Doctors of Chiropractic are divided into three distinct groups.

The first type are called Straight Chiropractors. These chiropractors usually market themselves as Straight Chiropractors and are very dogmatic about their method of practicing chiropractic care. Although they are licensed to diagnose, most Straight Chiropractors are adamant about their decision not to diagnose.

Instead, they claim to analyze and locate subluxations. These chiropractors are firmly positioned in their philosophical belief. They preach to the general public that elimination of subluxations will increase health and well-being. Unfortunately, the problem in choosing a Straight Chiropractor is the lack of diagnosis.

I have had the opportunity over the years to care for many patients who initially had been seen by a Straight Chiropractor, but were mis-led into believing that their health condition would improve once they were free of subluxations.

Case 1

(Actual Cases)

A 25 year old woman named Jane was seen in my office with chronic knee pain suffered during a tennis game. She stated that she was first seen be a Straight Chiropractor who informed her that once her spine was subluxation free she would see some improvement.

After two months of receiving chiropractic adjustments to the spine, Jane's condition worsened. When I first consulted with Jane, I inquired about her recent chiropractic treatment. I was shocked to discover that the prior Straight Chiropractor never consulted or even examined her knee. Jane was told by the Straight Chiropractor that adjusting her spine was the answer. A

fter a comprehensive examination of Jane's knee, I had a suspicion that she was suffering from a torn cruciate ligament. I quickly referred Jane for an MRI of the knee and discovered my initial impression was correct. She had a grade 2 cruciate ligament tear. I referred Jane to an Orthopedic Surgeon who operated on her knee. After six weeks of rehabilitation, Jane was much improved and thankful for helping her with her condition. Needless to say, she was frustrated with the fact that her initial chiropractor did not evaluate her knee. Matter of fact, her knee was never even discussed.

Case 2

A middle age man (we will call Bill) was suffering with chronic lower back pain for a period of 2 years. He decided to seek the services of a Straight Chiropractor and once again told that his chiropractor "did not diagnose" but analyzes the spine for subluxations.

After approximately 18 adjustments, Bill was not only experiencing back pain but was now having right leg pain. When I first consulted with Bill he was very skeptical about seeing another chiropractor. Fortunately one of his friends encouraged him to see me. He was told " not all chiropractors are the same". During our first visit I conducted an in-depth history and comprehensive orthopedic/ neurological examination.

My initial findings indicated suspicions of a herniated disc with sciatica. I referred Bill for an MRI revealing a large herniated disc compressing on the sciatic nerve. He required immediate surgery and responded very well. Following the eight weeks after surgery, Bill was back in my office for spinal rehabilitation. Again these are two cases among many that I have seen over the years.

It is my recommendation that any patient seeking the services of a Straight Chiropractor know right in the beginning that their health condition is NOT the primary interest of this type of chiropractor. But must understand that this type of chiropractor will only locate and analyze the spine for subluxations and hope the patient responds.

The second type of chiropractor is considered a blend of the Straight and more conventional chiropractor. This chiropractor will do appropriate examinations and determine what type of problem the patient is suffering with. Chiropractors of this type strive to educate all patients on the detrimental consequences of having a subluxation.

They place a great deal of energy on stressing the importance of lifetime chiropractor care. Many ill informed patients are bombarded with very convincing literature and patient handouts stressing the significance of eliminating subluxation. Long extensive treatment plans are usually prescribed over a course of months to years.

These type of chiropractors are rewarded and congratulated by their peers based on how many visits they can manage to squeeze out of each patient. There primary motive although many times done with a sincere heart is still to keep the patient coming back forever. These chiropractors are committed and usually convince many patients of their strong belief.

Case 1

A patient (we will call Susan) was seen for chronic headaches. She had been suffering with headaches for approximately ten years. After exhausting medical treatment, Susan decided to see a chiropractor in the hopes of obtaining a solution.

At first, Susan was delighted with the personal attention and commitment of her chiropractor. However, after one month, Susan was experiencing improvement and was delighted. She was told by her chiropractor that continued chiropractor care was essential and by reducing her frequency she was guaranteed a flare up and a return of her symptoms. Having confidence and belief in her chiropractor, Susan decided to continue.

After another two months of continued treatment, she once again asked if she could be seen less often. Again her chiropractor encouraged her to stick with program. Susan decided to stop treatment and get a second opinion. It was at this time, I first met Susan. Although achieving a level of improvement, Susan was not instructed on home exercises and other key factors that would aggravate her progress. I instructed Susan on ergonomic issues, nutritional guidelines, stress reduction and other important factors which allowed Susan to remain symptom free.

The problem with this type of chiropractic care is the lack of patient instructions on issues related to teaching the patient what they are responsible for. Many patients simply continue to go week after week, month after month getting adjustments with no discussion of placing some of the responsibility on the patient shoulders.

The third type of chiropractor realizes the significance of proper history taking and performing a thorough examination. This type of chiropractor wants to know all about the patient's past medical treatments, the patient's occupation, hobbies, nutrition status etc. This type of chiropractor may request specific laboratory tests, or other diagnostic testing to help determine the appropriate type of care.

This chiropractor is like a "medical detective" searching for the underlying factors that may have contributed to the patient's ill health. This type of chiropractor realizes the importance of spinal health, however also realizes the fact that there is no one answer for every health problem. The patient's ill health may be caused by a host of factors including improper spinal biomechanics, faulty eating habits, toxic exposure, poor ergonomic work conditions, emotional distress, etc.

It is critical that the treating chiropractor be knowledgeable of these significant factors. It is my opinion that people are looking for a solution to their health problems. To assume that every patient that walks in the office requires a "one key fits all" approach is simply unfair to the many suffering patients who know no difference in choosing a chiropractic physician.

Case 1

This is one of the many cases I have seen over my 22 years in practice. My patient (we will call Paul) was seen in my office with a chief complaint of right hip pain. Paul had been to two medical physicians who diagnosed his condition as bursitis of the hip. He received two cortisone injections with little to no improvement.

After continuing to suffer for another two months, he was referred to my office. I initially talked to Paul and gathered a rather detailed history. His past medical history was unremarkable. Paul did enjoy rock climbing and running. I was informed that the hip pain tended to be worse after running approximately one and half miles. The pain made it difficult for Paul to drive long distances.

My examination and radiographs revealed a arthritic right hip joint. Further investigation revealed a severe pronation of his right foot adding increased stress to his right hip. A consultation (which I recommended) with a respected orthopedic physician determined that Paul was not a candidate for hip replacement.

I discussed with Paul some of the available options I had available and he agreed to it. I began with a specific type of mobilization to his hip followed with ultrasound and deep muscle work. Paul was instructed on home stretches to provide some increased mobility to the otherwise tight joint. I also fitted Paul with custom orthotics to correct his pronation. After only three weeks, Paul was approximately 80% improved. As of this writing Paul has a new outlook on life and is very happy for the outcome.

Although, I have my opinion about choosing a good chiropractor, I realize their are others who will differ. I have come to realize that people are people and simply want to feel better and live a long and healthy life.

The type of chiropractic care I practice makes sense and has helped thousands of people enjoy life. Not to say other chiropractors do not achieve some level of success, but simply to wonder...

Who are they really trying to help?.. the patient or their egos. I believe the patient should be informed up front about the limitations of care. If a chiropractor chooses to ignore the patient's health concerns then I strongly recommend that the patient get a second opinion or the chiropractor work under the umbrella of a chiropractic physician who realizes the importance of providing a complete and detailed investigation of the patient.