When it comes to healthcare, there are many different types of providers out there. From medical doctors to physical therapists, the options can be overwhelming. One type of healthcare provider that often raises questions is chiropractors. Are they different from other providers? In this blog post, we will explore what makes chiropractors unique and how their advanced training sets them apart.
What is a Chiropractor?
First, let’s define what a chiropractor is. A chiropractor is a healthcare provider who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. This includes the spine, muscles, and joints. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques, including spinal manipulation, to realign the spine and alleviate pain.
What Makes Chiropractors Different?
So, what makes chiropractors different from other healthcare providers? There are several factors that set chiropractors apart:
- Focus on the Spine
While other healthcare providers may also treat conditions related to the spine, chiropractors specifically focus on the spine and its alignment. This means that they have a deep understanding of how the spine and its surrounding muscles and joints work together.
- Non-Invasive Treatment
Chiropractors typically use non-invasive techniques to treat their patients. This means that they don’t rely on medication or surgery to treat conditions. Instead, they use natural techniques, such as spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy, to help the body heal itself.
- Holistic Approach
Chiropractors take a holistic approach to healthcare. They consider the entire person, not just the symptoms or condition they are treating. This means that they may address factors such as nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits that could be contributing to a patient’s condition.
Are some chiropractors different than others?
Yes. Some chiropractors go on to additional training. In fact, Dr. Kovacs has successfully completed a rigorous 2-year fellowship in Primary Spine Care (PSC). The Fellowship is Certified in Joint Providership from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine, Office of Continuing Medical Education, Cleveland University Kansas City, College of Chiropractic, and the Academy of Chiropractic. It is the first joint providership program between medical and chiropractic academia.
The Fellowship Program is a 2-year intensive program on the spine and equips doctors with advanced clinical tools to diagnose, manage, and create treatment plans for patients with spinal-related conditions.
According to literature, over 30% of the population is affected by back pain, with a lifetime prevalence of 50%-80%. The lack of musculoskeletal understanding in primary care medicine and deficiency in training in spinal biomechanics has raised the question of which healthcare profession is best suited to manage these cases. Recently published clinical guidelines from the American College of Physicians have recommended non-pharmacologic treatment as the first-line approach to treating back pain.
The PSC provider is trained in diagnosing and managing all spinal-related conditions, with a focus on mechanical spine pain. They are also trained in basic and advanced imaging, electrodiagnostic interpretation, vascular diagnosis related to stroke, central motor and sensory lesion diagnosis, and other co-morbidity analysis related to musculoskeletal conditions. While they do not typically treat fractures, tumors or infection, they are trained in diagnosing those comorbidities and collaborate with specialists as needed for proper management of these conditions. According to Dr. Kovacs, “This Fellowship bridges the gap between chiropractic and medicine and allows for better collaboration between the professions offering their patients with spinal pain more options to realize better results.”
