In 1991, Dr. Belanger earned a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician
degree from Logan College of Chiropractic. This course of study focused on exercise physiology as well as the evaluation and
treatment of sports related injuries. This training has given valuable insight with treating shoulders, elbows, hands and
wrists, as well as knees and ankles.
Chiropractic
frequently asked questions:
What does a chiropractic physician do?
A chiropractic physician is a neuromusculoskeletal specialist, focusing on the diagnosis and
treatment of patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches, among other problems. Chiropractic physicians do not use medications
or surgery as treatments, but rather utilize natural, hands-on methods along with exercise and lifestyle modification. Although
most cases can be diagnosed through discussion of the problem and physical examination, chiropractic physicians utilize blood
tests, MRI, CAT scans, X rays, and other diagnostic tests when necessary. The chiropractor in cooperation with medical physicians
and other practitioners strive to provide high quality, well-rounded care to each patient.
What are the educational requirements to become a chiropractic
physician?
Most students are
required to have a pre-requisites at the college level before applying to Chiropractic school, with credits in basic
science and math. Chiropractic college itself is then 4 additional years of post-graduate, full-time, intensive schooling,
including one year of internship, with a foundation in basic sciences, not unlike that of medical school. After graduation,
there are several state and national board examinations to pass before attaining licensure.
Do I have to have my back "cracked"?
Not necessarily. Manipulation is a technique
used to correct joint dysfunction, which is a condition in which there is loss of normal movement of a joint - a common cause
of spinal pain and dysfunction. If you do not have joint dysfunction then there is no need for manipulation. Even if you do
have joint dysfunction, if you'd prefer, there are "non-cracking" techniques that can be used to correct it, which
are often equally effective.
What is the cracking noise that often
occurs with manipulation?
Often when
a joint is manipulated, it makes a "popping" sound. There is fluid inside all joints, and within this fluid there
are bubbles. When the manipulation is performed, the bubbles pop, producing an audible sound. Although this is not necessary
for manipulation to be effective, it is simply the sound of the joint suddenly moving or releasing from its restricted state.
Will manipulation hurt?
Most of the time, manipulation is very comfortable.
Slight to moderate discomfort has been reported in about 1/3 of patients, with 10% reporting more noticeable discomfort. In
the majority of cases, any discomfort that does occur is gone within 24 hours.
How long does chiropractic care take to work?
This is a very commonly asked question, and unfortunately, there is no
one simple answer to this because the amount of time needed for recovery is variable, not only for each different condition,
but also for each individual patient. Generally speaking, conditions that have been present for a longer period of time will
logically require a somewhat longer recovery time, although there are always exceptions. Our approach is such that the immediate
goals are to help you get relief from pain and disability as quickly as possible, while at the same time, addressing the underlying
dysfunctions that caused the pain and teaching you strategies to manage and reduce any future episodes that may occur. In
this way we attempt to help you expeditiously reduce pain and return to normal function.
What can I expect during the first visit?
The primary purpose of the first visit is for the chiropractic physician to get to know you and your
condition. He or she will ask you for certain details about the history of the problem and will perform a comprehensive examination
for the purpose of establishing a diagnosis. Blood tests, MRI, CT Scan or X rays may be ordered, although most often these
are not necessary. Then, the chiropractic physician will discuss with you his or her findings and your diagnosis and, if your
case is accepted, will discuss the recommended treatment(s).
Treatment may or may not be rendered on the first
visit, but the full scope of the diagnosis and recommended treatment will be discussed prior to any treatment being given.
Can children be treated by a chiropractic physician?
While spinal
and other musculoskeletal disorders are less common in children than adults, certainly they are not rare. There is no reason
why children cannot be seen at Coltsville Family Chiropractic. If manipulation is required, the techniques used will be modified
for the size of the child.
Is chiropractic care safe if I have osteoporosis?
Absolutely YES. The doctor is aware of patients who have osteoporosis thru the history
on your intial visit. Patients with this condition receive modified treatment techniques as to not aggravate this condition.
