FACT:  When you attempt to adjust yourself, a joint that is capable of moving can achieve a “popping” type sound and you may feel less discomfort, initially.  However, this does not mean you have restored the proper movement to the right joint using the specific adjustments properly to restore joint motion, improve function and provide lasting relief.  You may cause more problems resulting in hypermobile joints or joints that move too much and become unstable. This can lead to more instability in years to come.

FACT:  What does QUALITY of life mean to you?  Those patients who follow the chiropractic lifestyle along with periodic care, recognize that chiropractic care doesn’t cost…IT PAYS OVER THE LONG HAUL!!!  Studies show that these patients generally take less medications, have less chronic conditions associated with aging and overall consider their health as excellent!!  Chiropractic is covered by many insurance companies or affordable cost savings are offered to you and your family so you can take care of your most important asset; your body.  Our office is in-network with most insurance plans.

FACT:  Studies have shown that gentle chiropractic manipulative therapy is much safer than many common activities as washing your hair or break dancing.  When expertly performed by a skilled Doctor of Chiropractic, whom has extensive training, adjustments are among the safest and most effective ways to treat back and neck pain.  Spinal adjustments should be at the top of the list before considering surgical and more intensive interventions.

There is no scientific evidence of an increased risk of any serious event following spinal manipulation. According to medical studies, the result of injury following a chiropractic treatment is less than 0.01%.  Comparatively, there is a much higher risk with more invasive procedures as injections, surgeries and medications.  You have an increased chance of being struck by lightening, being killed on a bicycle and dying from taking aspirin then by being injured by gentle and precise spinal manipulative therapy.

FACT:  Yes, it is known that children’s bodies are more flexible and heal quicker than an adult, however, children should still be checked after sports injuries, repetitive falls, complaints of pain syndromes, etc.  Keep in mind that childhood is a time when the musculoskeletal system is under continued stress due to rapid growth and development, continuous learning, exploring and playing.  OSHA estimates that a child can sustain about 1,500 spinal related traumas before the age of 5!!  Research has shown that children under the care of a knowledgeable chiropractor have less colds and infections and when they do get ill, they recover quickly.  Therefore, checking for spinal imbalances during these critical years is vital for overall nervous system development.

It has been the experience of Dr Iris Rosenfeld that introducing a child to a chiropractic and holistic lifestyle, diminishes their chances of doing recreational drugs as a teenager.  As parents, it’s up to us to help our children make better lifestyle choices through drugless, safe chiropractic care.

FACT:  Unfortunately, the perception of many of a Doctor is one who prescribes pills or removes organs.   However, a Medical Doctor (MD) and a chiropractor (DC) are two professions that each require a degree from a government accredited medical or chiropractic school and are licensed to practice.

Before attending a chiropractic institution, one must complete an undergraduate program with specific medical coursework.  The Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum takes 4 years to complete and includes at least 4200 hours of specialized clinical training. Chiropractic students spend a significant portion of their program studying clinical subjects related to evaluating and caring for patients.  They must spend about 1 year in a clinical-based program caring for patients under professional supervision.  After completing the schooling which includes the study of: anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, toxicopharmacology, microbiology, neurology, radiology, laboratory, clinical diagnosis, etc chiropractors must pass a 4 part National Board exam to qualify for a license.

Doctors of Chiropractic and Doctors of Medicine take a similar class load of human health sciences, however the philosophy differs.  The difference is a chiropractor takes courses in Spinal Manipulation, Nutrition, Physiotherapy and Advanced Radiology, while a medical doctor takes courses in Pharmacology, Immunology and General Surgery.

To maintain their license, a chiropractor must complete 24 hours per year of continuing education courses to ensure updated knowledge and stay on the cutting edge of patient care.

Each profession looks at health and healing through a different set of glasses.  Medical doctors study disease, blood and rely on drugs and treat symptoms.  Chiropractors look at the whole person, improve the function of the nervous system, study the blood and promote function.

Both professions have their place:  while medical doctors focus on crisis care, chiropractors focus on health and healing.

So, going back to our original question..Is a chiropractor a real doctor? Absolutely, yes. Chiropractors are real doctors with a unique purpose. What we are able to offer to our community, no other doctor can!