University of CalgaryUniversity of Calgary

Students Interested in Students Interested in Medical Sciences (SIMS)Medical Sciences (SIMS)

What is Chiropractic and why I love what I do…

Presented by Alim Kara, Bsc. DC

Who is Alim Kara?Who is Alim Kara?• Born and raised in Vancouver, BC

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Victoria

• Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC)

• Moved to Calgary in Aug 2010– Balanced Health & Sports Therapy (Mon - Sat)– UofC Wellness Centre (Tues & Thurs)

Why do I love my job?Why do I love my job?

• Helping people

• Such a positive experience

• Specific challenges with every patient

• Good lifestyle

What is Chiropractic?What is Chiropractic?• Health care providers under RHPA

• Primary Contact

• Drug-free, non-invasive, hands-on option of healthcare

• 4.5 million Canadians (10-15%) access chiropractic care

• 3rd most utilized primary care practitioner

Practicing ChiropracticPracticing Chiropractic

• Focus on the neuromusculoskeletal system

• Diagnosis and a treatment of disorders related to the spine, nervous system, muscles and joints– DDx of non-mechanical pathology

• Full body, patient-centred, holistic approach– Treating pain with focus on identifying

cause– Preventative approaches

ConditionsConditions• Back Pain

• Neck pain

• Headaches

• Repetitive strain injuries (i.e. carpal tunnel)

• Whiplash

• Sprains and strains

• Palliative

TreatmentTreatment• Treatment is done by adjusting/manipulating

the spinal column or other joints • May use mobilization, modalities and soft

tissue treatment

• Rehabilitation (i.e. Exercise program design & prescription)

• Nutrition and lifestyle advice

• Options like: Graduate studies, Acupuncture, etc.

Chiropractic AdjustmentChiropractic Adjustment

• A precise procedure– Prescription– Location– Force

• Applied using the hands

• Improves joint mobility

• Reduces pain

Typical VisitTypical Visit• Initial Assessment

– Thorough history and physical exam

• Advanced diagnostic testing– X-Ray, refer for MRI, CT, US,

Blood work, etc.

• Diagnosis

• Treatment

• Referral if necessary

EducationEducation• 3-4 year program

• Approx 4500 hours

• Courses in:– Anatomy– Biomechanics– Pathology– Biochemistry– Radiology– Psychology– Chiropractic and Clinical Sciences

• Clinical Placement

Chiropractic’s Place in Chiropractic’s Place in HealthcareHealthcare

• Management of mechanical neuromusculoskeletal conditions

• Collaboration of care for patients with neuromusculoskeletal complications from non-mechanical conditions

• Decrease in cost/wait times under public health sector

Evidence-Based Clinical Evidence-Based Clinical PracticePractice

• Safe

• Effective

• High patient satisfaction

• Cost-effective

Thank YouThank You

Questions?