What comes to mind when you hear the word Chiropractic? Do you have positive feelings, negative feelings or none whatsoever?

For 30 million Americans each year, chiropractic is a necessity for them to continue walking and being a functional member of society.

Those who do not understand why chiropractic is a necessity, or think of it as a luxury, here are a few reasons why chiropractic should be considered to be way more than its' "cracked up to be" (sorry for the bad pun, Chiropractors are actually very awesome).

1. They put you "back together"

Many people who have been to the right chiropractor before say that once you are on their table and the doctor puts you back together you can breathe easier, there is more looseness in your body from the release of tension that occurs just from daily activities (especially computer work, hint hint college students).

2. They have had extensive training to become the doctor you see in the office

They not only have had training dealing with the spine, but they have had extensive training (or have been formally trained) in clinical examinations and diagnosis of the entire human body. Chiropractors have had just as much training as a medical doctor or an osteopathic doctor. Programs to become a chiropractor are thorough and prospective D.C's (Doctor of Chiropractic) must have at least 2 years of undergraduate courses under their belt at a university (but many have 4 years), then go to chiropractic school for 4 years taking many anatomy & physiology courses like M.D's, with the last year being for a clinical internship (similar to a residency in a medical doctor degree program). Finally, after all that is done, they still have to sit for the state boards and become certified to practice in their respective state.

Chiropractors are extremely educated when it comes to the human body so when you come into the office all hunched over, after a thorough examination, your chiropractor knows what to do and how to treat you in the most effective, relatively painless way possible

3. They can see things you can't

This ties into the training but chiropractors can see the connections of the muscles, ligaments, tendons and their effects on the body as a whole system rather than just individual parts causing that one specific problem. Chiropractors know that the body is a WHOLE system and therefore if something is causing you to be in pain, it might not be coming from that area specifically (like your lower back for example), it could be coming from another area, like your neck, and you wouldn't think would be causing you your low back problems. Chiropractors have that formal training which they can definitely see the other problem areas besides the ones you're coming in for your weekly adjustments for.

4. People with legitimate spine problems can get the much-needed help they deserve

Many people with scoliosis come to chiropractors every week to get the needed relief from the symptoms of that horrible spine condition. Chiropractors help to release the tension and potentially make the "C" shape of the spine not as severe. Those with scoliosis generally remark that a chiropractor has helped them be more mobile that the condition regressed rather than progressed.

5. Chiropractors work with your body to help itself heal & enhances overall "mainstream" medicine

By facilitating the body's ability to heal itself, and responses to disease chiropractors play a key role in overall health and well-being for a person. Working on a cellular neurological level to regain and maintain physical as well as neurological health. Chiropractors understand that many of our body's natural function is regulated from the brain (and of course spine) so once you are adjusted, which is where they either use their hands or a machine called an activator to gently move the vertebra/bones of the spine back into place. By doing this, the neurological effects are almost instant as your brain recognizes this stimulus to kick the body into a healing mode. Once the healing process has begun the body can work towards maintaining homeostasis or equilibrium.

6. They provide another solution to surgery

People today seem to jump at the chance to go under the knife lately (now I know this is horribly generalized however it just seems to be my experience). Chiropractic offers another solution to back surgery. That specific type of surgery is definitely risky as all surgeries are, but chiropractors can work with patients (usually) to improve spinal health and reduce the chance of needing surgery. I have known several people who have avoided a back surgery because of help from their friendly neighborhood chiropractor.

As a note, I have been a patient and advocate for chiropractic all my life. My mother is currently a practicing Doctor of Chiropractic. I can tell you that there are many people who have been to a chiropractor only to discover that they have had negative experiences as anyone can have no matter where they go or who they go to see, whether it is a medical doctor or a dentist etc. My best advice to you- the ones who are hesitant to try another chiropractor- please go. Find one that is right for you because once you find someone who makes you feel better than you feel on a "good day", you won't regret it.