What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of  disorders of  the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the nervous system and general health (World Federation of Chiropractic, 1999).
 
The practice of chiropractic utilizes clinical interventions that support the natural ability of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs and surgery. These interventions include

 -   Manual procedures such as chiropractic adjustment, other joint manipulation, joint      mobilization, and  soft tissue techniques .

 -   Adjunct treatment measures such as physiological methods including ultrasound, heat      and cold therapy, traction, electrotherapy, acupuncture, and the use of joint supports and      orthotics

 -   Specific exercise programmes .

 -   Patient education on ergonomics and posture, nutrition, use of health supplements, and      other lifestyle modificatio

A chiropractor is a primary healthcare physician who is educated and trained in all aspects of Chiropractic for the purpose of optimizing health. As a gatekeeper for direct access to the healthcare system, a chiropractor's responsibilities to his patients include diagnosis, chiropractic treatment and management, health promotion, disease prevention, and when indicated, referral to other healthcare providers. In order to consult a chiropractor, patients do not need to have a prior medical referral.
 
Chiropractic is distinct from the other healthcare professions. Medicine and Dentistry are allopathic healthcare systems that use pharmaceuticals (drugs) and surgery to treat diseases. Physiotherapy is a supplementary medical profession concerned with the rehabilitation and treatment of physical disability and bodily malfunctions using physical and mechanical measures.

How are Chiropractors educated and trained?

At present, all chiropractors practicing here in Malaysia receive their education and training from accredited colleges and universities in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
 
Chiropractors attend at least 6 years of accredited professional education and training . Moreover, in countries like the USA and Canada, they are required to pass professional licentiate examinations, such as the four-part examination conducted by National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (USA), and two-parts examination by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board, before they finally qualify to practice chiropractic.

Conditions Treated/ Managed

1.Pain Management
2.Headache / Migraine
3.Back pain
4.Carpel tunnel syndrome
5.Scoliosis
6.Tennis / GolferĄ¯s elbow
7.Knee pain
8.Sports / Work injury
9.Auto accident / Whiplash
10.Arthritis
11.Slip disc / Sciatica
12.Posture / Gait problems
13.Frozen shoulder
14.Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
15.Plantar Fascitis / Heel spur
16.Flat feet / Hyperpronation
17.Chronic fatigue syndrome
18.Fibromyalgia
19.Numbness / Tingling
20.Trigger finger
21.Ankylosing Spondylitis

What happens when you consult a Chiropractor?

1. Physical Examination and Diagnosis

When you consult a chiropractor, the doctor first records a full history of your illness. He then carries out a physical examination and a full spinal examination wherein he carefully examines the interrelated functions of the body through
- joint mobility and muscle strength
- integrity of the nervous system
- general alignment of the spine and its related structures.
If necessary, your chiropractor will use radiological examinations such as x-ray and MRI scans, and other laboratory procedures to assist diagnosis and to rule out other underlying pathological conditions. If your chiropractor identifies a condition for which other treatment is indicated, he will refer you to the appropriate healthcare practitioner.

2. Chiropractic Treatment

Your chiropractor's main goal in chiropractic treatment is to facilitate the neurological and biomechanical integrity of your neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment consists of a wide variety of manipulative techniques that include
  • Chiropractic adjustment, the most important chiropractic method of treatment, is a specific, high-velocity, shallow thrust performed manually on the joints of the spine and extremities to correct joint dysfunctions (functional subluxation)
  • Other joint manipulation techniques such as long-lever, nonspecific manipulation, active or functional manipulation, and techniques employing mechanical aids
  • Joint mobilization techniques
  • Soft tissue techniques.
Your chiropractor may also employ adjunct treatment measures that include physiological methods such as ultrasound and electrotherapy, acupuncture, and the use of back supports and orthotics.

