Philosophy
Philosophy Statement
Chiropractic is a philosophy, science and art. The philosophy of chiropractic is built upon the constructs of vitalism, holism, conservatism, naturalism and rationalism. It provides context for the application of science and art.
Health is a state of optimal physical, emotional and social well-being. Central to the philosophy of chiropractic is the principle that life is intelligent. This innate intelligence strives to maintain a state of health through adaptation mechanisms. The nervous system is recognized as an avenue for these self-regulating processes. Interference with neurological function can impede these mechanisms, disrupt homeostatic balance and adversely impact health. Chiropractic believes that subluxation of the spinal column and other articulations can affect nervous system function and the expression of health, which may result in symptoms, infirmity and disease.
The understanding of the subluxation complex continues to progress from D.D. Palmer’s early writings about misalignment of vertebrae and other articulating structures to include additional anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, chemical and biopsychosocial factors.
Viking Chiropractic Paradigm
Chiropractic focuses on neurological and musculoskeletal integrity, and aims to favorably impact health and well-being, relieve pain and infirmity, enhance performance, and improve quality of life without drugs or surgery.
Viking Chiropractic is a primary care provider for the prevention, diagnosis and conservative management of spine-related disorders and associated extra spinal conditions. Serving the patient’s best interest in a professional and ethical manner, Viking Chiropractic employs experience and the best available evidence to make clinical decisions, deliver care and manage identified health concerns and conditions. In addition, we comply with the laws and regulations governing chiropractic practice in the applicable jurisdiction, including documentation, coding and billing practices.
The practice of chiropractic includes clinically necessary:
- Assessments of a patient’s health status, needs, concerns and conditions by obtaining a case-appropriate history and physical examination, and by acquiring necessary imaging, laboratory or diagnostic studies;
- Consideration of spinal and extremity structure and function, including subluxation, and the status of contiguous muscular and neural systems by means of physical evaluation, imaging and/or special test procedures;
- Patient-centered management consistent with the obtained history, clinical information and diagnoses;
- Care coordination accomplished through goal-oriented management plans that include treatment recommendations intended to favorably influence outcomes, prognosis, risks, behaviors and lifestyle;
- Administration of manual therapeutic procedures – such as chiropractic adjustment, manipulation, mobilization or soft tissue techniques – as indicated by the history and clinical examination;
- Use of complementary measures, such as passive modalities, active exercise and rehabilitation, nutritional counseling and supplementation, bracing, strapping and orthoses, and other procedures allowed under respective chiropractic practice acts; and
- Promotion of health, wellness and disease prevention by evaluating relevant indicators and risk factors, and by providing care directed at mitigating health risks and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
