Chiropractic
Chiropractors of Lake Forest work with the spine, not necessarily because it's the source of neck and back pain, but because it houses and protects the spinal cord and nervous system. Every vital life sustaining process depends on the integrity of this communication network between the brain and the body. When there is a breakdown of this communication it is known as a subluxation
What type of education and training do chiropractors have?Chiropractors are educated as primary health care practitioners, with an emphasis on Neuro-musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most rigorous and stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.
In total, the South Orange chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience including diagnosis, radiology, physical examination skills, nutrition, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, toxicology, anatomy, physiology, histology, chiropractic technique, public health, etc. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
If you have further questions feel free to email Dr Hamilton at the email address below.
What is a subluxation?
Chiropractors commonly recognize five categories of components present in the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC)..
The osseous (bone) component is where the vertebrae are either out of position, not moving properly, or are undergoing physical changes such as degeneration. This component is sometimes known as kinesiopathology.
The Nerve Component is the malfunctioning of the nerve. Research has shown that only a small amount of pressure on spinal nerves can have a profound impact on the function of the nerves. This component is scientifically known as neuropathology.
The Muscle Component is also involved. Since the muscles help hold the vertebrae in place, and since nerves control the muscles themselves, muscles are an integral part of any VSC. In fact, muscles both affect, and are affected by the VSC. This component is known as myopathology.
The Soft Tissue Component is when you have misaligned vertebrae and pressure on nerves resulting in changes in the surrounding soft tissues. This means the tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues undergo changes. These changes can occur at the point of the VSC or far away at some end point of the affected nerves. This component is also known as histopathology.
The Chemical Component is when all these components of the VSC are acting on your body, and therefore causing some degree of chemical changes. These chemical changes can be slight or massive depending on what parts of your body are affected by your subluxations. This component is often known as biochemical abnormalities
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Chiropractic Adjustment Performed?
Chiropractic adjustment is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education. Chiropractors typically uses their hands to gently move dysfunctional joints of the body known as Subluxations, particularly in the spine, in order to restore or enhance joint and nervous system function. This allows the body to heal itself which causes restoration of function which will decrease pain and disability.
Does getting adjusted hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments are highly controlled procedures that rarely cause discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient, because healthcare is always age and gender specific. Patients often feel better immediately following treatment.
What Insurances cover Chiropractic?
Most PPO insurances cover chiropractic care in our office and a referral from your medical doctor is not needed. Our insurance specialists in the office handle all insurance claims to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound – it’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released. There is no pain involved.
What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
Chiropractors are educated as primary health care practitioners, with an emphasis on Neuro-musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most rigorous and stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.
In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience including diagnosis, radiology, physical examination skills, nutrition, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, toxicology, anatomy, physiology, histology, chiropractic technique, public health, etc. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
If you have questions feel free to email Dr Hamilton