Published: 2009-09-12 16:30:07
Author: Dorene Weinstein | Argus Leader | August 17, 2009
Chiropractors are known for treating back and neck pain by manipulating the spine through adjustments. However, some practitioners also advertise that frequent and regular visits can help with ailments such as sinus problems, acid reflux, hypertension, even fertility.
But some physicians and consumers take exception to the claims. Even those in the profession disagree.
Claiming to cure ailments is not part of their repertoire, says Jennifer Foss, chiropractor and owner of Westside Chiropractic Center in Sioux Falls."The nervous system controls every function in your body. What we do is make sure there's no nerve interference. A lot of times, we can help with things that aren't musculoskeletal. We're known for treating back pain and headaches, yet we seem to be able to help with these other things because of the nervous system link," says Foss, president of the Sioux Empire Chiropractic Society.
Chiropractors treat musculoskeletal injuries and can help with chronic and acute pain associated with the back, neck and head, says Travis Steever, co-owner and chiropractor at Dakota Chiropractic and Wellness Center.
They also help with pain from sports-related injuries. But their key philosophy is that "we take a non-surgical, drugless approach to healthcare," Steever says.
Keith Schmidt, 56, of Sioux Falls has had relief from chronic back pain through regular visits to a chiropractor. Injured in a work-related accident in 1972, he's had six back operations, yet he credits chiropractics with keeping him nimble.
Sometimes fixing one problem helps with others, even if there's no clear understanding of how that works, chiropractors say. While more research is indicated, studying chiropractic outcomes doesn't have the backing of big drug companies that fund medical research, Foss says.
While people might think they must come in for regular visits even after the initial discomfort is treated chiropractors say that isn't so.
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