3. Chiropractic Management

Your chiropractor's plan in the management of your condition emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of your body to heal itself without the use of drugs and surgery. In order to support the treatment he offers and to help prevent the recurrence of your condition, your chiropractor may devise a specific exercise programme and provide patient counseling on ergonomics and posture, nutrition, use of health supplements, and other lifestyle modifications.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Manipulation when carried out by a properly qualified practitioner is considered to be very safe, as most reactions to chiropractic treatment are physiological in nature and the complication rate of manipulation is low.Manipulation when carried out by a properly qualified practitioner is considered to be very safe, as most reactions to chiropractic treatment are physiological in nature and the complication rate of manipulation is low.
The most common reactions following chiropractic treatment, which affect 50% of patients, include discomfort in the area treated, headaches, fatigue, and pain radiating from the area treated. These reactions are those to be expected and are mainly physiological in nature. (Barrett AJ et al. 2000, Senstad O et al. 1997, Leboeuf-Yde et al.1997)
The most serious complications of chiropractic treatment that have been reported are cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) after manipulation of the neck, and cauda equina syndrome (CES) after manipulation of the lumbar spine. Following manipulation, CVA is estimated to occur in 5 to 10 per 10 million manipulations with half having a fatal outcome, while CES is estimated to occur in 1 per 100 million manipulations (Hurwitz EL et al. 1996, Shekelle P 1994). Compared to other treatment used for similar conditions, these rates are 200 times lower than the death rates reported for gastrointestinal bleeding due to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and as much as 800 times lower than the overall mortality rate for surgery on the lumbar spine (Gabriel SE et al. 1991, Dabbs V et al. 1995, Deyo RA et al. 1992, Malter AD et al.1998).

Is Chiropractic effective?

Major studies have shown that chiropractic treatment and management is effective
and cost effective in the treatment of
Low Back Pain
"Chiropractic manipulation is safer and more cost effective than medica management of low back pain (LBP). There is good empirical evidence that patients are very satisfied with  chiropractic management of LBP." Manga P et al. Study funded by the Ontario Ministry of    Health,      Canada, 1993.
 
"Manipulation of the low back is recommended during the first four weeks of symptoms, with or  without medication, in conjunction with low-stress exercise followed by conditioning exercises  after two weeks." Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Agency for Health Care Policy and    Research  (AHCPR), Department of Health and Human Services, USA, 1994.
 
"Consider manipulative treatment within the first six weeks for patients who need additional help  with pain relief or who are failing to return to normal activities. The risk of manipulation is very  low in skilled hands." Clinical Guidelines of the Royal College of General Practitioners et al,    UK,  1996.
 
"Manual therapy, including spinal manipulation, is recommended for patients with acute low  back pain and functional limitations of more than 2 to 3 days duration, and for acute  exacerbations of recurrent or chronic low back pain and functional limitation."Study by the   Danish     Institute for Health Technology Assessment, National Board of Health, Denmark, 1999.
Neck Pain
"Cervical spine manipulation and mobilization probably provide at least short-term benefits for some patients with neck pain and headaches." Hurwitz EL et al. 1996.
Headache
"Cervical spinal manipulation is effective for the treatment of cervicogenic headache and of tension-type headache." Evidence Report by the Duke University Evidence-based Practice Center, USA, 2000.
Whiplash
"Interventions that promote activity such as mobilization, manipulation, and exercise in combination with medication are effective on a time limited basis in the treatment of whiplash-associated disorders." Scientific Monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders, Canada, 1995.

Conditions Treated

Chiropractic care is effective for a wide variety of conditions. The following is a partial list of some of the most common conditions we treat everyday. If you do not see your specific condition listed, we encourage you to give us a call so we can personally address your particular concerns.
Allergy
Allergies are often treated with chiropractic care. Many allergic and asthmatic reactions are
caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system and/or respiratory system. Researchers have
found that the immune and respiratory systems depend on normal communication from the
brain and spinal cord to control and coordinate their functions.
 
If your neck is misaligned, it could cause an imbalance in your nervous system function. This
upper cervical spinal joint irritation could possibly produce or exaggerate asthmatic and
allergic symptoms. While many asthma and allergy sufferers recall specific traumas (e.g.,
head injuries, auto accidents, or falls) which could have injured their upper cervical spines,
some do not.
 
Come in and visit our offices and we can perform an upper cervical examination and
determine if your allergic reactions could be helped by chiropractic care.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
CTS has become one of the most widespread occupational health problems we face today. It affects millions of people a year, and with our growing reliance on computers there seems to be no end in sight.
 
The syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve just above the wrist. Pressure on
this nerve can be caused by an injury or sustained use from common activities like typing,
chopping, hammering, or pushing. Symptoms of CTS range from wrist pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to discomfort.
 
There are a number of different ways to treat this condition. In most cases, a chiropractic adjustment to the affected area is an extremely effective solution. In some cases, a misalignment in either the back or neck can cause this condition, and chiropractic manipulation of the neck and/or spine can also serve as an effective treatment option. These treatments, along with physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises, can in most cases effectively alleviate and eventually eliminate the symptoms associated with CTS.
Disc problems
Discs are the cartilage pads that separate, cushion, and help connect the vertebrae (spinal
bones) that make up your spinal column. They serve as shock absorbers between each of the
vertebrae and are constantly subjected to the pull of gravity and forceful torque from everyday movement. Disc problems can be the result of genetics, the normal "wear and tear"
of aging, and injury.
 
Disc function is greatly affected by the alignment of the spine. A subluxation or structural
imbalance can force a disc to bulge, protrude, or herniate, which may lead to direct contact
with the nerves causing pain.
 
This common back problem is one we see frequently. We effectively treat this malady by
systematically realigning the vertebrae and returning the spine to its normal range of motion,
thereby reducing the pressure on the discs and spinal joints. We also incorporate physical
therapy as well as strengthening exercises for the abdominal and back muscles. Core
stabilization is essential for prevention of subsequent disc problems.
Headaches
Headaches are common in our fast-paced, pressure-filled world. There are many causes of
headaches, including physical trauma, emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies, or chemical
toxins. In addition, if your neck and/or back are out of alignment, this can affect nerves,
muscles, and even blood flow to your head. Too often, we turn to over-the-counter
medications to relieve our discomfort. Unfortunately, these only mask the underlying sources
of pain.
 
After your initial chiropractic examination, we can determine if chiropractic health care is the
best alternative for treating your chronic headaches. A combination of chiropractic
adjustments and nutritional and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the frequency and
intensity of headaches.
 
It is important to know that if you've suffered from chronic headaches for years, improvement
can take time. A visit to our office is a great place to start. Every headache has a cause, and if we are unable to identify the cause of your headaches, we will refer you to other specialists
who may be able to help. (See also: Neurological conditions.)
 
Joint dysfunction
Joint dysfunction is the condition most often treated at our offices; chiropractors are specially
trained to treat joint disorders. Joint or articular problems are caused by osteoarthitis
(degenerative joint disease), subluxations, sprains and strains, intervertebral disc problems,
and various abnormal changes in the curve of the spine. Joints that are aligned improperly or
are impaired will begin to degenerate rapidly if not attended to promptly and properly.
Adjustment procedures, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises are very effective in
treating joint disorders. As with all conditions we treat, we will be happy to refer you to
another health-care provider if you are not a candidate for chiropractic.
Neurological conditions
Neurological conditions such as headaches, neuritis (inflammation of any part of a nerve, other than the nerve root), and radiculitis (inflammation of a nerve root as it exits the spine) are the most commonly treated neurological cases in the chiropractic profession. Radiculitis is a common source of shoulder, arm and hand pain. With neuritis, patients sometimes experience sensations called paresthesias (feelings of tingling, hot spots, cold spots, crawling sensations, stinging, and burning). Loss of equilibrium/vertigo is also a condition sometimes treated by our office.
 
Because neurological problems can be extremely serious and even life-threatening, these situations often call for a referral or co-management with other health-care professionals.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage and bones of joints caused by "wear-andtear"
processes. It is often associated with degenerative changes in the disc and results in
friction between adjacent vertebrae. The friction causes a strain as well as a loss of motion in
the facets (gliding joints) of the spine. If these joints are exposed to continued trauma such as
strenuous exercise, weakened muscles, and the inevitable factors of aging and heredity, the
results can be severe low-back and/or leg pain.
 
