General Questions</A>




What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a healing discipline firmly grounded in science. Although its main focus is the relationship between the skeleton (particularly the spine) and the nervous system that runs through it, chiropractic is concerned with the care of the entire body. Chiropractors use various diagnostic methods, including x-rays, to discover the state of your health, paying particular attention to your spine and bone structure. Spinal manipulation and other manual adjustments are their primary methods of helping your body heal itself.

The word chiropractic comes from a combination of the Greek words "cheir" and "praktikis", meaning "done by hand".

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How Safe is Chiropractic?

Very safe. Chiropractic adjustment has been rigorously examined for safety, and its record is an enviable one. Six government inquiries into chiropractic worldwide in the last 25 years, for example, have all concluded that contemporary chiropractic health care is safe, effective and cost-efficient, leading them to recommend licensure and government funding.

The thing to remember is that your chiropractor is trained to recognize when you may be at risk, and adapt the treatment accordingly. Communication with patients is a key element of chiropractic treatment, so ask questions. Your chiropractic doctor will keep you informed every step of the way.

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What Happens During a Treatment?

During your first visit, the chiropractor will want to know about your health history as well as your current complaint. Your home and work life and level of physical activity may also affect your health, so don't be surprised to be asked questions about these too.

Although chiropractors use their hands for most treatments, they also use other methods such as heat, light, specialized adjustment instruments, ultrasound, electrotherapy, personalized exercise programs, muscle testing and balancing. Your chiropractor can also give you information and guidance on how you can stay healthy through proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes.

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What Results Can I Expect From a Treatment?

That depends on your condition. The length of time you have had the problem, your age and the degree of your disability all affect the length of your treatment. Your chiropractic doctor should tell you the extent of treatment recommended, and how long you can expect it to last.

One of the main reasons people like chiropractic is that they often get quick results. Individual cases vary and chronic conditions obviously need more treatment, but Workers' Compensation Board studies show, for example, that people with low back pain get back to work much faster with chiropractic care.

You might also consider the benefits of regular chiropractic adjustments even when you feel healthy. Sometimes you won't know you have a disorder of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system until it becomes acute and painful. So, just as you see your dentist to have your teeth checked and your optometrist for eye exams, regular visits to your chiropractor can catch related health conditions early, often preventing them from developing into major problems. Remember, your spine is every bit as susceptible to wear and tear as your teeth and your eyes-you need to look after it.

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How Do I Find A Good Chiropractor?

Chiropractors are "primary contact" health care providers, which means you don't have to be referred to them by a physician or anyone else. You can find your own chiropractor. As with any other professional, referrals from friends and acquaintances are an excellent way to find a good chiropractor. Please check our membership directory on our home page to help you find one in your area. There are 300 chiropractors in Maine

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Facts About Chiropractic

Your chiropractor knows the structural integrity of your skeleton, how well it is working, how it makes you feel and how it affects your quality of life.

Chiropractic's approach to health uses the body's natural powers of healing, and does not employ drugs or surgery.

Chiropractic pioneered the holistic approach to health care, continuing this philosophy through its practices in the areas of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle counselling.

Chiropractic is Maine's third largest primary contact health care profession, and the largest to use drugless treatments.

The scientific basis of chiropractic has been, and continues to be, demonstrated by quality research and scientific investigation.

The chiropractic profession celebrated its centennial in 1995. Over the past 100 years, public acceptance of chiropractic has grown continuously, and today Chiropractic treats close to 1/4th of the population every year.

Chiropractors undergo a lengthy and intensive professional education, which is described in detail in the "Becoming A Chiropractor" section.



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