Chiropractic Care Versus Doctor of Chiropractic

There are many misconceptions about what chiropractic is or what a chiropractor does.  To be specific, chiropractic care is one of the treatment services provided by a doctor or chiropractic (chiropractor/chiropractic physician).  This article, written by Dr. Michael J. Paralovos, Naples chiropractor, explains the differences.

Chiropractic care is best recognized as the adjustments (spinal manipulations) applied to vertebral subluxations of the spinal column.  A vertebral subluxation is best defined as fixation, stiffness or misalignment of at least one vertebra of the spine resulting in aberrant nerve impulses and spinal motion.  These adjustments come in different forms and application.  Traditionally the diversified/ manual adjustment is what people commonly think of when they hear the term chiropractic.  This maneuver can be thought of being aggressive and accompanied with an audible sound.  Other adjustments can be applied via computerized instruments, drop tables and low force manual adjustments.  The chiropractic adjustment is a powerful modality to help alleviate spinal pain, increase spinal range of motion and reduce subluxations.  Though it’s efficacy, the chiropractic adjustment is just one specialty that the chiropractor utilizes.

On the other hand the doctor of chiropractic has the privilege to work as a portal of entry provider, perform work and school physicals, provide chiropractic adjustments and perform physical therapy, make nutritional recommendations, order MRIs and other advanced diagnostic tests, order labs and refer to other healthcare providers when necessary to name but a few services.  With this being said, not all chiropractors perform exactly the same treatment.  All chiropractors have the patient’s best interest in mind but have different approaches to achieving results.  At TOTALHEALTH of Naples, chiropractic · functional rehab, we utilize traditional chiropractic adjustments along with physical therapy rehab procedures to help maximize treatment outcomes.  We also encompass spinal decompression therapy, which helps heal damaged/spinal discs without the use of chiropractic adjustments.

So the next time you hear chiropractic or chiropractor, don’t assume you’ll automatically be adjusted.  As mentioned above the chiropractor is capable of performing more than just chiropractic treatments. As research continues to validate non-allopathic healthcare expect much more from your chiropractor.

TOTALHEALTH of Naples is located in North Naples in the Greentree Professional Center.  Our chiropractor, Dr. Michael J. Paralovos is accepting new patients from the Naples area.  Please visit our website www.totalhealthnaples.com or call 239.260.1426 to schedule your appointment today. 

*For more info on the scope of practice lookup Florida statute 460.00