FAQ

Yes. Chiropractic care may be considered “alternative medicine,” but at OSC sound medical science guides all recommended treatment. The field is based on the scientific truth that the nervous system controls and regulates virtually every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body. In addition to complementing the work of other specialists, we regularly treat medical professionals, as well as professional athletes, who experience aches and pains.

Growing evidence suggests that chiropractic adjustments may not only be less invasive and risky than surgery or drug-based therapies, but also often highly effective in treating a surprising number of conditions. Widely recognized for reducing nerve disturbances along the spine, published research documents the results of chiropractic care on improving overall wellness.

Like medical practitioners, all chiropractors must, by law, meet stringent educational requirements. In addition to having earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college, they must then graduate from a 4-year accredited chiropractic college. This is followed by a 9-month residency and 1-year clinical internship. They must also pass National Board exams and State exams. As specialists, chiropractors receive extensive training in anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, nutrition, diagnosis, X-ray and a variety of adjusting techniques that aren’t taught in any other healthcare field. At OSC, our chiropractors have the added distinction of having received additional training in sports medicine and strength and conditioning training.

Chiropractic care views disease in a more holistic way—we treat the whole person, not simply his or her disease. We also seek to promote natural health and healing without the aid of drugs or surgery. Depending on patient needs, however, we work closely with other medical specialists, from diagnoses through all stages of treatment, to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Chiropractic care is very safe There are no side-effects of drugs to be concerned about and none of the risks of surgery. Cases of serious injury from chiropractic adjustments are practically nonexistent. One of the greatest barometers of overall safety is the fact that chiropractors pay just a fraction of what most medical practitioners must pay for malpractice insurance.

Most medical doctors are unfamiliar with chiropractic and the principles by which it works. Many are still operating under the policy perpetuated by the illegal boycott of chiropractors by the American Medical Association in the United States and the Australian Medical Association in Australia.

On September 25, 1987, a United States Federal judge ruled that the AMA had violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and that it had engaged in an unlawful conspiracy in restraint of trade “to contain and eliminate the chiropractic profession.” The judge issued a permanent injunction against the AMA under Section 16 of the Clayton Act to prevent such future behavior.

Fortunately, more and more enlightened medical doctors around the world see the value in chiropractic care.

“Instead of thinking of chiropractic as an alternative or some kind of therapy separate from other health care, we really should consider it equivalent.”1
Paul Shekelle, M.D., Ph.D.
The RAND Corporation

“If your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.” This is why I frequently refer patients to chiropractors as well as acupuncturists, massage therapists, osteopaths, or to any one I feel may have something to offer my patient.”2
David Perlmutter, M.D.
Dynamic Chiropractic
July 31, 1992, Volume 10, Issue 16

“I’m a surgeon, and chiropractors don’t threaten me. But they do threaten some of the primary care doctors. The bottom line is this: We’re supposed to take care of folks. If doctors cannot move a patient from one player to the next in a team, we’re not doing what we need to do.”3
Larry Teuber, MD

References

1 Brin, Dinah Wisenberg, July 2 1998, “Study Credits Chiropractors with Right Procedures,” The Scranton Times, 14+.2Dynamic Chiropractic, July 31, 1992, Volume 10, Issue 16.

3 “How medical doctors view chiropractic today” Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, Aug 1999.

It all depends on your situation and what you would care to do. Some patients choose to see us whenever they have episodes of neck or back pain; others prefer to use chiropractic care on a regular basis to prevent problems, much like one might see a dentist every six months. Whether you choose to see us for one visit or several times a week, the choice is yours. You may stop treatment or continue it at any time. Though you might increasingly enjoy the results that come from feeling better or gaining a better understanding of how your body works, chiropractic care is never addictive.

Widely regarded as one of the most effective and respected of all alternative therapies, most doctors see the value of chiropractic treatment. In addition to having many patients referred to us by doctors, we have a good number of patients who are medical professionals.

Chiropractic care is appropriate for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Because adjustments are tailored to the individual’s size, age and weight, treatments are as gentle as they are effective. In addition to neck, spine and nervous system problems, parents look to us to help their children with many common childhood health complaints–colic, ear infections, erratic sleeping habits, bedwetting, scoliosis, “growing pains” and more.

Anyone can see a chiropractor whenever he or she wishes, without a referral. It’s always a good idea, however, to first check with your insurance carrier to see what your individual policy limits, co-pay, and other financial considerations may be. OSC can help you navigate through your healthcare policy. For those patients with little or no insurance, we will also establish affordable payment plans so that you can receive the care you deserve.