Frequently Asked Questions in Amsterdam NH

Yes. Research studies have proven the safety of chiropractic adjustments, but only when done by a licensed, board-certified Doctor of Chiropractic. The methods used by Doctors of Chiropractic have been researched and developed for over 100 years in the United States. Major medical websites in the United States now recommend chiropractic as the first choice for neck and back pain (check our Links page for more information)

D.D. Palmer discovered chiropractic in 1895 in Davenport, Iowa.

Chiropractic need not be a long term treatment requiring numerous visits. Many problems can be fixed in just a few short visits with a careful, precise, and focused approach.

This myth is particularly popular in Holland. The opposite is true. Walking around with untreated problems in the joints is what causes faster degeneration.

Few people have an anatomical difference in their leg lengths. However, many back pain patients have been told that they have a short leg by someone. Why is this? Muscle imbalances around the pelvis commonly cause one leg to appear to be shorter. The imbalances may be a symptom, or a cause of back pain. Therapists who do not understand this generally inform the patient that they have a short leg.

Many patients have been told that they have scoliosis, when in fact they simply have a small curve in the spine, which is rather common and usually not a problem. The diagnosis of scoliosis should never be made unless the curve is 30 degrees or more.

Applied Kinesiology is an advanced method of quickly diagnosing and treating human health problems. It was developed in the 1960s in the United States. It is now used all over the world by doctors, dentists, and other professionals. Many people claim to practice AK, but very few people have any sort of certification.

No. In NL, only chiropractors who have doctoral-level diplomas may legally use the word doctor. Chiropractors who trained in EU schools often have lower level degrees. (In the U.S., only full Doctors of Chiropractic can get a license. Not so in EU).

This issue has been decided by the highest court in the Netherlands after American-trained Doctor Servando Molina was sued for using his correct title. Dutch courts studied this issue and found that US-certified Doctors of chiropractic actually have an equal or higher higher level of education and clinical training than Dutch huisarts. Doctors of chiropractic are now legally recognized in NL as specialists in musculoskeletal complaints.

The ones who sued my colleague did the chiropractic profession a big favor. All insurance companies in NL must now offer coverage for chiropractic care. Any health care professional who questions another’s credentials simply has an inferiority complex.

In the Netherlands, healthcare resources can be limited, leading to tough choices for doctors and patients. For instance, if ten patients need an MRI, only one might receive it, highlighting a need for improvement in resource allocation. Preventative care and disease screening, including simple checks like blood pressure and glucose levels, are areas with room for growth. These limitations sometimes lead to patients experiencing advanced stages of preventable diseases.

In any healthcare system, there's a mix of highly competent and less effective professionals. In the Netherlands, the limited choice of doctors can make it challenging for patients to find the right match for their needs. This situation contrasts with the U.S., where patients have more freedom to choose and change doctors, potentially leading to better diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

However, it's important to note that misdiagnosis rates in the U.S. are also significant, with about 1 in 4 patients affected. The U.S. system has its challenges, but the flexibility to seek multiple opinions can be advantageous.

Regarding health outcomes, data suggests that the Netherlands performs comparably to the U.S., despite the latter's higher healthcare costs. However, this comparison must consider the generally healthier lifestyle of Dutch residents, which contributes to lower rates of obesity, cancer, and other diseases. These lifestyle factors play a significant role in overall health outcomes and should be acknowledged alongside the healthcare system's performance."