Frequently Asked Questions, Dr Larry Smith, Chiropractor

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Dr. Larry's Chiropractic FAQ Page

Dr. Larry Smith (D.C., B.P.E.)

1. What is Chiropractic ?
2. What does a Chiropractor do ?
3. What education do Chiropractors have ?
4. Is Chiropractic safe ?
5. How long will I have to keep going ?
6. What type of conditions do Chiroprators treat ?
7. Do I need to get X-rays ?
8. Why won't my Physician refer me to a Chiroprator ?

What is Chiropractic ?

Chiropractic is the art, science and philosophy that concerns itself with the relationship between the nervous system and the health of the body.

Chiropractors use carefully controlled and directed pressure to restore spinal bones to their normal motion and position. This procedure is known as a chiropractic adjustment.

What Does a Chiropractor Do ?

A doctor of chiropractic locates and removes small misalignments in the spinal column which is known as a vertebral subluxation complex (VSC). VSC is also known as spinal nerve stress and when present it obstructs the flow of nerve impulses throughout the body.

What education do Chiropractors have ?

Chiropractors must currently have a minimum of seven years post secondary education. (Three years in an undergraduate program and four years at an accredited chiropractic college). Almost all first year Chiropractic students have a bachelor's degree, several have master's degrees and a few have PhD's.

Is Chiropractic safe ?

Numerous studies including several double-blind clinically randomized trials have demonstrated that Chiropractic is not only safe, but produces superior results and is extremely cost effective. The most notable studies are the 1979 New Zealand Chiropractic Report, the three year study in the 1990 British medical journal and the Province of Ontario's government funded (1993) Manga Report.

How long will I have to keep going ?

Once patients experience the value of Chiropractic, many choose to continue. However, how long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic care is always up to you.

What type of conditions do Chiroprators treat ?

Chiropractors treat a wide variety of conditions including but not limited to:

shoulder and arm pain

herniated discs

thoracic outlet

referred pain syndromes

Do I need to get X-rays ?

The beauty of Chiropractic lies in its simplicity. Although all Chiropractors are trained in taking and interpreting X-rays, they are also trained in specialized examination and treatment procedures. In many cases, traditional medical procedures cannot accurately diagnose common back pain. This is strongly supported by Dr. Frank Jobe, M.D., and Dr. Robert Kerlan in their 1999 book titled "Athletic Forever". They state that 'despite the advent of high tech imaging equipment, the most essential tools to diagnosing back pain remain the taking of a thorough medical history and a hands on examination...'In many cases, the supposed abnormalities detected by such things as X-rays and MRI's (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are unrelated to any back pain a patient may report.

Why won't my Physician refer me to a Chiropractor?

First, it should be understood that Chiropractors are primary care practitioners. In the Province of British Columbia, patients still enjoy the right to choose the type of health care they wish to receive and do not need a medical referral to consult a Chiropractor.

Regarding the frequency with which M.D.'s do or do not suggest Chiropractic treatment for their patients who would benefit from same, I can only give you my opinion as a former athlete and current health professional. I was treated by Dr. Jobe and Dr. Kerlan in their prestigious LA clinic back in 1979. The clinic has steadily amassed a roster of star teams and star players such as Wayne Gretzky, Orel Hershiser, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson. After making fun of my Canadian accent, Dr. Kerlan stated that they worked extensively with Chiropractors, Physical Therapists and were inclined to exhaust all conservative measures before undertaking expensive diagnostic imaging or surgical procedures.

It is difficult to refute this type of endorsement.

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Contact the office:
Dr. Larry Smith D.C., B.P.E.
Chiropractor

P.O. Box 307
255 Island Highway
Parksville, British Columbia
Canada V9P 2G5

Phone: (250) 248-6333
Fax: (250) 248-6390
e-mail: info@drlarrysmith.com

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