Chiropractic Fundamental Principles: The Original Version of Health Care Reform

Chiropractic practice was founded upon some very fundamental principles that have profound public health implications. First, chiropractic has always emphasized the inherent recuperative powers of the body and that non-drug , non-surgical treatment methods should be the first strategy. How many low back pain patients would be spared from opiate addiction and unnecessary surgery if chiropractor rochester ny, chiropractors were truly recognized and utilized as the non-surgical spine experts by public health agencies? Second, chiropractors have always been focused on finding the cause of the problem, fixing it and leaving it alone. The sometimes immediate relief/reduction in pain and restoration of function following a successfully applied spinal adjustment is what captured the attention of our patients and third-party payers and led to the collective success in gaining licensure and recognition in the health care arena. In addition, chiropractors encouraged patients to remain active as possible and returning to their normal activities of daily living, encouraged specific exercises and participated in all aspects of their health.

Chiropractors are highly trained, educated professionals and are able to diagnose, treat and/or refer patients to the appropriate provider or venue. They are able to recognize the red flags and provide a service similar to a primary care physician. Many complaints of lower back pain are actually organic/visceral  in nature. With access to imaging referral such as x-ray and MRI’s, they are able to refine the diagnosis and know when chiropractic manipulation is appropriate and when it is not. Chiropractors see the patient as a synergistic whole person and not merely the sum of its parts or just a low back pain patient. The importance of diet, exercise, emotional stress and other factors often overlooked in other health disciplines is key to proper treatment and prevention. The use of manipulation, traction, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, muscle stimulation and exercise/lifestyle counseling should make chiropractic the number one and first in line choice for patients with spinal pain. From a public health perspective, low back pain is a national epidemic that has not been managed well by the medical profession. It is one of the leading causes of disability in the American work force and is one of the primary reasons for which Americans seek medical attention.

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