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What is Chiropractic? The term chiropractic is a Greek word, which means "treatment by hand". Chiropractic is the largest complimentary health profession in Canada with over 6,000 chiropractic professionals registered. Chiropractic care is a natural form of health care that treats the cause of physical problems, not just the symptoms, to allow your body to heal itself. The main focus of chiropractic is the relationship between the function of the joints, ligaments, muscles and nervous system, primarily of the spine. Chiropractors are specialists in spinal manipulation therapy. What Education does a Chiropractor receive? Chiropractic college is a four year full time program which includes anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopedics, radiology, biomechanics and manipulation. Requirements also include a one year internship, followed by national an provincial exams before entering practice. Chiropractic is a regulated health profession which requires ongoing continuing education. What is a Vertebral Subluxation? Vertebral subluxation is a term used when a vertebrae has lost its normal motion and/or position, causing a joint restriction. Vertebrae which do not function normally cause mechanical stress and can accelerate wear and tear of the joints, muscles ligaments and discs. Subluxations can also cause irritation to the spinal nerves affecting other parts of the body. Causes include trauma, repetitive motion, poor posture, improper lifting, bad sleep habits, weak or imbalanced spinal muscles, poor diet and emotional stress. What is an adjustment? An adjustment or manipulation is a procedure in which a specific force is applied to a restricted joint. Correction of the subluxation reduces pain, restores normal joint motion, reduces muscle spasm and can remove nerve irritation so that the body can heal itself. Non-spinal joints can also be restricted and adjustments can restore normal function and minimize wear and tear on the joint. How long will treatment take? Treatment will vary but generally if new problems are treated quickly and there is minimal tissue damage, there is usually a quick response, often in five visits. More chronic problems or advanced damage are more difficult to manage and may take more than ten visits to see significant improvement. Acute care is the initial stage where the goal is to reduce pain and improve range of motion so that the patient can continue daily activities. Corrective care consists of correcting the problem and rehabilitating the injured tissues to improve strength and stability to prevent reoccurrences. Supportive or wellness care occurs when the tissue has fully healed and function has normalized and the patient wants to maintain optimal health. Dr. Murray Kievit, DC is a 1992 graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario who has been practicing Chiropractic treatment procedures in Vernon, British Columbia for the past thirteen years. Read Dr. Murray Kievit's biography. Dr. Maury Banks, DC is a 1971 graduate of Palmer College (need location) who has been practicing Chiropractic treatment procedures in Vernon, British Columbia for the pas thirty years. Read Dr. Maury Banks biography. Dr. Shannon MacNeill BSc, DC is a 1992 graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. MacNeill practiced in Regina, Saskatchewan for thirteen years before relocating to Vernon, British Columbia in September 2005. Read Dr. Shannon MacNeill's biography.
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