Chiropractic care & natural therapies by the sea

What does a Doctor of Chiropractic do?

Most doctors use a standard procedure of examination to diagnose a patient’s condition. Dr. Christin Hayes uses time honored methods of consultation, case history, physical examination, and when indicated, X-rays or other modern imaging tests or laboratory analysis to arrive at a diagnosis. In addition, she provides a careful chiropractic structural examination, with special emphasis on the spine, extremities, nervous and musculoskeletal system.

The examination of your spine and muscle system to evaluate structure and function is what makes the chiropractic approach different from that of other health care practitioners.

Accidents, falls, uneven stress, tension, over-exertion or other factors may not allow the spine to move properly within its normal range of motion. This can result in minor displacements or derangements of one or more of these vertebrae, causing irritation to spinal nerve roots directly by pressure or indirectly through reflexes. These irritations, in turn, may cause malfunctions and pain in your body.

Facts you should know about chiropractic

• Chiropractic was established in 1895.
• Chiropractic is the second largest of the three primary health care professions in the United States and growing each year.
• All 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have statutes recognizing and regulating the practice of chiropractic as an independent health service.
• Chiropractic health care is provided for in such federal programs as Medicare, the Government Employees Hospital Association Benefit Plan, the Mail Handlers Benefit Plan, and the Postmaster Benefit Plan.
• Chiropractic benefits are provided for in health insurance policies of virtually every major insurance carrier, State Workers’ Compensation Program, and the Federal Employee’s Compensation Act (FECA). A substantial number of major international, national, and local labor unions provide chiropractic services in their health and welfare plans, as do many major industrial employers. A high percentage of managed care organizations in the United States, estimated at 57%, cover chiropractic services. The various managed care plans have a wide range of coverage benefits depending on the employer, insurance company, union contract or particular health care benefit plan.
• All Federal agencies accept sick-leave certificates signed by doctors of chiropractic, and fees paid to doctors of chiropractic are allowable deductions as expenses for “medical care” for Federal Income purposes.
• The typical doctor of chiropractic’s training includes an eight-year program of undergraduate and professional college study and clinical internship prior to entering private practice. The areas of science studied are those pertinent to the health care of human beings, including diagnosis, anatomy, bacteriology, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, pediatrics, geriatrics, spinal manipulation, x-ray, nutrition, physical therapeutics, and many other appropriate subjects.
• The professional accrediting agency for chiropractic colleges is the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The Accrediting Commission of the CCE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It is included in the Department’s list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations.
• The chiropractic profession adheres to a standard of ethics. Members of national professional associations, as well as state associations, are provided with a code of ethics. The public should expect and demand high professional standards.

To find out more information about chiropractic, we suggest the following website about Chiropractic Information.

Most common questions about chiropractic

Can nutritional supplements help?

There can be no reasonable doubt that nutrition plays a vital role in the maintenance of a positive state of health and the prevention and treatment of disease. When proper diet and nutrients are supplied to the tissues of the body, they exert powerful influences on body metabolism.

Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and similar products are considered essential by leading authorities. Many consider vitamins and minerals, when taken properly, to be vital ingredients to maintain a healthy body. Nutritional supplements help the body increase resistance to fight infection, promote healing, improve joint motion, support nerve function and improve many other vital body processes. It is important that you obtain current information concerning herbs, vitamins and minerals and be aware of the value and risks associated with supplements when you add them to your diet.

Dr. Christin Hayes has had considerable training in nutrition, she received her Bachelors Degree in Nutrition, and can help you avoid any toxic effects or adverse interactions of improper consumption of nutritional substances.

If you have any questions about your nutritional needs, consult with Dr. Chris for more specific information and advice.

Proper nutrition and the intake of vitamins should be reviewed with your doctor.