What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self- healing organism, controlled by the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the body. The vertebrae, which protect the brain and nervous system, when misaligned or subluxated, causes malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body.
What is a Subluxation?

A subluxation is a condition or set of conditions that result in a restriction or disruption to the flow of nerve system information along neuronal pathways. This, in turn, causes a reduction in the body's overall ability to maintain itself at peak performance levels. In some cases this reduced performance can manifest as common complaints such as back pain, head aches, etc, and it can contribute to the body's inability to ward off infectious conditions like the flu or a cold.

Subluxations, sometimes referred to as a vertebral subluxation complex, may be present when there is misalignment of the joints, restricted joint mobility, impaired responses to neurological and muscle- strength tests, or other malfunction or trauma to a joint. Subluxations may include one or all of five components, which include Spinal Kinesiopathology, Neuropathophysiology, Myopathology, Histopathology, and Pathophysiology. Chiropractic Adjustments correct subluxations to ensure that nerve impulses flow undisrupted along the pathways of the brain stem and spinal cord, thus enhancing the body's ability to control the health and function of virtually every other cell, tissue, organ, and system of the body.

How Does Chiropractic Work?

Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. By restoring spinal function with Chiropractic adjustments, nerve interference by misaligned vertebrae is removed, thus allowing optimal nervous system function and normal health.

In simple terms, a chiropractic adjustment is a technique that applies a very specific amount of force to a specific joint and at a precise angle. The result of this is to remove a subluxation. There are a great many different techniques used to administer a chiropractic adjustment, and a Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to select the most appropriate technique for each individual patient's situation. Chiropractic adjustments are most often gentle, and provide little or no discomfort to the patient.

How Many Adjustments are Needed?

Because chiropractic adjustments are a manual means of correcting subluxations it generally takes some time to "retrain" the body to hold the affected joint in the correct position. The actual number and frequency of adjustments required depends upon the severity of the patient's condition -- Is it an injury? An old or a new injury? A long-standing problem? How long has there been a subluxation?

Chiropractic care for an acute condition usually begins with more frequent visits (during the Stabilization Phase), progresses to a lower frequency (the Reconstruction Phase), and then enters a period of periodic checks and adjustments, if necessary (Maintenance Phase). Many patients also use chiropractic care at Gerou Chiropractic for wellness care. Patients see us on a regular basis to be checked and adjusted if necessary. They do this even though they may not have any problems or complaints, just as dental patients get regular check ups and needed care even though they may not have a complaint. Wellness care removes subluxations, that may or may not be causing a noticeable problem, which helps the body operate at its optimal level. This, in turn, enhances and supports the body's in-born ability to fight disease and reduce injury.

Gerou Chiropractic will determine the most appropriate schedule for chiropractic care. In general, in treating an injury or specific complaint we should be able to report positive progress within a reasonable time of beginning care; if there is little or no progress, it may be appropriate to discuss possible referrals to or co-management with another health care provider. We have a well-earned reputation for discussing with our patients all aspects of chiropractic care, and see such dialogue as an important part of the service we provide.

What Type of Education Do Chiropractors Get?

Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated with an education curriculum similar to medical school. Special emphasis is placed on anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, nutrition, x-ray, physiology, diagnosis, and spinal adjusting. Post graduate education totals 7 years and demanding national and provincial boards must be passed.

There are 14 chiropractic colleges in the United States, and each requires a minimum of four academic years of professional resident study including clinical experience under strict supervision, preceded by college requirements that include concentration in the biological and basic sciences. The Council on Chiropractic Education, recognized as an authority on chiropractic education by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education, establishes strict requirements for the training of Doctors of Chiropractic.

The curricula offered by various chiropractic colleges include a wide variety of disciplines, and extensive clinical experience. Dr. Gerou is a first-contact physican who has the diagnostic skills to differentiate health conditions that are appropriate for chiropractic care and management from those conditions that require referral or co-management with an allied provider. We provide conservative management of a wide range of conditions, including, but not limited to back pain, neck pain, and headaches. We also provide wellness care to improve the body's state of health, which in turn enhances the body's ability to resist disease and reduce injuries.

Is Chiropractic Expensive?

Not as much as you might think, and now most insurances cover Chiropractic care. Call or write to discuss exact our exact fee schedule.

Is Chiropractic Safe?

Yes, chiropractic is one of the safest health services available. While any form of health treatment contains a degree of inherent risk, there is little danger in chiropractic care administered by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. Statistics are clear that patient risk is substantially lower as compared to medical care, where the threat of prescription drugs and surgery pose a far greater risk. For example, the risk of stroke from the daily use of aspirin to prevent strokes and heart attacks is 7,000 per million; where as the risk of stroke from chiropractic cervical adjusting is only 1 to 3 per million (W. Michael Gasdar, 1994).

In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, Chiropractic care is "...remarkably safe." It is safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers, and even aspirin. All ages from babies to the elderly enjoy safe, effective care.

Is Chiropractic Scientific?

Research from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, England, Denmark and Canada have validated Chiropractic. Recently, the "Manga Report" produced at the University of Ottawa has validated Chiropractic for its safety, efficacy, and cost- effectiveness for Chiropractic and low back pain. On-going research is now validating Chiropractic and headaches, asthma, whiplash, and pre-menstrual syndromes to name a few.

Why Do Children Need Chiropractic Care?

A recent study by Nilsson in Denmark reports that children under Chiropractic care are healthier than other children, miss less school, are more attentive and have less need for drugs. Children with conditions such as earaches, colic, bed wetting, scoliosis, "growing pains", torticollis, and asthma respond wonderfully to Chiropractic Care.

How Long Will I Need Chiropractic?

There are 3 types of care in Chiropractic: Initial care to remove symptoms; Rehabilitative care to correct the cause of the underlying muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes, and Wellness or maintenance care. Similar to brushing teeth, tuning up your car or regularly visiting a dentist, wellness care is important for maintaining optimal health, saving money, and enjoying a heathy life-style. How long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic is always up to you.

Do I Need a Referral to Visit a Chiropractor?

Absolutely not! A Doctor of Chiropractic is a primary contact physician, meaning you do not need a referral. If yours is not a Chiropractic case, a responsible Chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.

Can I Get More Information?

If you have questions, or comments, please e-mail at chiroinfo@gerou.com. You can also call 734.981.6969 and schedule a free initial consultation.