Chiropractic Research

Chiropractic physicians, by virtue of their education, are qualified to evaluate permanent impairment and disability, as well as render a professional opinion regarding permanency of that impairment or disability.

Your Chiropractor:

• conducts a systematic physical, neurological and orthopedic examination, using methods, techniques and instruments standard with all health professionals. He/She also includes a postural and spinal analysis unique to chiropractic diagnosis.
• performs or prescribes patient tests, measurements and evaluations of health status, impairment and disabilities in establishing or revising treatment and preventive programs.
• arrives at a differential diagnosis using diagnostic roentgenology and standard and special laboratory procedures and tests.
• corrects, reduces, mobilizes or immobilizes particular abnormalities, particularly of the spine and pelvis, to normalize structural and functional relationships and relieve attendant neurologic, muscular and vascular disturbances. These methods do not include the use of prescription drugs or surgery, thus avoiding the dangers therein.
• when deemed necessary, prescribes dietary regimens and nutritional supplements to prevent the onset or assuage the existence of some types of dysfunction of the nervous system and other tissues.
• frequently uses physiotherapeutic methods and procedures as adjunctive therapy to enhance reception to and the effects of the chiropractic adjustments.
• evaluates the effects of therapy at various intensities and duration during case management and revises therapy to achieve maximum results.
• often uses first aid, taping and strapping in treating injuries of the extremities, and supportive collars, braces or corsets may also be used during recuperation to assist healing and strengthening.
• provides counseling in such areas as dietary habits, physical and mental attitudes affecting health, personal sanitation, occupational safety, posture, rest, work, rehabilitative exercises, health habits and many other activities of daily living that would enhance the effects of chiropractic health care.
• orients, instructs, directs and evaluates work activities of administrative assistants and paraprofessional clinical assistants.
• may plan and conduct lectures and training programs on health care related subjects for chiropractic staff, students, patients, community groups and industrial plants.
• may plan, develop or participate in research programs and/or in the development of technical articles for publication.
• may limit practice to a specialized area of interest, such as orthopedics or diagnostic roentgenology and attain diplomat status through certified postgraduate and evaluation.