While chiropractic cannot reverse the process of osteoarthritis, it can dramatically improve the quality of life while living with the disease. Chiropractic can also help to slow down the rate of degeneration. If you're suffering from osteoarthritis, your spine is usually less flexible; therefore, it becomes more vulnerable to injury. Under our care, your treatment may include spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and stretching and strengthening exercises. We can also
recommend natural, drug-free ways to control your pain and discomfort.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the common name given to the injury where there is a hyperextention (increased
backward motion) and hyperflexion (increased forward motion) of the cervical (neck) spine.
More simply put, the head is dramatically thrust forward and backward. Car accidents and
falls can cause whiplash injuries.
 
Symptoms of whiplash include headaches; visual disturbance; stiffness of the neck; restriction of movement; and shoulder, neck, or arm pain. These symptoms may or may not be felt immediately. It is estimated that most whiplash injuries are not felt for several hours, days, and in some cases even months or years following the accident.
 
Even if you are not in pain following a whiplash incident, it is important to receive prompt
attention to your injury, as the structural balance of your neck and spine is important to your
health. We can assist in your recovery by correctly adjusting your neck and/or spine so it has
the chance to heal properly. In addition, we can recommend physical therapy, stretching and
strengthening exercises, and natural anti-inflammatories to put you back on the road to good
health.

Stages Of Care

It is important to understand the stages of chiropractic care because they are unique relative
to those of other health-care disciplines. Because chiropractic addresses core physiological
and biomechanical aspects of the body, the process to correct problems without drugs or
surgery can take some time. Some conditions can be treated in a few visits, while others may
take longer.
The following is a brief summary of the three major phases of chiropractic care.
Relief Care
The majority of patients consult a chiropractor because they have an ache or pain. In the first
phase of care, the main objective is to eliminate or reduce your discomfort and stabilize your
condition in the shortest amount of time. During this phase, progress is usually rapid.
 
The number of times you visit a chiropractor during this phase of care varies and is dependent
upon your specific condition. It's hard to say how long it will be until you see relief?it could
be as short as a week or up to a month. If you are not responding to chiropractic care during
this phase, you may be referred to another health-care provider.
Rehabilitative Care
Once your condition has stabilized, you enter the second phase of care, where the objective is
to correct any underlying injury or cause of discomfort, strengthen the muscles, and improve
neuromusculoskeletal function. The frequency of office visits is reduced over a period of two
to six weeks. Care may be supplemented by rehabilitation exercises, nutrition, and modification of daily habits.
It is important to remember that many of the conditions for which people seek care have developed over many years; therefore, correcting these problems is a true rehabilitative
process. It helps to understand that it takes time to correct these conditions.
Once your discomfort has subsided, you may think all is well and choose to abandon your
efforts. However, if you end your care before fully healing the muscles and soft tissues, you
can invite a relapse. This is a mistake many people make, and it sets them up for recurring
health issues.
It's hard to believe that, after all the time, effort, energy, and money put into correcting a
problem, a patient would choose to forgo this relatively easy phase of care! As much as we'd
love to see you in our office, we'd much rather assist you in maintaining your health rather
than relieving your pain.
Wellness Care
You then "graduate" to the wellness phase, which is designed to maintain your improved
health, encourage normal spinal function, prevent the return of the original condition, and
catch small problems before they become serious. A personal wellness care program will be
designed specifically for you where we teach you how to incorporate good nutrition and
exercise habits into your everyday life, thereby promoting vitality, endurance, and the ability
to enjoy life at its fullest.
A good way to look at chiropractic is to relate it to dentistry. We all know it takes a long time
to develop tooth decay, but with regular maintenance and check-ups, the plaque doesn't have
a chance. Similarly, it often takes a long time to develop a spinal misalignment. But with
regular maintenance, the bones will not have a chance to get out of line.
Few things as complicated as your body can be "fixed" and then ignored. Think of your car,
your teeth, or your relationships. They take time and effort to maintain, but you know it's
worth it in the long run. That's why we recommend a regular schedule of chiropractic checkups.
 
You can then congratulate yourself on achieving your ultimate goal: optimal health!

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Frequantly Asked Question (FAQ)

Does it hurt to get adjusted?

No. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle yet effective. When you allow the vertebrae in your spine to return to their proper position, you will notice much less stress and tension.

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. The New Zealand government survey found that chiropractic adjustments are very safe and boast a remarkably safe track record. Statistics also suggest that chiropractic adjustments are 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. It is one of the safest types of health care in the world.
 

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