Two Types of Chiropractors

Not all chiropractors are alike. Although they go by the same name, chiropractors today differ greatly in technique and philosophy.

The traditional philosophy that chiropractic was based on has never changed, but for social acceptance, some chiropractors have.

As a result, when patients go to different chiropractors they get different opinions, treatments and results, not to mention costs. This can be both confusing and frustrating to the patient.

If expectations aren’t met, patients stop chiropractic care, and never get to experience the great results chiropractic care can give them

There are basically two types of chiropractors Limited Scope chiropractors who work on symptoms and relief and the Full Spectrum (Traditional) chiropractors who work on subluxations and structural correction. Let’s look at the two types of chiropractors so you can choose the one that best suits your needs

THE SYMPTOM RELIEF CHIROPRACTOR

Like the typical Physician, this type of chiropractor primarily focuses on relief of symptoms (for example, back pain neck pain, and headaches). Manipulations are done to the spine to decompress the joints, free fixations and reduce pain. In addition, electro therapies such as diathermy, electro stimulation, tens units and laser acupuncture are often used. In the United States, these chiropractors are even trying to expand their scope of practice to prescribe drugs.

Length of treatment and frequency of adjustments are usually dictated by the patient’s symptoms, or insurance coverage. Monitoring patient’s progress by symptoms and insurance coverage usually means shorter overall treatment time but still leaves the patient far short of correcting the cause of their problem.

The patient may feel better temporarily, but since the spine remains structurally misaligned, it degenerates silently and results in damage and malfunction at whatever part of the body the nerve supplies.

Many experts see little value and even harm in simply treating symptoms.

The bottoms line is that treating only symptoms still leaves the cause uncorrected.

THE TRADITIONAL CHIROPRACTOR

This type of chiropractor practices the traditional philosophy of chiropractic which is subluxations and structural correction of the spine. A vertebral subluxation interferes with nerve impulses. A nerve impulse is the electrical message from the brain thatregulates all functions of the body and keeps us alive.

Although the traditional or Full Spectrum chiropractor wants his patients to feel better, his primary focus is removing the nerve interference(subluxation) and restructuring the spine to it’s most stable biomechanical position.

This is done through a program of specific adjustments and exercise to be used to stabilize and strengthen.

The length of correction and frequency of adjustments is determined by the severity of the patient’s subluxations, structural alignment, X-ray information, SEMG and Thermography results, etc., not symptoms!

Symptoms may be gone long before the spine is at its maximum correction so adjustment schedules may be kept intense to allow structural correction in the shortest amount of time. The patient is then closely monitored by postural patterns and X-rays until the subluxation patterns are corrected and the spine is in its proper alignment and function.

By reviewing these before and after studies with the doctor the patient actually sees the results.

Since subluxations are silent, and research shows they can begin at birth resulting in dysfunction and dis-ease, the traditional chiropractor recommends families to be checked, especially children.

Because of this, the traditional chiropractor will work out fair and equitable payment plans so families can afford care, regardless of insurance coverage.
So remember, when choosing a chiropractor, choose based on your health goals – either temporary relief or maximum correction and Wellness! The choice is YOURS!

I hope you enjoyed this brief look into chiropractic philosophy. I am proud to state that I am a Traditional Chiropractor. I respect your pain, and will do my best to eliminate it, however, I want you and your family to be healthy. I want you to be the best you can be! I urge you to visit my website www.easternoklahomachiropractic.com
My mission is to help as many people in my lifetime as I can - especially children.

All the best,

Dr. Travis