What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic philosophy begins with the principle that the human organism has an innate power to maintain its own health. The art of chiropractic focuses on adjustments to correct spinal malfunctions, called subluxations, in order to remove interference to the spinal cord and the nerves that exit between the bones of the spine. Science has found that the nerve system controls all other organs and tissues of the body, so a nerve system functioning at its best facilitates the body's ability to cope with disability and disease. Because of its potential to enable patients to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, chiropractic has been called "The Big Idea." Chiropractors focus on the nerve system (the brain and spinal cord) which manages the body’s vast chemical interactions to help ensure proper function. The brain sends messages through the spinal cord across a huge network of spinal nerves to deliver information to every cell, organ and system of the body. This information system coordinates the myriad chemical reactions that dictate how well you sleep, how food is digested, your ability to concentrate, physical coordination, the capabilities of the immune system and all aspects of body function. When bones of the spine become misaligned or move out of their normal position, they can distort the flow of information from the brain to the body. Without the proper information from the nerve system, the body cannot function to its full potential. That’s why chiropractors gently correct these misalignments (or vertebral subluxations) — to correct interference to the nerve system and the body’s ability to control and coordinate its many functions.Source: Palmer College of Chiropractic website

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What is a Subluxation?

The word "subluxation" comes from the Latin words meaning "to dislocate" (luxate) and "somewhat or slightly" (sub). A subluxation means a slight dislocation (misalignment) or biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (bones of the spine). These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and blood vessels which branch off from the spinal cord between each of the vertebrae. This irritation may cause pain and dysfunction in muscle, lymphatic and organ tissue as well as imbalance in the normal body processes.Source: IPSCA website

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What is an adjustment?

The art of chiropractic focuses on adjustments to correct spinal malfunctions, called subluxations, in order to remove interference to the spinal cord and the nerves that exit between the bones of the spine. [Palmer website] There are many different methods to adjust the spine. Usually, the procedures are hands on. In certain situations the Chiropractor may deliver a quick, gentle thrust. In other situations, a slow, sustained pressure may be used to accomplish the adjustment. There are many different types of chiropractic adjusting procedures, some using specifically designed instruments or tables. Rest assured that the particular treatment methods are designed to help your specific health needs.Source: Chiroweb

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What is a Palmer Education for a Doctor of Chiropractic?

Palmer College of Chiropractic operates on the trimester system, with an academic program consisting of 10 trimesters that can be completed in 3.35 calendar or 5 academic years. The curriculum contains a minimum of 4,620 classroom hours of instruction, which must be completed within eight calendar years.

Required Curriculum: Doctor of Chiropractic Degree

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What is the NBCE?

National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) is the principal testing agency for the chiropractic profession. Established in 1963, the NBCE develops and administers standardized national examinations according to established guidelines. In providing standardized written and performance assessments for the chiropractic profession, the NBCE develops, administers, analyzes, scores, and reports results from various examinations. The NBCE scores are among the criteria utilized by state licensing agencies to determine whether applicants satisfy state qualifications for licensure.Source: NBCE website

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Who is the ICA?

The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) is the world's oldest international chiropractic professional organization representing nearly 8,000 practitioners, students, chiropractic assistants, educators and lay persons world-wide dedicated to the growth and development of the chiropractic profession based on its fundamental principles and philosophy. The ICA has a long and distinguished history. It was established in 1926 in Davenport, Iowa in the United States by Dr. B. J. Palmer who served as ICA president till his death in 1961. Since then other leaders have emerged to carry ICA and the profession forward, but always remaining true to the principles and philosophy on which it was founded, fighting to preserve its unique identity as a separate, distinct and drugless health care profession.Source: ICA website

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What is CCST?

Chiropractic Certification in Spinal Trauma. This highly acclaimed program is designed to increase expertise and improve clinical outcomes in spinal trauma cases through more thorough, confident case management and enhanced communication with patients and other professionals. Successful completion of the seminar modules and final examination leads to credentialing for the Chiropractic Certification in Spinal Trauma (C.C.S.T.) through the ICA Council on Applied Chiropractic Sciences and co-sponsored through the Palmer Institute for Professional Advancement. This comprehensive post-graduate curriculum includes state-of-the-art information regarding trauma neurology, mechanisms of vehicular accident injury, clinical trauma case management concerns, and documentation issues and strategies.Source: ICA website

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What is CACS?

The Council on Applied Chiropractic Sciences (CACS) is dedicated to education and research, professional excellence and clinical communication to promote the advancement of the Philosophy, Science, and Art of Chiropractic and enhance the professional welfare of chiropractors and clinical opportunities for patients everywhere. As the public is becoming more aware of the health benefits of chiropractic and as our inter-professional relationships are expanding, it is imperative that DC's, as primary care providers, remain on the cutting edge of clinical developments within the context of the profession’s foundation. The Council on Applied Chiropractic Sciences seeks to enhance the growth of knowledge, the refinement of skills and the deepening of understanding within the science of chiropractic for the individual chiropractic practitioner and the profession as a whole so that more knowledgeable, competently and safely administered chiropractic care may be provided to the public. The ICA Council on Applied Chiropractic Sciences works to fulfill its many goals through a variety of programs.Source: ICA website

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What is IPSCA?

Illinois Prairie State Chiropractic Association. It is a state chartered non-profit professional corporation originally founded in 1950. Its goal is to promote and preserve the principles of Chiropractic. This is to be accomplished by maintaining the science and art of Chiropractic as a separate and distinct health profession; protecting and preserving the relationship between structure and function in the human body as a significant health factor and ensuring that people in every locality shall have unhampered right and opportunity of obtaining the qualified services of doctors of chiropractic.Source: IPSCA website and brochure

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What is the FCA?

Florida Chiropractic Association. The primary function of the Florida Chiropractic Association is for the protection and welfare of its individual members, regardless of philosophy, as well as education of the public concerning the chiropractic profession. The Florida Chiropractic Association advocates the position that chiropractic is a distinct and separate healing arts science.Source: FCA website

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What is the APHA?

The American Public Health Association is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world, representing more than 50,000 members from over 50 occupations of public health. APHA brings together researchers, health service providers, administrators, teachers, and other health workers in a unique, multidisciplinary environment of professional exchange, study, and action. APHA is concerned with a broad set of issues affecting personal and environmental health, including federal and state funding for health programs, pollution control, programs and policies related to chronic and infectious diseases, a smoke-free society, and professional education in public health. Chiropractic Health Care- Serves as a vehicle for chiropractic participation in mainstream public health activities and works to enhance chiropractic communications, education and credibility on public health matters.Source: APHA website

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What is TFQC?

In a visionary effort to unite many local resources to improve the health of the Quad City community, the Tobacco-Free QC Coalition (TFQC) was formed. TFQC brings about change by focusing its efforts in a variety of areas that relate to tobacco and tobacco use. These areas include: Preventing the initiation of tobacco use, Promoting cessation, Reducing the availability of tobacco, Influencing legislation, Reducing secondhand smoke exposure.Source: TFQC website

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What is physiotherapy?

Treatment will vary according to the condition and may involve different means of pain relief, restoring function, flexibility and strength. Methods may include mobilization of joints and or soft tissues, manipulation, postural correction, increase proprioception, exercises and muscle rehabilitation.

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Evaluation devices:

Myologic MSM-7000 computerized wireless ROM Range of Motion, muscle testing and algometry with Software and Functional Outcome Assessment System.

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