recommendations, towards adapting a lifestyle of prevention based care that helps people continue to develop as humans and maintain the ability to adapt to stresses and shifting environments by maintaining a healthy nervous system.

All along the way, despite the focus of care, the one consistent tenant in chiropractors is that subluxations interfere with normal nervous system function, and this directly lowers the health potential of an individual. Chiropractic has demonstrated that it is the one profession that is best aimed at this vital and important role in the world of health care.

If this helps sort out the confusion that you may have about chiropractic and its many faces, I've accomplished my goal.

11. Chiropractic - A Safe And Healthy Choice For Preventive Health Care

Chiropractic care has survived the test of time and scrutiny with regard to a growing need for health care professions to be accountable to the public. Professions like Chiropractic and medicine truly need to demonstrate that they are effective and cost-effective at delivering what they say they deliver. I am proud to be a Chiropractor, for many reasons, but some of the greatest reasons lie within the tremendous success record we have as a profession for being a safe and effective form of health care.

In most studies that examine the success of Chiropractic care in comparison to medical treatment (drugs), other forms of therapy, or placebo treatments; chiropractic has come out on top in nearly all the countless studies. Many of these studies have not focused strictly on conditions like back pain, headaches, or neck pain, but even such common conditions like otitis media (ear infections and aches in children), colic, bed-wetting, treatment for ADD/ADHD, and more. Chiropractic care has even been tested for its effectiveness as a treatment for conditions like ulcers, asthma, vertigo, and addictions, with good success. As stated in last months article, Chiropractic is not a fix-all health care, but rather a distinct and unique profession which influences the body to help it improve it's ability to self-heal and self-regulate, and has incredible successes when the day is done.

When it comes to safety, very few professions can be as proud and open to discuss this topic with would be critics or our patients who come to see us. Chiropractic doctors have one of the lowest levels of complaints from their clientele/patients in all fields of health care. This has been critically studied in the recent years, due in part to a growing frequency of alleged claims and a litigious slant towards all health care practitioners, including medical doctors, dentists, Chiropractors, psychiatrists, and more. Chiropractic remains one of the safest forms of health care that young and old alike can enjoy and experience tremendous health improvements from. If a concern of safety or question of effectiveness of chiropractic treatment has ever held you or a loved on back from seeking a chiropractors help, take a step today and call one or two nearby clinics. You'll be happy you did, and you will be pleased of the success you'll have.

12. Chiropractic Care and the Health Continuum (Wellness care verses Sick Care)

Chiropractors are often asked about how their services fill the publics' need for wellness based health care. By "wellness based", I refer to the role of a health care expert (chiropractor) taking part in health care education, treatment, and lifestyle coaching that helps to empower an individual into living a worry free life. Indeed this is one of the largest roles that a chiropractor plays with his or her patients in both short term and long term relationships that they share. Let's examine the logic behind preventive care first.

Participating in various forms of wellness/self care has shown to help people accomplish health objectives (better posture, greater flexibility, and improved energy levels). This type of lifestyle appears to be slowly replacing the old medical model of "disease care" or reactionary care that most of society used to treat themselves to. Waiting for the disease to strike in health is like denying that the roof needs to have its shingles checked routinely for leaks, and then later discovering no heat in your home. The public generally understands this. Hence, more and more chiropractors are finding their patients requesting that the doctor provide them or their families with these preventative services.

So what are some of the typical health objectives that chiropractors assist people with that help them avoid health problems in the future. Some might include:

Maintaining a healthy nerve system
Maintaining a healthy posture
Maintaining balance in the musculoskeletal system
Advice on daily routines of fitness routines and lifestyle habits to promote better health (water intake, nutritional habits, etc.)
Monitoring conditions like scoliosis, arthritis, and post surgical patients to ensure proper conservative treatment is occurring to keep these conditions manageable.
Enhancing the function of the neuroimmune system. Through routine correction of nerve function impairment (dysponesis), chiropractors see many boastful families who are proud of the children low absenteeism rates from school from reduced routine colds or the flu.
Enhancement of the bodies overall physical well-being in order to help support athletic training goals of athletes, and help to prevent injuries from misguided training before they occur.

The list goes on and on, but this is a few examples of the ever growing role of chiropractors in the general publics wellness revolution and desire for developing meaningful relationships with professionals who will aid them in leading a more proactive and healthy life.