Alternative content

 CHIROPRACTORS

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF CHIROPRACTORS
Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in problems of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and their impacts of overall health.  The term chiropractic is formed by the Greek words “Cheir,” meaning hand, and “Praxis,” meaning practice.  Because of this chiropractic means “done by hand.”

Chiropractors, or Doctors of Chiropractic, utilize a hands-on methodology to healing and wellness that involves patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.  Chiropractors utilize their substantial diagnostic skills to determine and treat patients, and may recommend specific physical exercises as well as nutritional and lifestyle suggestions.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS CHIROPRACTIC MAY BE HELPFUL FOR
In the U.S., chiropractic is the largest alternative medical profession. At any given time 6 to 12% of individuals in the United States are under the care of a chiropractor.  Chiropractors commonly treat:
- Low Back Pain
- Whiplash
- Neck Pain
- Headaches
- Torticollis
- Sciatica
- Sprains/Strains
- Shoulder and Arm Pain
- Herniated Discs
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Referred Pain Syndromes 

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF CHIROPRACTIC
The origins of chiropractic medicine may be traced to the first written records.  Ancient Chinese writings in 2700 B.C. and Greek writings in 1500 B.C. reflect the use of spinal manipulation and the moving of the legs to reduce lower back pain.  Hippocrates (460 – 357 B.C.) wrote of the necessity of chiropractic teaching, saying “Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.”

The late 1800s saw the rise of spinal manipulation in the United States.  A man named Daniel David Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment in Davenport, IA in 1895. D.D. Palmer was a schoolteacher, a farmer, and a “Magnetic Healer” for several years prior to his founding of chiropractic.

Palmer's first spinal adjustment was a spectacular success; it immediately cured janitor Harvey Lillard of deafness. Palmer believed that the hearing loss suffered by Lillard resulted from a blockage of the spinal nerves that regulated the inner ear.  He theorized the blockage was caused by an irritation of the spinal nerves exacerbated by a misaligned vertebra. When Palmer pushed the vertebrae back into place from their earlier state of misalignment, the nerve pathways were reestablished and Lillard was able to hear again.

Although not formally trained as a doctor, Palmer was well-read in medical journals of his time and had keen interest in the root causes of disease and great knowledge of the developments that were occurring throughout the world regarding anatomy and physiology. In 1897, Palmer opened the Palmer School of Chiropractic, which has continued to be one of the most prominent chiropractic colleges in the nation. 

Throughout the 20th century, chiropractors gained legal recognition in all 50 states and all over the world.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic care is based on natural and conservative methods of health care. Chiropractors have a strong belief in the body’s innate capability to heal itself without the utilization of medicines or surgery.  They emphasize strong attention to the biomechanics, structure, and function of the spine, the spine’s effects on the body’s systems, and the necessity of the proper functioning of these systems for optimal health.  A chiropractor not only treats and prevents disease but facilitates overall health and wellness.

Chiropractors generally choose to use just chiropractic adjustment- stating that misalignments of the spine, or subluxations, are the main cause of all disease, or can use a combination of techniques along with spinal adjustments such as exercise, stretching, physical therapy, muscle therapy, massage, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, and/or other treatments. 

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION WITH A CHIROPRACTOR IS LIKE 
The first visit to a chiropractor may take anywhere between thirty to sixty minutes. You may be asked to fill out a complete health history and bring a copy of any X-rays or radiology reports.  Future visits typically last fifteen minutes or less, though the time required will depend upon the type of treatment required. 

Patients are generally treated fully clothed.  It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The chiropractor will assess the patient, make a diagnosis, recommend a course of treatment, and will begin treatment.

The most common treatment used by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, also called “spinal adjustment” or “chiropractic adjustment.”  Spinal manipulation is a passive manual technique which involves a three joint complex manipulated past the normal range of motion, but not so far as to harm or dislocate the joint.  It is done using a dynamic thrust, a rapid force that causes a release which can often be heard.  This process is used to improve the joint’s range of motion.  Several schools of chiropractic adjustment techniques exist, although many chiropractors utilize a variety of techniques from the various schools.

Many chiropractors also advise clients on such health-related topics as exercise for wellness and weight control, therapeutic exercise, ergonomic/postural advice, self-care strategies, activities of daily living, changing unhealthy habits, nutritional recommendations, stress reduction, cryotherapy (cold pack therapy), trigger point therapy, wellness and preventative screening advice, etc. Should the chiropractor diagnose an issue which is more appropriately addressed by another type of health care professional, he or she will refer the patient to this another practitioner.

Who does it?
CHIROPRACTIC PRACTITIONERS
Doctors of chiropractic must complete four to five years at an accredited chiropractic college. The curriculum is comprised of a minimum of 4,200 hours of education, laboratory, and clinical work.  Over 550 of these hours address adjustment methodologies and spinal analysis.  The basis chiropractic curriculum provides an education in both basic and clinical sciences as well as connected health topics.  Thus, a doctor of chiropractic has a substantial knowledge of the structure and function of the human body, both in states of health and disease.

Doctors of chiropractic must also successfully complete the national board exam as well as any exams required by the state in which he or she intends to practice.  Additional state licensing requirements must also be met to become a doctor of chiropractic.