DR. MARK KESTNER, Post Columnist
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 7:12 am

Unlike magicians, chiropractors haven’t taken an oath to never reveal their secrets.

In fact, chiropractors actively encourage patients to learn more about how their spine functions so they can prevent future problems.

Chiropractors are spinal specialists. Training differs from that of medical spine specialists, such as spine surgeons, but is quite extensive and thorough. Chiropractors are licensed as Chiropractic Physicians by the state of Tennessee. The degree Doctor of Chiropractic is earned after four years of undergraduate college followed by four years of intensive graduate study at an accredited chiropractic college.

The graduate studies are similar to that of medical and osteopathic colleges during the first two years, composed of basic sciences such as human anatomy (including human dissection), biochemistry, pathology, microbiology and similar topics.

The final two years include what are known as clinical sciences. These are courses in physical examination, differential diagnosis, lab testing, radiology (interpreting X-rays and MRI’s) and non-surgical treatment. Medical doctors typically complete a hospital internship and continue their training into various specialties such as internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics or surgery. Most chiropractors enter private practice as primary care providers after completing graduate school and passing national and state board examinations.

Chiropractors focus on drug-free solutions to help restore health to their patients. Therefore, less time is spent on developing an exhaustive knowledge of pharmaceutical products than in medical training. Surgery skills are not taught since this will not be a part of chiropractic practice.

Instead, chiropractors spend a much greater amount of time studying proper function of the nervous system, spinal joints and extremities such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and feet. Chiropractors are taught to evaluate complaints from a functional view, to determine how the body is not working properly, why it isn’t working, and what can be done non-surgically and without drugs to restore the normal function.

Because spinal evaluation is such an important part of chiropractic training, many patients with spinal problems consult a chiropractor. During the course of my 21-year career including more than 100,000 patient visits, I have seen a lot of spines. I have seen spines that range from perfectly formed to pitifully wretched. I have examined the spines of infants and the elderly. I have treated Olympic, professional, collegiate, high school and adolescent athletes as well as profoundly sedentary, self-avowed couch potatoes. One thing that every patient has in common is that the function of their spine plays a significant role in their health.

When it comes to spinal health, the three most important words are function, function and function. That is the first secret revelation: Keeping your spine flexible and movable is the most important step in avoiding spinal problems.

Your spine is composed of 24 separate bones called vertebrae. Each of these bones is uniquely formed to perform a specific role in the support of your body. The beautiful thing about the spine is that it provides strong support for your frame at the same time that it allows extraordinary flexibility.

At least, that is what is supposed to happen. As we age, we naturally lose some of the strength that is essential to exceptional spinal health. In some cases, though, our lack of activity hastens this loss. That is the second secret: Exercises that strengthen your body help protect your spine.

One of the most common reasons patients end up in my office for spinal care is the result of injuries. In many cases, the patient will tell me they “knew better” than to try to do whatever it was they were doing.

So the third secret is: Think before you act. If a little voice is telling you that you are too tired, or that you need assistance or that you shouldn’t even attempt doing something, listen to that voice.

If you already have spinal problems, don’t ignore them. That is the fourth secret:

Masking painful symptoms with drugs does not help restore a healthy spine. Repeatedly, government research studies have shown the best care for spinal problems involves manipulation, rehabilitation and functional restoration.

Next week: What to do if you suspect you have a “wrong diagnosis”.

Dr. Mark Kestner
mkestner@DrKestner.com